One of the reasons I created justlike2run is to encourage more people to get involved with running. I have always liked running and I have been lucky to be able to do it for a long time. Some people have physical limitations that prevent them from running. If you are not one of these people, then I would like to encourage you to give it a try. There are a lot of benefits to running. It improves your cardiovascular health. You burn a lot of calories when you run which promotes weight loss and reduces body fat. It may seem like work when you first start, but after a run you will feel better and you will feel like you accomplished something. Great way to start your day.
To me, the mental benefits of running are even greater than the physical benefits. Running really helps to reduce stress. When I am out on a run, I have time clear my head and focus on some problem that I want to resolve. There are no outside distractions and I can look at the problem from a fresh prospective. Running also helps to build confidence. When I run, I always set a goal for how far or how long I will run. Once I start, it is up to me to push myself to complete the run. Each time I do, it gives me more motivation to continue running and take on even harder challenges.
The hardest task for all runners is to get out the door and take the first step on the run. Once you do that, you are committed to complete the run you start. Most runners will start their racing career with a 5K. Once they complete that, they will be thinking about trying to run longer distances: 5 mile, 10 mile, half-marathon, marathon, …..