I guess you can say that after National Running Day on Wednesday, I have definitely had running on my mind. So why not continue the trend by talking about some reasons to run! This week’s theme for the Friday Five Link-Up is “National Running Day” which works out pretty well. It will be hard to keep my list to 5 but I will do my best!
1. To Wear Fun Clothes, Shoes, and Accessories. I love picking out running clothes and shoes and fun compression socks. I would never have started wearing compression socks if it weren’t for running!
(By the way, you can save 42% off everything at PRO Compression this month using the discount code “JUNE”).
2. To explore a place– whether you are visiting somewhere you have never been, or just checking out a trail in your own neighborhood. I love going running when I am on vacation. I have also seen parts of Baltimore that I never would have seen if I didn’t run.
3. It’s exercise! Sometimes I forget that it is actually exercise because for me its a hobby and something I do because I like it. I would hate to have to force myself to do cardio at the gym!
4. It’s good for your mind. As I said on Wednesday, running helps me prepare for the rest of my day. It helps me work through problems and figure things out. It also challenges me and gives me confidence in other areas of my life.
5. The sunrises. Or sunsets. Or looking at whatever you like to look at during whatever time of the day you like to run…it’s an excuse to be outside and a chance to observe the scenery.
Thanks to Courtney, Cynthia, and Mar for hosting the link-up!
What are some other reasons to run?! (I know, there are just so many…)
Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
So funny you said its exercise because I forget that too! I really don’t go to the gym or do other cardio at all anymore and I think of running and yoga as activities that are part of my life. Strange to forget something obvious like that but I guess it just means we love it for many other reasons 🙂
[email protected] says
Thank goodness these things are good for us! It would kind of suck to be obsessed with something that was unhealthy:)
meredith @ Cookie ChRUNicles says
Running is so good for the mind! And I love how I feel after a run, no matter what kind of run it was, even if it was a “bad” run. Not to mention, everything just tastes so much better after that sometimes, even when the run is crummy, I remind myself how great my post run meal will taste when I finish 🙂
[email protected] says
Exactly! I can absolutely relate to everything you described.
Sue says
1. Stress Relief
2. Keeps your Heart strong
3. Helps you sleep better at night
4. Confidence Builder
5. Keeps you slim and strong
[email protected] says
All such great reasons! Thanks for sharing!
Kristina says
Hahaha I’m glad I’m not the only one who frequently forgets that running is a form of exercise. I hardly ever really think of it like that … except for speed work days 😉 When I think about how many days in the week I “worked out” I only count my strength training days!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
LOVE all of these reasons I love to explore new places when I travel–and running takes me there. And you know that I love the ridiculous outfits 😀
Angela Campos says
I love all these reasons! I have to say I love running for my mind and have enjoyed seeing many beautiful new places along the way!! 🙂
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
I love to run for all the reasons you listed! And then some…
Maddie @ Dixie Runs says
These are all awesome reasons!! I love exploring new places. It doesn’t happen as often as I’d like, but when it does I just think about how grateful I am that I can count on my feet to take me to all those new places.
Lesley says
I love that it’s a hobby now and I look forward to my workouts. Plain running wasn’t fun in high school and college so I’m quite happy to have a different, positive outlook now.
[email protected] says
Its so important that we look forward to it! Glad its fun for you now:)
Megan @ Meg Go Run says
My most favorite reasons to run are threefold:
1. Exercise!
2. Exploring new places/getting fresh air/experiencing nature (can that all be one reason?)
3. Alone time to reflect and figure shit out!
Jamie says
Love it! So true – running is really something I enjoy doing. And while it may be just exercise to some people, it is so much more to me and something I LOVE. But one of my favorite reasons to run is because it makes me feel bad ass : )
Suzy says
Great list! I like number 4 the most. But seriously, when I happen to catch a sunset or a sunrise, it takes running to a whole new level. I’m so thankful that I am able to run. I hope I never take it for granted.
[email protected] says
Seeing amazing views can definitely take a run to a whole new level.
Marcia says
Yes to all of the above! I swear its the best way of seeing a new place. Running is Maine was such a highlight for me. I’d love to go back!
Beverley @ sweaty&fit says
Definitely agree with number 2!! Whenever I travel somewhere i always make sure to leave room for my sneakers so I can run around and get lost. Its the best way to reallyyyy get to know a city
[email protected] says
Me too! Running while traveling also helps me keep in a good routine. But I definitely love to explore a new area!
Nicole@Thegirlwhoraneverywhere says
That is a great list and I agree with all five!
Morning running ROCKS. Now that I’m back to Morning running, I see a HUGE difference in my whole mentality all day long. Its amazing how much better I feel when my run is at 5am vs. 5pm!
Hilary says
Yes to all of these! Though I’ll totally admit that sometimes I run just to add another bib or medal to my collection, or to put enough miles in a pair of shoes to justify buying new ones. = )
Lauren @ ihadabiglunch says
There’s nothing better than exploring by foot! Those are the best kind of runs!
Have a great weekend 🙂
Mar @ Mar on the Run says
love, love, love exploring as a runner!
Lily @ Lily Runs the World says
I agree strongly with all five of your reasons! Exploration and what it does for your mind are the biggest for me I think, but being able to eat more delicious food is also a big one 🙂
Tara @ Running 'N' Reading says
Great list, Lisa!! I love running for the community and, also, it’s just fun for me. I’ve been doing it for so long (22 years!) that I can’t imagine NOT doing it. Hope you have a wonderful Friday and a great weekend!!
[email protected] says
I can’t imagine not doing it either! Hopefully we will both be running for many more years!
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
These are great! I love that you list clothes and accessories as one of your reasons. Happy Friday!
[email protected] says
Haha, its probably weird but Ive really come to love all the running related gear:)
Alyssa @ Renaissancerunnergirl says
Love all of these – especially when you get to run a fun race in fun clothes AND watch the sunrise while doing it!
[email protected] says
The perfect combo!!
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes says
All of these! Running has helped me get out and explore new places. When I lived in Germany, running helped me find pretty parks and it provided me with a sense of familiarity and normalcy when I was adjusting to life abroad.
I also love it for the books/blogs/magazines. I prefer non-fiction and running has a whole sub-genre of good reads.
[email protected] says
I also love reading about running! There is always something new to learn.
Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says
i’m a big fan of running to explore! even your local area – i’ve been taking different side streets during my run streak and it’s been really great.
[email protected] says
I try to not get too stuck in doing the same routes over and over…it can be fun to explore your own neighborhood!
[email protected] says
Same here. I never started wearing compression socks until I started running longer distances. I just bought some new ones recently. But 42% off is a great deal. Usually it’s only 40%.
Diane @runninrocker says
I love all these reasons especially …to explore new places and exercise of course. I also love all the cool runners, now friends, that I have met.
[email protected] says
Such great reasons!
Natalie says
Love this list! I love running because of all of the wonderful friends that I have met!
So many of my closest friends are runners!
Have a great weekend!
[email protected] says
Awesome reason!
Karen @karenlovestorun says
Great reasons! I’m a big fan of running to exlpore, running can take you great places!
Karen @karenlovestorun
[email protected] says
I definitely agree! Great reason to run:)
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
Sanity and stress relief!! I love running for those beautiful sunrises though…and the cute clothes….and the friendships!
Lindsey says
Yes to all of these! I’m pretty sure I have more cute running clothes than “normal” clothes….
[email protected] says
Me too! Id rather spend money on running stuff that regular stuff:)
Hailey says
#1. Yesterday I was on the hunt for some non-running shoes that were cute, yet comfortable, which was hard in itself and the whole entire time all I could think about was, I wish I was buying running shoes haha. At least runners are super easy to buy for, I think! And running on vacation is the best! The change of scenery can make it seem effortless because there’s so much to explore! And yeah, I’m so glad it doesn’t feel like exercise to me too, but glad it is :). I get really bored with everything else.
[email protected] says
I hate buying anything other than running shoes! Luckily in the summer I just live in flip flops which aren’t so bad.
James @ HalfMarathonJames says
It also helps burn off the calories from wine, and gets rid of hangovers… 😉
[email protected] says
Very true:) Thanks for pointing that out!
Cynthia @ You Signed Up For WHAT?! says
I love these reasons! The good for the mind one totally resonates with me. Life is busy and I feel like I need the running alone time!
[email protected] says
Me too! It seems like the only time of day I can either zone out or process things.
Tobias @ My Health Topics says
You got some great points here Lisa!.
Maybe time to run a little more when the summer arrives. 🙂
[email protected] says
I hope you can get some great runs in this summer!
Jacki says
Great post! So many good reasons to run. One of mine is all the running friends I meet and have met. You find someone who runs anywhere you go and you have a fast friend.
[email protected] says
Thats a great reason! I love talking to other runners- I feel like we automatically have so much in common!