22 Actually Good Reasons to Start Running in 2022
It’s not a secret, most people have a visceral reaction to running. I’ve been in the running world for over 9 years and this is the interaction I have whenever I talk with someone who doesn’t run when they find out I do. First, their faces look as if they smelled something terrible and they do that “Oh, no, no, no, no” gesture with their hands. Then 9 times out of 10 they joke, “The only time I run is if I’m being chased by something”.
People hate running. I know. I’m the former President of the “I F*cking Hate Running Club” gang. You don’t have to explain to me that a lot of people really, really hate running. I did too! BUT, I can also tell you that what most people think is running isn’t how running is at all.
Now, that’s not to say that running isn’t the absolute worst sometimes. I don’t want to pretend it isn’t. Running is really, really hard. And it can 1000% be the worst. But it can also be a hell of a lot of fun.
Here are 22 actually good reasons to start running in 2022.
New friends.
One of my favorite parts about running are the friendships that came out of it. Running became a really healthy and fun way to meet new people without having to drink alcohol. And, let’s be real, making friends as an adult is hard. Running was a really great way to meet people I never would have crossed paths with had we not shared the desire to go for a run together.
Stress relief.
I never knew how important running could be for mental health but turns out, running is an INCREDIBLE way to prevent burnout by closing stress cycles. If you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, or even depression, running can be a beneficial tool to reach for.
Alone time.
As good as running is at helping you make new friends, it’s an even better way to escape and find some alone time. So whether you want a break from your kids, partner, family or roommates, running is always there for you.
A way to move that isn’t motivated by weight loss.
There are so many reasons to run. Weight loss is not one of them. Here’s why.
A fun way to try something new.
You know the saying ignorance is bliss? LEAN INTO IT! There’s nothing better than being a beginner and trying something new. Don’t worry about what you might be doing wrong and stay curious. One step at a time. One mile at a time. One run at a time.
Discover your strength.
Running is all about delayed gratification because it takes time to build strength and endurance. But it’s pretty damn inspiring to see what you’re capable of when you stick with a running plan for 8, 12, or 16 weeks.
Have more fun moving.
Running is hard, there’s no doubt about that. But it’s also REALLY, REALLY FUN. If you’re struggling with getting motivated or excited about going to the gym or working out in your living room, join the Badass Lady Gang and give running a try. Members of the BALG are EXCELLENT at driving and riding the struggle bus. We know how to find the fun when you want to crawl into a ball and die. :) Lean on us!
It’s the best way to explore new places.
Whether you’re traveling or exploring your backyard, running is the best way to explore a city.
Have something to be excited about.
It’s so exciting when you’re towards your first 5K or running a race like a 10K or Half Marathon. It’s hard to find things to get excited about as we get older. Running, whether you’re working towards a race or a goal like seeing how fast you can run a mile, is a fun way to have something to feel excited about.
A sense of belonging.
Never, ever, ever underestimate how incredible it feels to stand with thousands of runners at the start of a race, ready to do something remarkable. Running is a sport that asks you to show up on good days, bad days, and forgettable days. It feels pretty amazing to show up and belong. This is what the Badass Lady Gang is all about. Showing up as you are. JOIN US.
Think creatively.
Feeling stuck? GO FOR A RUN. Running is a GREAT way to move get your imagination to run wild. I do some of my best creative brainstorming and daydreaming when I’m running.
Grieve.
This one may surprise you, but running is a tool I reach for on my hardest grief days. Whether I’m running solo or with friends, there’s something about the rhythm of putting one foot in front of the other and the fact that you don’t have to look at whoever you’re talking to as you run that is so therapeutic. So many people find running when they’re grieving. So knowing you’re surrounded by people who are in the same club as you is a huge gift.
Get outside.
With so many of us working from home, it’s hard to get outside as much. Getting the chance to get out and be in the sun or outdoors just feeds your soul.
Sleep better.
This one alone is a selling point. Falling asleep is so much easier when you’ve gone for a run. It just is.
A break from your phone.
There once was a time where I relied on social media and my phone to extrinsically motivate me. Now, I relish the 30-90+ minutes where I don’t have to check Instagram, my email, or text messages. Using my runs as escapes from my phone keeps me sane.
Time to listen to an audiobook or podcast.
It’s hard to find time to devote to listening to an audiobook or podcast. But thanks to running, I get to kill two birds with one stone!
Self-confidence.
It is almost impossible to train for something like a 5K and not feel that sense of accomplishment when you finish. One of the things we really focus on in all of our training at the Badass Lady Gang is how to develop confidence and self-efficacy. Come train with us!
You’ll feel better.
Elle Woods said it best: “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands. They just don’t.” That’s what running does.
You’ll immediately PR.
PR stands for a personal record. A fun way of chasing down your personal best is to race! Whether it’s a mile time trial or a race, runners are goal chasers and they’re always looking to see what they’re capable of. The first few months of running are fun because you’re CONSTANTLY setting PR’s and seeing huge leaps and bounds as you improve.
You’ll discover your pre-defined limits.
And as you chase those PR’s and your personal best, you’ll discover how you limit yourself with pre-defined limits. Running is a great way to get curious about how you stop yourself from giving your best. Then, you can take what you learn in running and apply it to your everyday life.
Discover parts of yourself you never knew were there.
Sounds too good to be true, right? Running is all about learning how to be bored and uncomfortable for extended periods of time. WHICH, I know, that’s a terrible elevator pitch, but it’s true. All that time alone with your thoughts will help you discover parts of yourself you never knew were there. It’s pretty remarkable.
Because you can.
Time is precious. It just is. Having the ability to move when you want, because you want to is a gift. Don’t waste it. Run or move because you can. Not because you think you should.
What are you waiting for? Today is always the day!!! CLICK HERE to start my free 8-week become a runner running plan and then CLICK HERE to join our free online community! We’re here to support you every step of the way! Then, join the Badass Lady Gang training team or check out one of our upcoming training experiences! Not only will you get the support of a team, but you’ll get weekly coaching calls!
Kick ass and take names gang,
