I still remember my first day taking on the new challenge of running. As an 8th grader trying to find a sport for high school, I was convinced to join the track team. My first run was a hard five miles, and throughout that season, I pushed myself to the limit in every workout and ran my easy runs too hard. I was tired all the time, but I loved competing.
I share this story because it reflects how most people are introduced to running. Many dive right in and push themselves too hard from the start. My hope is to encourage you to give running a shot and find ways to enjoy it.
Three Reasons to Start Running
1. It's Good for Your Heart
If you're reading this, you probably have the gym routine down. You're comfortable with strength training and might have a decent grasp on nutrition. To take your fitness to the next level, you should start training your heart. Few activities are as effective as running for strengthening the heart muscle. This will significantly reduce your risk of heart disease and complement your strength training.
2. It Improves Your Quality of Life
Running improves metabolic health and increases mitochondrial density. It trains your body to utilize glucose in the bloodstream, reducing the risk of type II diabetes, a debilitating disease that leads to numerous complications. Additionally, running boosts the number of mitochondria in your muscle cells. These mitochondria produce the energy needed for movement, helping you maintain an active lifestyle as you age.
3. It's Fun (Especially When You're Fit)
While running might not always be fun, once you invest the time and effort, you'll have days that feel amazing. You'll experience the runner's high and the satisfaction of a fast, enjoyable run. If you don't put in the time, you won't get to experience this rewarding aspect of running.
Starting Your Running Journey
When you first start running, it may not be enjoyable. However, like anything in life, you will only get back what you put in. Running offers a great return on investment in terms of health and well-being. So, lace up your shoes, hit the pavement, and discover the joy of running.
Here's how you can do run training with Trey: https://www.finalsurge.com/coach/trey-fisher
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