What Are The Under-Rated Benefits of Running? From a 2 Time Half Marathoner

Today I have a post from Katie of LifeOfAMissFit – who is a runner, hiking lover, and yoga enthusiast and can also be found on Instagram where you can keep up with all her runs. Today she talks about the benefits she has found from spending time running!

I’ve been running for a fair few years now, and have clocked up a couple of half marathons and over 200 miles on Runkeeper. Why do I do it? Yep, I’m one of those ‘crazy’ runners. Because there are almost endless benefits. We all know running is great cardio and how important that is for us. But let me explain just a few of the other ways running positively impacts my life.

I sleep so good

When you run, you’ll use up your energy and you get the dopamine hit, which is great. But you also make your body tired. If you’re lucky enough to have a really great run, you’ll feel exhilarated, and then shattered.. But it’s in the best way possible.

It doesn’t have to be a long, half-marathon distance to count to get your shuteye either. I’ll often do a 3k, 4k or a 5k midweek, and then sleep great that night. I like to try and get a good 5k pace, but that’s just a personal mission for me. You’ll sleep well anyway from doing the run in the first place.

I think clearer

Not only do I get the refreshing headspace to get inspired and allow myself room for bright new ideas on my run, but it makes room for better thinking, all day long too. Think about it. It makes sense. Let’s say you go about your day and don’t really move much, perhaps hit a couple thousand steps. You might not realise you’re missing out on brain potential.

Then, imagine scenario 2. You go for a run that day. Your ideas are more crips. Your thoughts are more helpful. Your soul is inspired. Your body feels lighter. You think more clearly. See the difference?

I feel more motivated

To qualify as a runner, the amount of miles doesn’t really matter. If you just start running, and then you keep doing it because you like the person you become when you run more, you’re a runner. Welcome! And when you do, you’ll do it for the right reasons; to feel great. So, when you see the miles clocking up, and the health benefits being reaped, and your brain working that bit better, you’ll undoubtedly feel so much more driven.

At least, that’s how it makes me feel. When you can push through mental blocks and walls in your run, be it 2 miles or 22 miles, you define new boundaries for yourself. You build new possibilities. And the greatest part is that it’s not always about the run itself.

Yes of course, pushing through the mental wall and your burning legs up that steep hill feels good. But imagine using that mental willpower and strength in real life. Now that’s life-changing.