Love is in the air, especially here in Florida where the air is a beautiful 84 degrees today, but I digress. On Valentine’s Day weekend, it seems pretty natural to think about the people and things we love.
While running can be preposterously difficult and frustrating at times, there are wonderful rewards for those of us who persevere. How do I love running? Let me count the ways…well five of them anyway.
Running across the Tower Bridge in London
5 Things To Love About Running
Its the best way to see the world, Whether you prefer nature trails a city tour or something in between, running is a great way to see the world and get your exercise fix at the same time. Fresh air is one of the best medicines I know.
The clock is an objective judge. Put all the fast/not fast stuff aside. At the end of the day, we run by time and/or distance. Maybe you don’t love the measurement but I’ll tell you this. The objectivity of the clock trumps the subjectivity of human opinion in my book.
Endorphins. Not only do these tiny neurochemicals make you feel amazing after a run, they’re responsible for reducing stress and anxiety, lifting the fog of depression and helping boost self-esteem. Running is a great way to boost endorphins.
Feeling of accomplishment. That feeling of finishing something you started, of going farther or faster than you believed you could, that stuff is amazing. The feeling of accomplishment builds confidence. It encourages us to entertain bigger dreams and take riskier risks. It teaches us to reach for the stars in other aspects of our lives too.
Social Connections. As I said in my weekly rundown post, there’s almost nowhere I can go in this world and not have a running friend nearby. The running community is amazing. Seriously amazing.
What do you love most about running?
I’m linking up with Darlene, Michelle, Renee, Jenn and Zenaida, for Fit Five Friday. Join us!
It’s all about the endorphins! I don’t travel much but there are so many places in my hometown that I only know about through running. I can’t wait to run on Valentine’s Day <3
Definitely the people I’ve gotten to know through running, and the gorgeous views I’ve seen on the run.
84F sounds lovely for sure!
I sure miss my running buddies! And 84F? It’s 10F right now–getting ready to find some endorphins!
It is the best way to see the world! Running and the running community has changed my life forever. I so cherish the friendships that I have made both near and far!
All my favorite things about running. The running community is the best and who I feel most connected to.
Glad you’re enjoying Florida’s warm weather. It’s a bit chilly here in California, but not Chicago chilly. 😉
Yes, yes, yes, yes, and YES!!! Running certainly fills any voids we may have, and it more than overflows with all its benefits. Lucky us 🙂
I love the feeling of accomplishment after a good run outside.
And the combination of blogging and running is a great way to make new friends.
I am hoping to meet up with Shathiso from The Gabarone Runner next month. It would be my first blogger meet-up!
I will always be grateful for the people I have met through running! And, that feeling of accomplishment never gets old 🙂
Thanks for linking up!
There are so many things to love about running! The endorphins and sense of accomplishment are definitely on the top of my list.
All of these things. Running checks all my boxes, and I can’t imagine my holiday without it!
I love that running is something that will always be there, no matter how you treat it…lol. Happy Valentine’s day. Have a great weekend!
agree x 5!! all of these!! sometimes I just think in amazement about all the places I’ve had the opportunity to run and all the great people I’ve met along the way!
All great things to love about running, Marcia!
What do I love most about running? That’s a great question! It’s hard to narrow it down that much. Maybe the feeling of calm afterwards. And seeing new places — whether local or elsewhere — also great!
Running makes me feel good. It makes me tired too. But it is still a good feeling. I miss running longer than one mile, but right now that is all I can manage because of the weather. Can I drive to the lakefront where I am sure the path is clear? Yes, but then I also have to deal with parking and will not be back in time to make it to work on time. I know, first world problems. 🙂