Are You Ready To Run?

The Flying Pig Marathon really did a number on me. No, I didn’t run the 26.2 miles. I didn’t even go down to watch the event this year. I was, however, deeply inspired by several friends who participated in the half or full marathon. As a tribute to these dedicated participants I wrote an article sharing exuberant first time marathon stories and depicted that anyone, with the proper preparation, could run the Pig next May and feel elated.

And so, still inspired a few weeks later, I’ve decided to train for my own first marathon. And, I’m inviting you to join me. Before we get into the details, here are a few running benefits to entice you to consider making a similar commitment.

Benefits of Running

1. Running Makes You Feel Good. Ask any long time runner and they often refer to the “runner’s high” they feel during and after their exercise of choice. Runners will tell you that they have a significantly clearer mind, as well as a significant reduction in stress, through running.
2. Running Allows for Good Heart Health & Great Fitness. Running, or any cardiovascular exercise for that matter, keeps your heart healthy by reducing plaque buildup in the arteries. As you become increasingly fit, the quantity of blood that your heart pump with each beat goes up substantially, while reducing the number of times your heart needs to pump per minute. Having a stronger, more efficient heart allows for better nutrient and oxygen delivery to all of the cells of your body, giving you significantly more energy and better health.
3. Running Leads to Weight Loss. Running speeds up metabolism and allows you to burn significant calories. In addition, many runners report that their appetite dwindles for a period of time post exercise. And although resistance training and quality nutrition are critical for optimal health and body weight, the functional caloric requirement of consistent running is substantial.
4. Running Enhances Self Esteem. Along with the benefits of feeling and looking good, runners often report higher levels of confidence and self esteem. Those who set goals for achieving a 5K or 10K, half or full marathon get a tremendous feeling of achievement as they cross the finish line. The synergistic accumulation of all the benefits of running allow for a sense of considerable self-satisfaction.
5. Running Gives You a Sense of Connection. Whether you have a running partner, use a group training program, or just enjoy saying hello to your neighbors as you run past, the nature of running is one of human connection. All you have to do is attend a running event to watch the support of fellow runners and onlookers to get a real sense of how running to allow you to feel a part of the community.

If you’ve ever wanted to train for a 5K, 10K, half or full marathon, the opportunity is here. Contrary to what you may believe at this moment, it’s not as insurmountable as you think. With the proper guidance and small weekly progressions, you can achieve any distance up to a full 26.2 miles. Our group begins on May 20th – for more information on joining these first time runners, visit www.briancalkins.com/running.htm.