8 Reasons to Run in '08

It's been about 4 weeks into 2008. Some people have been keeping their goals, some have forgotten about them, and some never made a goal. Whoever you are, these top 8 reasons to run in '08 are a great motivational tool:

1. Running is a super-efficient way to burn kilocalories. A 130-lb person running at a pace of 8 minutes per mile (7.5 mph) will burn 738 kcalories in an hour. Someone weighing 155 pounds running at the same pace for an hour will burn 880 kcalories.

2. Your whole lower body (and most of your upper body) becomes lean and defined from running. Running obviously works your leg muscles: calves, quadriceps, gluteus muscles, and hips; but the core muscles (abdominals, obliques, and lower back) your body uses to stabilize your body also become leaner and stronger.

3. Short, easy runs are enough to increase your cardiovascular endurance to a healthy level. 20 minute runs at an easy pace a few days a week are more than sufficient to increase your lung capacity and general cardiovascular health.

4. Running incorporates you into nature and history. Running is the oldest, most natural sport and gives you a no-cost, equipment free workout that allows you to see and explore the outside world.

5. Relaxation and a general increase in happiness are symptoms of running. Going on a run causes your body to release natural, pain-killing neurtotransmitters known as endorphins. Endorphins are the chemicals responsible for the natural 'runner's high' associated with distance running.

6. You can challenge yourself or thousands of other people. Whether you just ran your first full hour or placed 33rd out of 9000+ in the Detroit Turkey Trot (a personal achievement of mine), you have accomplished something. This may lead to increased confidence, jealousy of coworkers and friends, or personal well-being.

7. Running is a way to relax and clear your mind. Many people think negatively of running because it is 'boring'. Just like other things in life, patience and determination are an important quality to have. As you continue running the movement and breathing become more natural, allowing your mind to wander and be more creative, productive, or relaxed.

8. You will meet new people and have more things to talk about if you run. According to a study by the United States Track and Field, 37.8 million people ran for excercise in 2oo5. Your linguistics and vocabulary will also improve as you learn words such as: Pre, Fartlek, Tempo, Carboload, PR, supination, and fonocaptor*.

*My brother and I made this word up: roughly a mile pickup, slightly faster than tempo pace

Pictures from the 2007 Detroit Turkey Trot:
Top: Steven Sherman at ~5 Mile Mark
Bottom: 9000+ people at the start of 10k/5k