A common says goes that the act of running is 10% physical and 90% mental. This cannot be scientifically proven of course but it does raise an interesting question: How much of it is material?
It is not a cynical question. After all, very few runners run on the soles of their feet. Nearly all runners have at least a pair of shoes and clothes on. Many runners choose to wear more: runners headbands, runners ID bracelets, runners safety lights, running shirts, headsets, etc. Running accessories enhance a runner’s experience and can even improve their performance. Personalized gifts for runners can also satisfy runners even if the gifts aren’t applicable to the act of running itself. You can, for example, buy your special someone running jewelry. Though a woman probably won’t wear earrings or gold necklaces during a race, she will definitely appreciate their charm and will love the person who gave it to her!
If the gift, social, or competitive aspects of running don’t appeal to you, then how about the health benefits? The U.S. government recommends for every adult do get at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise a week, which roughly equates to 21 minutes a day. By running for 20 or so minutes everyday, you can dramatically improve your body’s overall well-being. If you take it up a notch to say, 45 to 60 minutes of exercise a day, you can automatically improve your blood pressure, both systolic and diastolic, by 10-12 mgs. That is an significant improvement! And over time, consistent running and aerobic activity can actually reduce or even reverse the signs of aging. If anything, running, one of the most straightforward and universal of all aerobics, is the perfect way to stay healthy.
For whatever reason you choose to run, running is one of the best things you can do for yourself!
What do you think about running? Do you own any runners headbands? Feel free to leave a comment at the bottom.