Running is for Everyone 17 November 2009
Hello fellow runners! Just want to welcome everyone to my little corner here on the RunRio website called K’s Corner. In case you’re interested to know more about me, just check out my brief profile on my blog entry entitles “About K.” I’m here to provide all you avid runners with some useful tidbits about the sport we all love – running! Allow me to start with some thoughts I have on the sport.
We all know that we are currently experiencing a running boom. It first surfaced in the 70’s but now, it seems to be coming back with a vengeance. This may be due, in part, to the many physiological benefits we get from sweating it out on the road or on the treadmill. But not only is it good for the heart and lungs, but it’s also easy on the budget since all you really need is a good pair of running shoes and a comfortable running outfit and off you go! Plus, anyone can run since it’s an innate human ability. Lastly, more and more people, especially in our generation, are realizing the value of regular exercise and see running as a means to achieve a work-life balance.
Now that we know why people get into running, have you ever wondered why we decide to keep up the sport? It’s probably because it provides a tight-knit social circle, stress relief, personal growth, better quality of life, and other emotional and psychological benefits on top of its positive effects on our health and well-being.
I’m sure you’ve heard it several times that running is now the new badminton. But what sets it apart from other sports is that it’s a workout for the whole body and requires minimum time, instruction, equipment, and planning. It’s something you can enjoy whether you’re alone or in a group. But just like any exercise program, a beginner should bear in mind that it is important to have a health check before starting to run. But apart from that, as long as you have a sound body, mind, and heart, you can get into running.
Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran runner, before you even start training for a race, you should set realistic goals and work towards it. It is the first step to your path of fulfillment as a runner. It enriches any endeavor. By having goals, you become more keenly aware of what you have accomplished and what you still wish to attain. While running everyday removes the pressures of training and competition and turns the focus more to relaxation and enjoyment, joining a race demands more from the runner in terms of time, commitment, and discipline. Now, a challenging but realistic goal is set and the focus is on achieving that goal. So whether your goal is just to finish or to achieve your personal record, give yourself enough time to prepare for it physically and mentally. This will help ensure your longevity in the sport and keep you coming back for more on your next race!
I liked reading this. I will post this on digg. I am sure you will get some thumbs up