Benefits of Running
Written by Kelsey Kata, DPT at Carolina Physical Therapy
Happy Global Running Day! What is it?
“This holiday is about inspiring each other to lead a more active lifestyle, no matter the distance covered. This celebration is open and free to everyone. Simply grab your running shoes, a bottle of water, and get your legs moving!” – sourced from https://nationaltoday.com/global-running-day/
As a former collegiate runner, Global Running Day is a holiday I can get into. And if you’re not a runner, you may think runners are slightly off their rocker … and in truth, most of us are.
Why do I enjoy Running?
- You don’t need a monthly gym membership and you don’t have to spend extra time driving to and from the gym. You just need to put on a pair of shoes and head out your front door.
- Self-care and mental health. As a new mom, now more than ever, I need a few minutes to get away and do something good for myself- after all, you can’t take care of others if you yourself are drained (this is for all you mamas out there)! Running is a great way for me to recharge my battery. While some days it is a struggle to get out of bed when the alarm goes off, I never regret getting out the door when I’m done with a run. I find I can clear my head when running and plan my day, week, or anything else on my to-do list and get by prepared for the day ahead.
- Gives a sense of accomplishment to set you up for a day of success! Most of my runs during the week are early in the morning before heading into work. I find it gratifying and find a sense of accomplishment knowing I’m done with a workout that is good for both my physical and mental health before a lot of peoples’ alarms have even gone off.
- While I enjoy the solo aspect of running, I also enjoy the comradery of the running community. In recent years, a best friends and I use running as an excuse to take a vacation to see each other. We have run half marathons in Mammoth Lake, CA and Lake Powell, AZ as part of the Vacation Race series (so https://vacationraces.com/), so it’s an amazing and healthy way to travel while still having fun and crushing goals!
Whether you are an experienced runner, or wanting to get into the world of running, here are a few quick tips:
- Invest in a good quality pair of shoes.
My personal favorite are Mizuno Wave Riders (https://www.mizunousa.com/wave-rider-24) They are a good neutral shoe as far a support, and I have found I can run close to 500 miles on them before they start to wear out and I start to get little aches. But there are a lot of good brands out there: Mizuno, Brooks, New Balance, Hokas…just to name a few. If you need helping picking out shoes stop by your local running store! If you are in the Columbia area check out Strictly Running on Devine St. (https://www.strictlyrunning.com), they are sure to help get you into the best shoes for your runs.
- Safety!
Most days its still dark out when I run and I don’t leave the house without my Nox Gear vest. It’s light weight and makes you visible from 360 degrees. (https://www.noxgear.com/tracer360)
- Stay Hydrated.
Staying hydrated is key, especially during South Carolina Summers. It’s important to hydrate throughout your day, not just while exercising. So find a water bottle you love, fill it up and take it with you and refill throughout your day. I rarely leave the house without my old trusty Nalgene. (https://nalgene.com/)
If you need some motivation and accountability to get out the door, find a local running group! A few free groups that have locations around the country and in the Columbia area are FIA and F3.
Now put down your phone or tablet, lace up a pair of shoes and get out the door!
Are you experiencing pain when you run? Click here to schedule an appointment with any of our expert physical therapists.
**I have no endorsements, deals or promotions with products or stores listed above, they are just personal favorites.**
