10 Awesome Benefits of Running

Before a year ago, I never would have guessed that running would become such a powerful practice in my life.

I’m currently training for a big adventure trek… a 50K ULTRAMARATHON coming up this spring! :)

I’ve been reflecting on how running has changed my life.

Here are a few reasons why I run.

How Running Has Changed My Life for the Better

1. Mental fortitude. Running is challenging—and always has been— and that’s why I do it. This practice makes me stronger. It has taught me how to be my own biggest cheerleader, and how to truly appreciate myself and value myself in a new and powerful way.

2. Running gives me diversity of movement. My workouts used to focus almost exclusively on yoga. Over the last year, doing more running and getting to the gym regularly has helped me build muscle and feel stronger.

3. Cardiovascular endurance. I love the stamina that running gives me. It’s a badass feeling, going from only being able to run for a few minutes, up to an hour, up to hours at a time. There’s something different about distance.

4. Flow state. When I’m on a trail run, everything syncs up: my breath, my movement, my heartbeat, my footsteps, my thoughts… there is a beautiful, often inexplicable experience of oneness that shows up while I run. It’s one of the few things that gives me that sacred and spiritual connection to the earth and to everything around me.

5. Meditation in nature. Being outside boosts my mood, without fail.

6. Grounding my energy. I feel more at peace, calm, and centered by the practice of getting my feet on the dirt, seeing the wide open sky, and connecting to the season.

7. Time to myself. Running is often my ‘Rachel time.’ No interruptions, no distractions. Just me and my own thoughts, and the enjoyment of a new adventure.

8. Nutrition, hydration, sleep and recovery. Running has required me to significantly improve my eating patterns and how I take care of my body. If I don’t fuel well, I don’t perform as well. And if I don’t give myself adequate rest, stretching and recovery, I’ll feel it. One thing I absolutely love about running is that it requires an attitude of overall balance and a high standard for how I care for myself. Running requires me to level up in all areas!

9. Running keeps me humble and it also keeps me hungry. More often than not, when I want to quit, there’s still more in me that I can give. Running helps me discover my growth edge.

10. Why run? To discover the truth of who I am.

I’m curious— do you like to run? Need help getting started? Or need a yoga routine that will help you as a runner? I’d love to connect!