Why running is more than just for your health

I’ve been running for over 15 years now.  I could say I’ve been running 20 years now, but I didn’t really get serious about it until I got to college.  In middle school + high school, running was more about being part of a sports team and it wasn’t necessarily something that I loved.Like most people, the reason I got into running in the first place was for my health.  I started getting serious about running my freshman year of college (way back in 2003) as a way to keep off the dreaded “Freshman Fifteen”.  I’m happy to say that not only did I successfully do that, I also fell deeply in love (or should I say OBSESSED) with running during my 4 years of college.However, now that I’m in my mid-30s (oh, it PAINS me to say that), I’ve learned that running has more than just to do with my health - or even a way for me to be competitive.  And I’m talking more beyond just my physical AND mental health. As someone who’s dealt with depression quite seriously the last few years, I’ve NEEDED running for my mental health.But, I’m talking more than just physical + mental health… and this might come as a shocker to you.Running - or just exercise in general - is a way to gain more ENERGY.Crazy, right?!You’d think that exercise would give you LESS energy, but, in reality, exercise does the exact OPPOSITE.  It actually gives you MORE energy throughout the day.So, why is this important, you ask?  Obviously, especially those of us mamas, know that we are always craving energy.  But, did you know that more energy equals…

  • More productivity
  • A happier outlook on life
  • More mental alertness
  • Better memory
  • An increased attention span

I don’t know about you, but those are ALL things that I could use in my life every single day!“But, Coach… I don’t LIKE to run.  And I don’t have TIME to fit in exercise.  I’m already super busy, and exercise is just something I can’t fit into my day.”I’m calling you out, because do you know how STUPID that sounds, especially after I told you the benefits of having more energy?!Look, you do NOT have to be a runner.  You don’t even have to dedicate 60 minutes a day to exercise.  You don’t even need a gym membership (I don’t have one). All I am suggesting is that you START.Here are 3 simple ways to fit exercise - whether it’s running, walking, biking, weight lifting, etc. - into your day:

  1. Wake up 15 minutes earlier.  You do not have to dedicate a full hour to exercise.  In fact, if you are just getting started, I suggest NOT doing a full hour.  What better way than to burn yourself out than going from sitting on the couch to exercising 60 minutes a day.  That would leave ME sore. Start by waking up 15 minutes earlier TOMORROW and going for a quick 10-15 minute walk or run.  Do this 3-4 times this week and see how you feel. Then, maybe add another 5-10 minutes on to that (of course, don’t sacrifice your sleep for this - you still need 7-8 hours per night).  Start simple.
  2. Go for a brisk 10 minute walk EVERY HOUR.  I know that I don’t currently have a desk job, but I have worked in an office several times in my life - and do spend at least an hour a day sitting behind a computer on my plan time.  Want to be more productive? Set a timer for 50 minutes. When the timer goes off, go for a walk around the building for 10 minutes. Work an 8 hour day? You just got in 80 minutes of exercise!  Plus, I bet you’ll get more done in your day too… TRY IT. You might be surprised!
  3. Split your workout in half.  This is a really good one for people who have been exercising for sometime and need to do a little more to see results.  I do two-a-days. Sometimes that means running twice in one day. But, most of the time, it means getting my run done in the morning and then doing a quick 15-20 minute HIIT workout in the afternoon.  It’s the PERFECT pick-me-up in the afternoon too, when I’m either just sitting down to get work done or I’m getting ready to head home from work for the day. Plus, it saves me TIME in the morning when I already wake up early as it is!

Exercise is NOT just for your health.  Yes, you NEED to exercise for that reason, but it’s also going to give you energy, help you be more productive, and, guess what, you might be surprised when you start EATING BETTER as well!

How do you fit exercise into your day?  What do you notice you have gained - outside of your health - from exercising regularly?

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