Discover five reasons to celebrate National Running Day, from physical health to mental well-being. Ready to lace up your sneakers and hit the pavement for a day of fun and fitness?
June 2023. This article is independently written by Shelby Golding. All opinions given are hers. Shelby has been certified as a personal trainer and nutritional specialist since 2007. In 2008, she found her passion for writing about these topics and hasn't looked back.
National Running Day happens on the first Wednesday in June every year. It's a day to celebrate the joy and benefits of running. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting, it's a great time to lace up your shoes and hit the pavement (or trail).
Running can improve your physical health, mental well-being, mood, and sense of accomplishment. So, join in the fun and go for a run or jog today – you'll be glad you did!
Running Towards Health
Summertime is here, and that means it's time to soak up some sun and enjoy all the fantastic outdoor activities. But with all the fun in the sun, it's important to remeRunning is an excellent way to stay physically and mentally healthy. It gives you an adrenaline rush that makes you feel as though you can take on the world, and let's be honest, who doesn't love that sensation? Plus, it's an excellent way to blow off steam and clear your mind.
This happens because running releases endorphins, the feel-good chemicals in your brain that can help combat stress, anxiety, and depression. So lace up those running shoes and hit the trails—your body and mind will thank you!
Am I Too Old To Run?
Running isn't just for the young and spry! Older folks can also get in on the fun and benefits of running. It's a great way to stay active, boost your mood, and meet new people. Plus, there's something truly exhilarating about feeling the wind in your hair and the ground beneath your feet. Even if you're only breaking up a walk with a few short periods of jogging (which counts as running, by the way).
Also, if you've heard the myth that running causes arthritis, don't worry! Research says otherwise. For example, a 2017 study found that recreational runners have lower knee and hip osteoarthritis rates than nonrunners and competitive runners. Additionally, a 2022 analysis of 24 studies showed no evidence of significant harm to the knee joints and cartilage when examining MRIs.
So if you're an older adult looking for new ways to stay fit and have fun, consider going for a run! Just don't forget to stretch, stay hydrated, and bring your Kailo Pain Patch along to manage any chronic pain.
Before embarking on any new fitness journey, it's essential to consult with your doctor to ensure it's safe for you to do so.
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Running Promotes Physical Health
Running provides numerous physical health benefits that make it worth the effort. For starters, running helps burn calories and promote weight loss, leading to a healthier body and a better quality of life.
It also strengthens your muscles, improves your cardiovascular health, and boosts your endurance levels, all of which help you perform better in everyday activities. Running is also a fantastic way to increase the strength of your bones. When you run, your bones endure a certain amount of stress, stimulating growth to strengthen them. This is because the impact of your feet hitting the ground causes your bones to "flex," which in turn triggers a response from your body to build more bone tissue. Over time, this process can lead to stronger, denser bones less prone to fractures and other injuries.
Additionally, running can help maintain bone mass as you age, which is essential for preventing osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions. So if you're looking for a fun and effective way to build stronger bones, running is worth considering!
Tip: If you're not interested in running, we'll let you in on a little secret — walking can also strengthen your bones, muscles, and cardiovascular system!
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Running Boosts Mental Well-Being
Running is not just a great way to stay physically fit. It's also a fantastic mood booster! When you run, you trigger the release of endorphins, which can help you feel happier and more content. And according to Harvard Medical School, these natural mood-boosting chemicals can also energize you after a good run, and who doesn't want more energy?
But that's not all — running can be fun and even improve your creativity! And there's just something about the rhythm of your feet hitting the ground and the fresh air on your face that can make you feel alive and invigorated.
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You'll Connect with the Running Community
Running can help you socialize, make friends, and connect with the running community. When you join a running group or club, you can meet new people who share your interest in running and staying active, creating lifelong friendships and connections.
If you're older, look for a group of people close to your own age and experience level. You'll benefit from meeting new people, learning from others, and getting support on your fitness journey. And you can do the same thing for walking groups if running isn't for you.
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Running Helps You Explore New Places & Have New Experiences
Running outdoors is a fantastic way to stay physically active while you enjoy nature's beauty. There's nothing like feeling fresh air on your skin and hearing birds chirping in the background to make a run even better. Plus, getting outside and exploring new routes can be a fun adventure!
As a bonus, you'll reap the stress-relieving benefits of spending time in nature. And the change of scenery and endorphins released during exercise can help improve your overall well-being.
If this appeals to you, you'll probably enjoy destination running. It's like a treasure hunt for runners, where the finish line is a scenic destination or landmark. Whether it's a run on the beach, a trail run to a waterfall, or a jog through a city to see the sights, destination running adds an element of adventure to your workout routine. Plus, the satisfaction of completing your run and arriving at your destination is unbeatable! And if you get hooked, you can even try destination races!
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Running Helps You Set and Achieve Goals
Running can be a tool for personal growth and goal setting. Setting achievable running goals allows you to improve your endurance, speed, and overall fitness level. These goals can be anything from finishing a 5k or marathon to running just a little more.
For example, if you're a beginner, you might set a goal to jog for two 30-second periods on every walk this month. Then, you could move up to three 45-second periods, and so on.
You'll develop discipline, perseverance, and mental toughness as you work towards your goals. And if you need some support, running with peers can help you stay motivated and accountable.
You Can Achieve Anything You Set Your Mind To!
There are countless reasons to celebrate National Running Day, especially if you enjoy being active and outdoors. Whether it's for the health benefits, the mental clarity, the social aspect, or the simple joy of movement, running has something to offer everyone. And there's no better day to embrace the power of running than today!
And don't forget that walking has many of the same health benefits if you're just starting! Then, once you're accustomed to walking regularly, you can see about adding running to your routine.
For those who deal with aches and pains, your Kailo Pain Patch is here to support you in reaching your goals. Kailo is designed to relieve pain in seconds, and a recent clinical study showed a significant decrease in pain when switching to Kailo from oral medication.
Disclaimer: Kailo should not be used if you have a pacemaker or if you are pregnant. Always consult your doctor or health care professional before using Kailo.
