Last Updated on December 24, 2023 by Amanda Bowden
Are you looking to start something new that will actually change your life? Then read these 10 amazing reasons to start running today.
Have you set yourself a New Year’s Resolution to become fitter? Or have you always wanted to become a runner but not had the confidence to start?
Taking up running can create massive changes in your life. Once you start it can be addictive, but to get going sometimes you need a little inspiration.
And you don’t need to worry about running being unpleasant to get all these benefits. Ok, so when you’re just starting out if can seem like hard work. But once you get into it you may find you love running!
That’s where these top 10 inspiring reasons to start running will help you to get out the door!
10 Awesome Reasons To Start Running Today
1. One Of The Best Reasons To Start Running Is That It Will Boost Your Physical Health
It’s pretty common knowledge that running is good for your health. But, not many people know quite how amazing it is!
Running is a full-body workout that gets your heart pumping. It improves your muscle strength and heart health. Running also improves your circulation, your lung capacity and enhances your endurance.
In fact, research has found running is extremely good for your cardiovascular system. So good that if you’re a regular runner you’re 45% less likely to die from a heart attack or stroke. That’s pretty impressive.
You don’t need to be a super speedy runner to get these benefits either. Going for a slow 10 minute jog will still be amazing for your health.
2. Run To Improve Your Immune System
Getting out for a regular run also improves the ability of your immune system to fight infection.
When you run it mobilises your immune cells, helping your body to ward off inflammation.
Research has found that the T cells of your immune system are activated to fight inflammation. This occurs naturally due to damage to your muscles during exercise. But the effects go beyond that of – they may also increase the amount of fuel your muscles can use, and boost endurance while they’re at it.
Heading out for a run may also boost your immune system due to the increase in circulation that happens as you exercise. The increased blood flow encourages the movement of your immune cells around the body.
To get the immune boosting benefits it’s best to keep your run down to less than an hour a go. If you run for longer than this it can actually temporarily suppress your immune function.
3. The Sense Of Achievement You Get From Running Can Be Powerful
Although you don’t have to set goals as a runner, it’s hard not to! Setting a goal gives you a sense of purpose and something to work your training around. And achieving your goal feels awesome. It gives you a powerful sense of accomplishment that can make you feel happier about yourself.
Common goals people set:
- Running a mile for the first time.
- Going along to parkrun.
- Running for 30 minutes without stopping.
- Running a 5K for the first time.
- Setting a faster speed goal.
- Running a 5K in less than half an hour.
- Completing a 10K, half-marathon, marathon, ultra-marathon…
- Completing a running streak.
- Entering a race.
- Turning up at the race!
- Completing a race.
There are so many different goals you could set! That means the potential for getting a nice fulfilling sense of achievement is huge.
4. By Becoming A Runner You Are Joining A Large Community
Even if you like to run alone you are still joining a community when you become a runner. You will most likely feel a new sense of identity, and feel fellowship with other runners.
If you don’t want to run alone there are so many opportunities to run as a group. There are many running clubs that organise regular group runs. Many are welcoming to complete running beginners and regularly organise couch to 5K.
There are also weekly parkrun’s in many countries. Research has found that going along to regular parkrun’s makes people feel happier, have better mental health, feel fitter and have better physical health.
Other opportunities to feel a sense of community are apps like Strava, where you can join lots of online communities and clubs.
And there are running races happening all the time! Signing up to a race will give you something to train for and provide a sense of community as you run with other people.
You don’t need to be fast to run a race either – most races are open to people who run at any speed. There are even people older than 90 who get out there and enter races! If you feel intimidated about the idea of entering a race then check out the past race results of the race you’ve got your eye on. This will give you an idea of the distribution of speeds people complete it in.
5. A Common Reason To Start Running Is To Loose Weight
This reason will not come as much of a surprise to you, I’m sure. Many people start running as they want to lose some weight. It does, after all, burn a lot of calories in not that much time.
In fact, for equivalent amounts of time, running burns many more calories than walking, cycling, swimming and most other activities.
Expect to burn about 100 calories per mile. Head out for a 10 mile run and that’s 1000 calories!
OK, so you may not have the time, or the fitness, to go that far. But if you can manage a daily 5K you’ll burn 300 calories or so. More if you’re on the heavier side.
All this calorie burning can really help you lose weight. Well, as long as you eat well, and don’t overcompensate!
To get a more accurate idea of how many calories you’re burning doing any exercise it’s useful to wear a fitness tracker, like a Garmin or Fitbit. Check out the Best Garmin Watch For Running to find the right one for you.
6. A Good One Of These Reasons To Start Running Is You’re More Likely Sleep Better Afterwards
There have been lots of studies showing that exercise is great for helping you sleep better. This study and this study found that getting out for a 30 minute runs most days made people feel they slept better. It also made them feel more awake in the day.
If you can get out for a run in the morning the bright daylight will help reset your circadian rhythms. This will help you fall asleep more quickly when it comes to bedtime. And don’t worry if it’s dreary outside – it will still be much brighter than inside.
To get these benefits it’s best not to run within a couple of hours of your bedtime. The buzz of running hormones can keep you awake instead – not what you intended!
7. You Will Get A Longevity Boost!
You can see from the above reasons that it would be surprising if running didn’t make you live for longer. What with improved heart health, being less likely to have a stroke, better immunity, less inflammation, sleeping better…
This study found runners can expect to live an extra 3 years, which is an inspiring reason to get out for a run. Even going out for a slow run one or two times a week is enough to get this benefit.
Cardiovascular mortality was also cut by 50% in regular runners, and they were 29% less likely to die from any cause!
Related: Running 5K Everyday – 3 Reasons Why You Should Start Now!
8. Running Reduces The Risk Of Dementia
The cognitive benefits of running extend to reducing the risk of dementia and age-related cognitive decline.
Getting some regular exercise, running included, can slash your chances of getting dementia by 28%.
The cut in your likely-hood of getting Alzheimer’s is even greater – at 45%. These results were found from a review of 16 research papers that looked into exercise and dementia, so seem pretty robust.
To get these benefits you need to be raising your heart rate for around 30 minutes, a few times a week. A gentle jog will do it.
Yet another amazing thing about running! But it’s not all about future gains. Some benefits can be enjoyed immediately…
9. Going For A Run Will Often Make You Feel More Energised
Contrary to the misconception that exercise depletes energy, running has the incredible ability to boost your overall energy levels. Regular runs stimulate circulation, increase oxygen flow, and trigger the release of endorphins.
There is a surprising reason running gives you energy. Endurance exercise like running actually boosts the amount of mitochondria in your cells. Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of your cells because they produce energy! No wonder running makes you feel more energised.
Go for a run to experience a natural and sustained energy lift that will leave you feeling invigorated and ready to conquer the day.
10. One Of These Fantastic Reasons To Start Running Is That It Will Be Very Likely To Make You Feel Happier
Running doesn’t just make you feel better physically – it’s a powerful tool to increase your mental well-being.
The endorphins, and endocannabinoids, released during a run act as natural mood elevators. They have the amazing effect of reducing feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Going out for a run on a regular basis has been linked to improved mental clarity, enhanced focus, and feeling more positive about life.
It’s your ticket to a happier and healthier state of mind!
Check out: 5 Amazing Benefits of Trail Running for Mental Health
Top Reasons To Start Running: More Inspiration
Even though these 10 reasons to start running are pretty awesome, they’re not the only ones!
If you’d like to see more reasons to start running (and get a good dose of inspiration!) check out these links:
- Running 5K Everyday – 3 Reasons Why You Should Start Now!
- 18 Fantastic Benefits of Running a Mile a Day
- 30+ Benefits of Trail Running
Runner | Writer | Science & Nutrition
🏃♀️ Hi, I’m Amanda at Running Matter, where love of running meets science and adventure!
👟 I’m in my element when out on the trails.
🌿 I have a BSc (Hons) First Class in Natural Sciences.
I love writing about how the latest science can improve running performance and nutrition. I’m curious about the human body’s limits and fascinated by ultra running.