Column 24, January 2010

Magnificent reasons to run

We all know that running is a great way to get physically fit, and improve our health in countless ways, yet sometimes we need to be reminded of the many other highly significant reasons that gave us the passion for running in the first place, and should keep us inspired to continue.

1) A healthier body image

Alanis Morrisette struggled from eating disorders as a teen, and has recently begun training for a marathon…

“ I think there is no better way to invite a human being to view their body differently than by inviting them to be an athlete, by revering one' s body as an instrument rather than just an ornament. It ' s a really great way to reorient how you see your body so you can see it as this incredible, awe-inspiring machine that you need to fuel well in order for it to function….

my relationship with food completely changes because I view food as this really romantic fuel. I certainly want to enjoy my food, but I see it more like fuel that I happen to enjoy versus just a way for me to numb out my feelings or to downward spiral into being addicted to food”.

2) Simplicity

Most sports require equipment, special skills, and a certain amount of monetary investment, yet anyone with the desire to run can run, and even excel at it.

Just look at Abebe Bikila, the barefoot Ethiopian marathoner who won Olympic Gold in 1960. It’s also extremely time-efficient - just throw on some shoes and running gear and your workout starts the minute you step out the door!

3) Winning and Achievement

Running can satisfy our competitive spirit whatever age or level we are at. We may not be able to win the big races, bit we can strive to compete at an age-group level, in team events, against our previous bests, and even against training partners or siblings in race situations.

We can ‘win’ by challenging ourselves to run further and faster, fantastic motivators in themselves.

4) Confidence

With achievement comes an inner confidence, not only in our running prowess, but a confidence that s pills over into every aspect of our lives.

5) Clarity

I remember sitting for hours and hours one afternoon trying to write, then re-write my dads eulogy. Nothing I wrote seemed to portray what I really felt about this beautiful man, so I did what I often do now when I need clarity…. I went for a run.

During this run thoughts and feelings became so much clearer, and by the end of my 30 min jog I knew exactly what I wanted to say and wrote it down word for word when I walked in the door.

6) Friendship

While running can be solitary at times, joining teams, clubs and running groups can be the start of some truly great friendships. There’s nothing like a long scenic Sunday group run followed by coffee and breakfast to bring people closer.

When you run with others, a stormy wet session can become a shared experience to relive together later. I love the fact that anyone can run, and because of this people from all walks of life and ages are bought together by one simple denominator.

7) Appetite

Personally I enjoy food the most when I’m training hard. Food just tastes that much better when you’ve built up an appetite for it.

It’s also very convenient that running burns more calories than almost any other exercise, so you can really take pleasure in hearty eating!

8) Nature

As runners we get up close and per sonal with our surroundings. I f you love traveling like I do, it’s also a great way to get off the usual tourist routes and really explore a place.

In New Zealand we are blessed with stunning scenery, so make the most of it and start exploring new running tracks !

I’m proud to be part of this eclectic group known as ‘runners’, and I KNOW I get so much more out of running than just staying fit…. but then I’m sure you feel that way too.

Magnificent reasons to run

Marnie Oberer as an Expert columnist.