In the wake
of the Boston Marathon tragedy, the subject of running jumped out at me as my
next sport to speak about.
Running can
be as simple as lacing up a pair of sneakers and jogging around the block or as
intense as training for all 26.2 miles of a marathon. Yes, a marathon is 26.2
miles and some people are crazy enough (or maybe just determined?) to run that far.
On April
15, 2013, the 117th anniversary of the Boston Marathon, 23,326
runners started the race. That many people were willing to spend a few hours
just to run. Some people run to stay in shape; others run for a purpose such as
to raise money or awareness for a cause. Regardless of the reason, that many
people were present to partake in the Boston Marathon, but only 17,584 would
actually cross the finish line. (http://www.runnersworld.com/races/explosions-rock-boston-marathon-finish-line)
Now I could
go into great detail on all the happenings of the Boston Marathon, but since it
is plastered all over the news I’ll leave you to do your own research. I’m here
not to talk about specific races, but running in general.
The key to
running is motivation and the best motivation comes from within. A person has
to want it or else he or she is never going to get anywhere in his or her
training or exercising. He or she will never make progress because there are no
goals set. Goals can either be short term or long term; they just need to be
something to strive for.
The sport of running is one of
empowerment. After completing a run or race, people realize that they can do
anything they set their mind to and that their body is able to overcome pain
and physical ailments to push through to the finish line or to the end.
Many people
use running as a stress reliever or a way to cope with anger or sadness. It gives
people the chance to be on their own and clear their head. It gives people the opportunity
to think about problems or just life in general while they do it. Running
requires no concentration or smartness and that’s why anyone can do it.
For years scientists have wondered how a person
can feel stress free and relaxed after a run, when prior to running they had
been anxious, nervous, or tense.
It is
thought that distance running releases a “running high”. Scientifically speaking,
this high comes from the sudden increase in endorphin levels to the brain after
intense physical exercise such as running. These endorphin levels lead to mood
changes, usually good moods due to the feeling of accomplishment for completing
a run. (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/27/health/nutrition/27best.html)
Running is
an overall way to boost your health. It boosts levels of HDL (the good cholesterol),
and also forces the body to use the 50% of the lungs that usually go unused on
a day to day basis. It is the second most effective way to burn calories (cross
country skiing is first). It also prevents muscle and bone growth. It is one of
the easiest ways to help reduce the risk of strokes or breast cancer. Running also
lowers a person’s chance of hypertension heart attacks by strengthening the
heart muscle and lowering blood pressure. In addition, it strengthens the
immune system because it creates white blood cells that go after diseases. (http://ririanproject.com/2007/10/22/10-benefits-of-running-and-how-to-do-it/)
There are
so many benefits to running and it’s a sport that can be started at any time
and develop into not only a habit, but a way of life. You don’t need fancy
clothes or equipment, just a pair of sneakers that are comfortable and have
support. Many people don’t have the will power to start running because they
know they aren’t fast or can run far distances from the get go. Like anything
else, it takes time. Start small and work up to being able to run faster and
farther. Set goals for yourself and reward yourself for accomplishing those
goals.
So get out
there and run for those who no longer can.
#PrayForBoston
#PrayersForBoston
Xoxo,
~Francesca
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