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Reasons for Running


Top Ten Reasons For Running
  1. It helps you lose weight
  2. It gives you more energy
  3. It gives you time to think through tough issues
  4. Skinny bodies are sexy bodies ;-)
  5. You can eat almost anything you want
  6. You meet new friends
  7. You get to shop for shoes (running shoes, that is...)
  8. One wood -- 'goo'
  9. Tons of race t-shirts
  10. It beats cleaning!

Weight Loss and Running (aka "Skinny Bodies Are Sexy Bodies")
People run for many reasons, but weight loss is the key reason that most of us get out running for the first time, and for good reason. You maximize your calorie burning by heading out for a jog, and you don't have to kill yourself to get the benefits. In fact, it is actually better for you to run at a nice comfortable pace for a longer period than it is to run extremely hard for less time. One factoid that I've picked up along the way is that your 'fat burner' really kicks in after 30 minutes of exercise, so if you can structure your exercise properly, try to get out there for longer than that.

One easy way to make your runs longer is to mix in walking with your running -- we all do it. In fact, during the San Diego Marathon, I did a fair amount of walking :-) In addition to walking through all of the water stops, which is recommended for safety, I also bonked, and had to run/walk the last 7-8 miles! Keep in mind that I still finished in 4 hours and 31 minutes, which was only a few minutes off my pace for the first 18 miles.

Goals Are Good For Everyone
Once running has become a pleasant habit in your life (i.e. when the weight loss stuff is all taken care of), running's true benefits start to kick in. Most runners develop a healthy addiction to their sport. In fact, the process of setting goals really helps to keep life's other challenges in perspective. Whether your goals are simply to run three times per week or to finish your first marathon, you'll find that they help to motivate you in all aspects of your life. So, take my advice; grab a piece of paper, and jot down some goals for your next four to six weeks. If you haven't ever run before, I'd suggest something like this:
  • Run/Walk three times per week for 20-30 minutes (Tues/Thurs/Sat)
  • Stretch twice a day (morning and evening), every day
    • Runner's World is a great source for Stretching and other running advice.
  • Register for a 5K (3.1 Mile Run) 4-6 weeks from now, to give yourself a goal
    • Use the Internet to search for local races -- Ontherun.com is a great starting point.

So, Why Run a Marathon?
Gentle reader, that is a very good question, to which everyone has their own answer. My reason was because I craved the challenge. I had run before, as long as 10 miles in fact, but had serious doubts about my ability to run 26.2 miles. I was also grossly out of shape, and wanted to go at this with a purpose. In the end, I can honestly say that it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. And, it wasn't because I crossed the finish line. I remember finishing the race, and thinking to myself how incredible it was that I put in the effort and maintained the discipline to accomplish it. That was what made me feel so special. You'll have your own reasons.

If you have an inspirational running story
to share, please tell me. I'll post them from
time to time, if you give me permission:

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[Image of the creator, Dave Schappell] Copyright ?2002 by Green Parrot Productions and David Schappell.