Perhaps it's a social networking #trend. Sharing our interests with
our fellow runners allows people to surround themselves with
like-minded individuals. The sport of running has almost 9.5 million
likes on Facebook. That's a lot of sneakers! If you happen to be an
online friend of one of those people who post their 5k run times or
shares links to race registrations, like my mom, you're more at risk of
getting involved too.
Regardless of why we do it, running is a personal challenge. When I
was in high school I wasn't the most athletic. I didn't play on the school
teams and when I did try out for football I ended up injuring my back.
Outside of school I decided to start running and timing my trips. Before
long I began increasing the distance. The satisfaction was addicting and
set my life on a whole new track. I wondered what else my body and
mind were capable of and the effect it had on my life will always hold a
special place in my heart.
"I feel healthier, my weight stays under control and my clothes fit
better since I started this journey 7 weeks ago. I'm running about 22
miles a week right now," my mom said. In addition to weight loss,
running can also control your blood pressure and stabilize diabetes.
Plus, there’s the added benefit of connecting family members who run
together.
"Many people talk about that 'runners’ high' and I kept waiting for
it. And after weeks and weeks of regular running I still hadn't
experienced it. Finally last Saturday when I finished 8 miles that I was
extremely nervous to run, I felt it! What a mix of emotions. I did it and
did it well, and finally the idea of running this half marathon didn't
seem so far from reach."
A piece of advice for anyone who struggles with sticking to a
running regiment: at least lace up. Get out the door for ten minutes and
if you still don't feel like finishing the distance, turn around and go
Running by the
numbers
11,000 participants in
Windsor’s first Color Run
this past summer
10 calories per minute
burned during moderate
jogging
1 Billion pairs of running
shoes sold worldwide
each year
185 to 200 steps per
minute taken by
professiona