Running. A universal sports that’s accessible, keeps you fit and can be done virtually anywhere. When should you run, exactly? In this article we’ll look at 9 occasions when you should run. Enjoy and happy running.
1. When your training schedule says
The first one may be the most obvious but it’s definitely worth mentioning. If you have a training plan you should follow it and run whenever the training plan says you should.
A training schedule is a running plan which outlines key activities to be completed at specific times in the lead up to achieving a goal.
For instance, a marathon training plan will outline all of the training sessions that should be completed for a runner over a given time frame who wishes to participate in a marathon. The aim of the training plan will be to condition your body and improve your fitness so you are able to run the desired distance comfortably.
Whether you’re training for a marathon, half-marathon, 10K or 5K, follow the training plan and run whenever it says you should.
2. When you’re feeling down
“Getting more exercise isn’t only good for your waistline. It’s a natural anti-depressant, that leaves you in a great mood.” Auliq Ice
Exercise is the best natural anti-depressant there is. Physical activity releases feel good chemicals in the brain, like serotonin and dopamine, which are guaranteed to lift your mood.
If you’re down in the dumps don’t stay indoors to watch Netflix whilst binging out on chocolate and fizzy drinks. Get your running shoes on and go for a plod to fight your blues instead. You’ll feel much better after a strenuous workout than after finishing a series of a TV show.
Whenever I’m feeling low, I can always count on a run to cheer me up. Next time you’re feeling blue, try it. Go for a run.
3. When you need a natural pick me up to start the day
Typically, I run first thing in the morning. I find an early morning run is the best natural way to get me fired up for the day ahead. The effects of running before your day begins is like having five cups of coffee without the jittery shakes all that caffeine will give you.
Running first thing gets the blood pumping, fills you with energy and puts you in a positive mood. Running first thing is a natural ‘pick me up’ and puts you in an optimal state to perform at your best.
Running before the days begins means you will be rearing to go, excited to tackle your problems head on with energy and enthusiasm. Unlike most people who roll out of bed after hitting ‘snooze’ constantly, who rock up to work looking like a zombie, getting up early and running means you’re ahead.
Give it a try. Sleep an hour earlier, get up an hour before usual and run before tackling your daily tasks. You’ll be amazed at how positive, energetic and confident you feel afterwards. Running truly is one of the best natural pick me ups going in the mornings.
4. When it’s lovely weather outside
Make the most of those clear skies and go for a run. There’s nothing quite like getting out and about when the sun is shining and there’s a good atmosphere in the air. When it’s lovely weather outside, I personally love running in the country side because nature looks especially beautiful on lovely days. These gorgeous natural views always remind me to make the most of life and to appreciate my surroundings.
Whenever it’s lovely weather outside, go for a run before you have an ice cream. If it’s hot, make sure you wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water on your run.
5. When there’s bad weather outside
Nothing makes you feel more alive than running in the pouring rain. Don’t only run when it’s gorgeous weather outside, get out of your comfort zone and make the most of the elements. When you’re drying off after a wet and windy run, you’ll feel much better about having the get up and go to brave the outdoors. Make sure you run in all weathers. Even the bad ones!
For more information, check out the following blog post:
6. When you’re stressed
“The pain of running relieves the pain of living.” – Jacqueline Simon Gunn
For me, running is a massive stress relief. Some people relieve stress with unhealthy habits like eating mountains of junk food or drinking copious amounts of alcohol. I run and would advise anybody else to try running as a form of stress relief too. Aside from the dopamine and serotonin running releases, the activity also provides a much needed uninterrupted break from daily hassles and stresses.
When you run, you have to fully commit. You can’t check social media notifications or email, there’s no one to interrupt you with a question, you can’t be overloaded with things to do. Instead, you’re committed to the moment and temporarily responsibility free.
Having a break from your responsibilities in the form of a run not only relieves stress but it also provides an opportunity for some thinking time. If you run without earphones, you’ll have some peace and quiet to think.
Thinking time is useful and a major stress relief. It allows you to mentally organise future projects, gives you space from all the ‘noise’ of daily life and provides an opportunity to appreciate the natural noises of everyday life.
Next time you’re feeling stressed, go for a run. It truly helps.
7. When you’re on holiday
Make the holiday experience more memorable. Lace-up and get some miles in.
8. When participating in an event
9. As a team-building activity
Tired of scratching your head when trying to think of the next fun team-building activity? Look no further, running is the way forward.
Productivity and morale at work will be improved after the run as a result. You may even find that you make running a regular team-building activity within your organisation. Give it a go.
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