Running has improved every aspect of my life.
It has saved my life!
So why aren’t more people running?
By the 20-minute mark of my daily run when my pores start to open, so do my eyes.
Clarity at a 20-20 level. I can see the whole world! I can solve any problem that has been plaguing me. In my head, I have the solution to world peace!
Yes, as I start my cool down, reality reminds me that I am mortal and I lack the omnis of God!
Though I have been running for 20 years, I still fight my lazy mornings. A glass of wine or a poor night’s sleep can send me into a morning tailspin. Life happens, but it’s never an excuse to quit.
A day without a run is a day I struggle in all other areas of my life.
Running and exercise for most people is to lose weight and burn calories. But the benefits go long and deep starting with the thoughts between your ears…yes the brain.
Here are the rest of the amazing benefits of a morning run:
- Improves executive functions of memory, focus, and clarity. Ever had a flashing thought return to you during a run? Running can clear the mental clutter and bring extreme focus to something that has been plaguing you. When you’re feeling lost in figuring out a problem, run to clear those cobwebs and make better decisions.
- Extends longevity. Yes, by 3 years! Though we have no visibility into our future, we can at least protect our hearts, arteries, and cardiovascular health by a quick run or jog a few times a week.
- Boost immunity against toxins and foreign microbiological invaders. After the last two years, this seems like a no-brainer way to improve the immune system. For outdoor runners, getting vitamin D is an added plus to help fight off disease.
- Boosts energy for other healthy habits. You can call running the lead domino in decision-making. After going for a morning run, you are more likely to choose healthier foods and put energy into productive projects. Your confidence levels and self-esteem will give you a jolt of a winning mindset all day long.
- Triggers the pleasure endorphins of dopamine and serotonin. Yes, this is where the cliché “runner’s high” comes from. Running and exercise, in general, reduce stress and fight off depression.
- Improves Sex – Yep! 80% of men and 60% of women that exercise rate their sex desirability as being higher than average. Just make sure it’s with your spouse!
- Form of Praise. Put in the buds and turn on your favorite praise music! Getting lost in the praise may help you go even longer and faster.
Running in a Bottle
Other benefits when running outdoors are that it’s environmentally friendly, improves eye vision, improves sleep quality, and also helps recalibrate your circadian rhythm.
If you run with others, it helps build and strengthen your social interactions. If you run with your kids, it’s an opportunity to teach lessons as sports is always a great way to apply life lessons.
If running could be sold in a bottle, this would be a winning label. No sugar, fat-free, builds muscle, and is filled with the nutrients to succeed in life.
The benefits are almost limitless!
Conclusion
If running is not your jam, then I would encourage morning cardio for 30 minutes in other ways…treadmill, swimming, racquetball, or a fitness video in your home.
If you are struggling with your job or career right now, running in the morning can change your entire perspective on your day job!
If you struggle with keeping good healthy habits or goals, start here before you lace up your shoes.
You don’t have to do a 5K or even Marathon but I will warn you that regardless of your commitment, your brain will always find a way to make an excuse. Get out in front of your invisible barriers the night before. Sleep in your running gear and put your shoes by the coffee maker!
Don’t use the excuse of no time. Running makes your work time more efficient.
One word of caution is that running doesn’t necessarily mean you’re metabolic healthy. I’ve gone down that path and have realized that running is just the foundation to ultimate wellness and the building blocks of sleep, diet, reduction of stress, and reducing inflammation should all be added.
Disclaimer: If you aren’t already routinely exercising, please see your primary care doctor or practitioner in advance to support your path forward!
Once you get the go-ahead, here is a link to a wide array of training plans that may work for you.