Being a competitive runner for 50 years I grew up learning more and more about running. Over the last several years, I was drawn away from schedules for 5K and Marathons. I realized that the health benefits of running extended past competition and weight loss. There are tons of reasons to run. I only took the top 100 in my mind.
The following is a list of the Top 100 that are in included in the video I created for YouTube.
Let me know if you uncover any that I forgot?
100 BENEFITS OF RUNNING:
| 1 | Good for your health |
| 2 | Referred to as a “Miracle Drug” |
| 3 | Equipment is inexpensive |
| 4 | Save Cash $$$ |
| 5 | Eliminate some Prescription Drugs |
| 6 | Use your “Running Shoes” for running |
| 7 | Fewer doctor visits |
| 8 | Preserve brain function |
| 9 | Aids in decisionmaking & problem solving |
| 10 | Helps you deal with stress better |
| 11 | Helps relieve anxiety |
| 12 | Helps alleviate depression |
| 13 | Helps short-term memory |
| 14 | Helps long-term memory |
| 15 | Reduces risk of cognitive decline |
| 16 | Improves your self-image |
| 17 | Running is an “adaptable” exercise |
| 18 | Offers goal variations |
| 19 | Helps reduce “burnout” in job |
| 20 | Allows quiet time for meditation |
| 21 | Reserves your “quiet time” for thinking |
| 22 | Endorphins improve your mood |
| 23 | Improves your self-esteem |
| 24 | Increases brain volume (declines after 20’s) |
| 25 | Run for your favorite charity |
| 26 | Lowers risk of Alzheimer’s Disease |
| 27 | Become more optimistic |
| 28 | Check off items on your bucket list |
| 29 | Become one with nature |
| 30 | Learn the running lingo |
| 31 | Boosts brain power |
| 32 | Creates endorphins: The Runner’s High |
| 33 | Good for the soul |
| 34 | Learn what a good breathing pattern is |
| 35 | Improves your concentration |
| 36 | Change inward self not just outward self |
| 37 | Leave the sedentary lifestyle |
| 38 | Maintain a healthy weight |
| 39 | Improved endurance |
| 40 | Reduces risk of high blood pressure |
| 41 | Reduces risk of heart attack |
| 42 | Reduces risk of stroke |
| 43 | Reduces risk of cardiovascular disease |
| 44 | Helps to prevent Type 2 diabetes |
| 45 | Helps to build strong bones |
| 46 | Burns plenty of calories (approx 100 per mile) |
| 47 | Improves your energy levels |
| 48 | Experience our primal roots |
| 49 | We were built to run |
| 50 | Lower HR usually means efficient heart |
| 51 | Increase sex drive (libido) in women |
| 52 | Increases erectile function in men |
| 53 | Become more creative while running |
| 54 | Great multitasking activity |
| 55 | Strengthens muscles |
| 56 | Lowers risk of developing cancer |
| 57 | Lowersrisk of Parkinson’s Disease |
| 58 | Easier to get to sleep |
| 59 | Improved sleep duration |
| 60 | Less restrictive diet (as miles increase) |
| 61 | May lead to better dietary habits |
| 62 | Running can increase life span |
| 63 | Get that “natural glow” – clean skin pores |
| 64 | Strengthens your core muscles |
| 65 | A quicker way to travel |
| 66 | Vitamin D (a natural dose) |
| 67 | Strengthens lungs (respiratory muscles) |
| 68 | Increases lung capacity (volume) |
| 69 | Increases blood circulation |
| 70 | Improves joint strength and mobility |
| 71 | Improves joint strength and stability |
| 72 | Popular natural way to rid the body of fat |
| 73 | Improves your vision |
| 74 | Helps to reduce cholesterol |
| 75 | Introduces you to a healthy lifestyle |
| 76 | Allows you to shape your body image |
| 77 | Most calories burned per hour of activity |
| 78 | You’ll be part of the running community |
| 79 | Meet and discover new people |
| 80 | Make new friends |
| 81 | You can share running with friends |
| 82 | You can share running with your date |
| 83 | You can share running with family |
| 84 | You can share running with your dog |
| 85 | It’s not a fad or trend – it’s always in style |
| 86 | A year round activity – not seasonal |
| 87 | It’s always convenient and accessible |
| 88 | Can take on vacation – no extra luggage charge |
| 89 | Good excuse to travel to a city/country |
| 90 | Visit with friends & relatives during races |
| 91 | Excuse to be home to attend favorite race |
| 92 | Have fun!!! |
| 93 | Enjoy your favorite beverage |
| 94 | Create a “runner” party |
| 95 | Activity that you can measure progress |
| 96 | One of the most popular sports on earth |
| 97 | Helps fight addictions |
| 98 | Enter a “Beer Run” (Brewery Run) |
| 99 | You are working out like the pro’s |
| 100 | Something in common with celebrities |