10 Reasons to Start Running

People start running for a variety of reasons. Some run because they want to lose weight, improve their health, compete in races or try something new. Whatever your reason is for running, you’ll experience many physical, mental and emotional benefits from the sport. Here are 10 great reasons to get started with running:

1. Running improves your health

One of the biggest benefits of running is that it’s good for your health. Running is an excellent way to strengthen the heart and ensure the efficient flow of blood and oxygen throughout the body, which helps decrease your risk of a heart attack. Exercise, combined with maintaining a healthy weight, is one of the best ways to naturally reduce your blood pressure if it’s above normal. If you have high cholesterol, running can also help keep it in check. Running also improves your immune system, so your body functions are more effective and efficient at fighting off germs. Running and other weight-bearing exercises increase bone density, which can fend off osteoporosis.        

2. You can lose weight
Many people start running to lose some extra pounds. As one of the most vigorous exercises out there, running is an extremely efficient way to burn calories and lose weight. If you’re already at a healthy weight, running can help you maintain it. Just make sure you don’t think running gives you a license to eat anything you want. The basic rule of weight loss — that you must burn (through life functions and exercise) more calories than you take in — still applies to runners.

3. You can run for a cause
Running can also be used as a way to contribute to society as a whole. Many races benefit charities, and some charities offer race training in exchange for fund-raising. Running for something that’s bigger than you is a great way to stay motivated to keep training and can make your races even more meaningful and fulfilling.      

4. You can meet new people through running
Some runners enjoy the quiet and solitude of running on their own, but other runners see running time as social opportunities. Finding a running buddy or running with a group is a great way to develop a sense of community. You can set goals and accomplish them together. In addition, having a regular running buddy or running group is a great way to stay motivated to run.
Some runners also share advice and motivation with other runners in online forums, such as sgrunners.com. You can meet other people who share your obsession with running, celebrate your triumphs and help you overcome your obstacles.

5. You can experience something new and different
Running is a great way to expand your horizons and break away from the daily grind. The sport gives people the opportunity to explore areas of their own community or new locations, experience new physical sensations and run places they may not normally see.

6. You can train for a specific goal

Some people hate to exercise just for the sake of exercising, but with running, though, you can train for races, from 5Ks to marathons and beyond. Training for a race gives you a specific goal to work toward, which can definitely help improve your motivation to run.

7. Running improves your energy levels

When you’re feeling sluggish or tired, running is a great way to boost your energy. Runners who run in the morning report that they have improved energy levels during the day. Combining running with a healthful diet will help improve your energy levels even more.

8. Running will help you feel good about yourself

Regular runners report an increase in their confidence and self-esteem, and the self-esteem benefits of running are increased if you set a specific goal, such as running a marathon, and accomplish it.

9. Running is versatile and inexpensive

Running requires very little equipment, and it can be done almost anywhere. All you need is a good pair of running shoes, and you can head out your door to go for a run. From city sidewalks to wooded trails, there are plenty of places for runners to explore — at no cost. If you travel a lot, it’s easy to pack your running shoes and run while you’re on the road.

10. Running can help with stress relief

Running — as with many forms of exercise — is a great cure for stress, emotional strain and even mild depression. Research has shown that healthy adults who exercise regularly are generally happier than those who don’t.

Photo courtesy of SameerPictures.com  

WHY DO YOU RUN?
(courtesy of 1 Arm Runner. Check out his site at HERE!)

The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2010: The Spectator Experience (Part 1)

So its been 5 days since the marquee running event in Singapore has passed. Yes, im talking about The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) 2010 that was held last Sunday, 5th December 2010. Although i didnt managed to take part in the marathon like the other ~60,000 people did,  i had to be there for 2 reasons – To soak in the (sweat-smelling) atmosphere of the race of the year AND To also support my partner, Haffiz Legend who’ll be running his 7th marathon in all and his 4th SCSM thus far.

Anyways, the morning started out, well, very early for me. Having been in town the night before and watching a midnight movie to keep my buddy runner company, we found ourselves practically up and about, roaming the not-so-silent streets of Orchard Road at around 3 in the morning. Found a McDonalds at Heeren and settled down for MY measly breakfast (1 McChicken only) while Haffiz went on to SUIT UP! to his running tights and gear. Took him about half an hour to get ready and looking all Metal Gear Solid less the weapons and solid part. Haha! Mainly because he was wearing tights and tight fitting top with a hydration pack which made him look kinda Navy Seal like. Okay, thats not the point.

Back to the point, once all was settled, we made our way to Wheelock Place where the baggage deposit area was held at. It was jam packed i tell you! Kinda looked like some mass gathering for a gig/concert. People were queing up blindly following which ever line that looked like a queue. I was telling myself, if suddenly one of the lines is to Q up for the loo, they would prolly curse and swear when they’ve come to realisation.

WHICH brings me to my next point of the portable toilets set up at the baggage area. SERIOUSLY, what were the organizers thinking setting up 4 toilets to accommodate 20,000 people! Even if let’s say its for 1000 people, but YUCKS! *shudders at the thought of the amount of filth stored in each cubicle* =S

By then it was pretty “late” i must say. 0500H was the flag off time for the 42km competitive marathon however, Haffiz and i settled the baggage ard that time too. Woah! Good luck to those who were still queuing up i’d say.

Had better crowd control and more portable toilet been around, the sibeh long Q and time lost would and could have been averted. Also, i must add, that more signs could be placed to direct runners to the baggage deposit area as when we were at the TANGS-ORCHARD MRT underpass, i could still see many runners carrying their bags heading towards the start point. I mean, IF they’re planning to run with a tote bag the whole of 42km, then im sorry, MY BAD. But logically speaking, i doubt so. And that they prolly lost their way in finding the baggage area. NOT to mention, LUCKILY, we met a runner, who’s with PACESETTERS from Malaysia who didnt know where Anguilla Street is.

Well, that’s that then for Part 1 of my The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2010: The Spectator Experience. Stay tuned for Part 2 coming right up. Thats where the action begins.

WhyWeRun’s “Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon Tip #3

Don’t gulp your drink/water! When you pick up drinking cups at aid stations, squeeze gently so it folds slightly and is easier to drink from it while you are moving.

And remember to dispose them in the plastic bags by the side.

WhyWeRun’s “Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon Tip #3

WhyWeRun’s “Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon Tip #1

Avoid eating spicy foods before running and the night before your long runs. It can give you stomach cramps and makes you wanna go to the toilet.

Last thing you want is shit dripping from your shorts as you cross the Finish Line. Gaaah! (Don’t say we didn’t warn you!)

WhyWeRun’s “Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon Tip #1

We can always let nature take its course. But to get the best apples, we must pluck them before they fall, and be picked up by someone else.

I know that I’m supposed to be posting up about some other event. However, I’ve yet to receive some of the photos taken from some other cameras, thus the delay. Sorry about that.

But as of late, I realize that most times, we, fitness enthusiast of different sports, fail to see the importance of going the extra mile. Yes, we all “read about it”, “hear about it” etc, but how many of us ACTUALLY go and “do something about it”…full time?

If you want to achieve something, be in any sport, ask yourself this question, “How badly do you want it?”. Don’t “BADLY” me now but “slightly bad” later.

Most runners, gymers, fitness buffs, all have targets they set for themselves. But bogged down with school work, work, kids blah blah blah, we fail to achieve what we have initially set for ourselves.

Legend, a runner, from www.myrunningaddiction.wordpress.com, is a great example of someone who “plucks the apples off the tree” rather than wait for “apples to drop”. He seeks out for races and race trainings and go for them. Not only that, he trains hard for them too. Coupling his running addiction (pun intended) with MMA-styled workouts… Now, THAT’s BAD***! Check out his site for “inspiration” and his reviews on the races.

We have many runners here in SG. True story. The Nike City Race 10K got 12,000 people registering for it within 9 days from the registration date.

With a population of 5million human people, those arent good numbers. Thing is, most know of the MAJOR runs. Cause it’s being advertised & publicized. But what about those other races or training runs? See what I mean? How many of you know of:

Salomon X-trail 2010 Date: 14/11/2010 Locations: Mac Ritchie Reservoir Distance: 12km (for more info, visit: http://salomonx-trailrun.com/ )

                                        

I bet if I could see the number of hands being raised from my screen here, I would see a good number of you guys/girls. Good. Now that you know about it, are you gonna wait for the apple to fall from the apple tree OR pluck it? Your call.