Reasons To Run: 5 Ways To Get Started

Intimidated by lacing up your shoes? Scared about your feet hitting the pavement? You’re not alone. Running has a reputation as an intense form of exercise. However, take my advice and Ignore the what-if’s in your head and get out of your own way — there are many different reasons to run. Whether it’s for exercise or as a means to clear your head, running just might benefit everybody.

Need the inspiration to find reasons to run?

Think about Forrest Gump! He ran across the country in a quest to escape his problems, and for him at least, such a physical strategy seemed to work. Familiar with NBA legend Felipe Lopez? He claims, “Running is an efficient way to combat a lot of problems we could be facing. It’s something anyone can do.”

Every June 7 is Global Running Day. According to the organization behind this special day, “Global Running Day is a worldwide celebration of running that encourages everyone to get moving.” Indeed, there seems to be something magical about moderate-intensity, high-volume natural movement. 

Get moving

Ready to start a regular running routine? Check out these five reasons to run and their timeless health benefits:

1. Running is in our DNA

In his book “Born To Run,” author Christopher McDougall asserts that evolutionary forces helped humans come to crave frequent endurance exercise. 

Back in the day, the rewards for running were a little different than they are today — said rewards included feasting on prey animals — but the biochemical rewards of running have remained the same. It appears like the human body has a deep, innate desire to subject itself to endurance workouts. Recent research has shown that this desire is regulated, at least in part, by your body’s endocannabinoid system. 

2. Running is a full-body workout

Many people don’t realize this, but running is actually a full-body workout. It requires simultaneous leg, core, and ankle activation. This alone is one of the best reasons to run.

However, It’s important to remember though, new runners will build muscular strength and endurance over time. Patience is key. But sticking to a running routine will benefit newbie runners long-term.

Additionally, If you didn’t know, frequent runners develop high VO2 maxes (a marker of cardiovascular fitness). Besides runners, the only other type of athlete that achieves these VO2 levels are cross-country skiers. The more you run, the more your VO2 levels improve.

3. Running helps with joint health

When it comes to working out, that whole mantra: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” kinda rings true.  

In the case of running, the activity’s repetitive jumps and jolts result in radically stronger joints — a perfect example of a training concept called super compensation. Even people with osteoarthritis may benefit from running if they ease into it slowly. 

Combine running with a diet rich in bone-building vitamins and minerals (calcium and K2, especially) for even better possible results. 

4. Running is easy to get into

Some sports require specialized equipment. Want to get into bicycling? You’ll need shoes, a helmet, special clothing, and a bike. Want to get into yoga? You’ll need to get a yoga mat and pay for classes. One of the best reasons to run is the minimal investment you need to make.

All you need is shoes — and chances are pretty high that you can get started in your current tennis shoes just fine.

Additionally, unlike many other sports, proper running form intuitively occurs over time. Maybe this is even more proof that we humans were born to run after all!

5. Running is actually fun

One of the last reasons to run may actually be the most important one. Running is a perfect way to boost your body’s feel-good hormones and neurotransmitters. There’s a reason they call that post-workout afterglow ‘runner’s high.’ Chances are good you’ve heard of runner’s high…but do you know what causes it?

We’ll give you a hint: it’s not endorphins. Runner’s high is actually caused mostly by endocannabinoids. 

Unlike endorphins, endocannabinoids are small enough to pass through your blood-brain barrier — positively impact your mood. Many experts believe that endocannabinoids, not endorphins, are the real cause of runners’ highs. 

Interestingly enough, both exercise and phytocannabinoids like CBD boost endocannabinoid levels. Can combining fitness with CBD yield more significant results than either of the two things on their own? Let’s get into that next.

Can CBD help you get your run on?

Believe it or not, the answer is yes — CBD can help with running performance.

Many people who take CBD for sleep report that it uplifts their overall mood. While people who take CBD to help with their mood report that CBD helps with their sleep and stress levels. Since everything in the body is interconnected, taking CBD for stress, mood, or sleep will also help boost running performance.

How might CBD amplify the already awesome effects of exercise?

CBD works by increasing your body’s levels of glutathione, an internal antioxidant. This is enough to speed muscle recovery and assist your running routine. Taking CBD may allow you to bounce back faster from runs and enjoy the process of getting fitter, too. In fact, it might even make running more enjoyable by triggering those blissful endocannabinoids.

All in all, it’s pretty safe to say that CBD is one of the many adaptogenic substances that pairs perfectly with a running routine. Add this to your list of reasons to run!

Run Forrest, Run

Whether you’re looking to hit the road running like Forrest Gump (he ran for 3 years, 2 months, 14 days, and 16 hours after all) or you’re looking to build up a regular weekly running routine, the best way to start is by lacing up your tennis shoes and taking that first step.

Looking for one more reason to run? Just know I’ve got your back. You don’t have to do this alone. I’m rooting for you, every step of the way.