Here are some, can you add from your own experience?
Improves mental health
Increases exposure to vitamin D
Gives you freedom in lockdown
Teaches you patience and self belief
Helps bone density after menopause
......
Many benefits of running 🏃♀️🏃♂️🎉 - Bridge to 10K
Many benefits of running 🏃♀️🏃♂️🎉
GrannyhugsGraduate10
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Grannyhugs
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coggerjoggerGraduate10
Improves fitness
Improves cadio vascular effectiveness
Helps immune response (so my physio friend tells me)
Gets you out of the house in lockdown
and much more I am sure
Brilliant 🙆🏼♀️
lots of great reasons for retail therapy, double therapy 🤣
less likely to miss a bus, or a train, if you need to run for them 🤣
if it all gets too much you can run away faster 🤣
improves ones sense of humour 💋
🤗
Yes I can see what you mean about retail therapy. I have bought trail shoes, a Cimalp running jacket and I am thinking about headphones and a running watch. Joy!
in reply to coggerjogger
My list new shoes, 2x socks, headphones, visor, Parkrun t-shirt and wrist band ( latter still unused!) snood, running watch, and warm hat... the Mpow D7 bluetooth wireless earbuds are great, very reasonable price 🤗
Brilliant list, all important
Running watch is a must 🤣🤣
😁🥰😁🥰😁
Oh my - retail therapy. I’m the worlds worst at retail. I help nobody make a profit , but running retail! The only item of clothing I’ve bought this year is a strappy running top, due to the mileage I run I’ve just purchased my second pair of brooks this year, and I won’t tell you how much my Oakley wrap-around prescription sun glasses for walk/cycle/run/ski cost this afternoon 😅🤔 but apart from those items I’ve had no retail therapy for me in 2020.
in reply to Grannyhugs
ooo now I do like the sound of those glasses, must get my eye test done 😎
Check the bank balance, when she told me the price I thought it was for the whole thing, but it was just the prescription, I still had to add the cost of the frames. But looking forward to getting them in a couple of weeks 🤗
in reply to Grannyhugs
A treat for sure but I’m sure you’ll love them 🤗
😂😂😂
Maddee_6333Graduate10
Expands your social circle
Glad you are finding this - I love running on my own but I do say hello to everyone I pass, walkers, cyclists, runners, car drivers, sheep, cows, horses 🤣🤣
I like running on my own, but I also enjoy running with a social running group with our dogs (obviously not at the moment though).
Hopefully not too long before you can do that again. Hoping we can avoid another lockdown in Scotland, I can still meet people outside and for meals, very lucky just now.
🤞🤞🤞
I’m yet to pass a sheep .... though seen a couple of rats !! (Inner city parks 🐀)
Yikes🙁 I’m sure there are loads of country mice and rats round here too, as long as they stay in the fields I’m happy
Gives me time to 'process' whatever is going on in my life (when I run in silence or with music)
Gives me the opportunity to listen to audio books (when I don't)
Oh so much thinking time, it’s just remembering afterwards everything you put to rights or in perspective 😉
in reply to Grannyhugs
With respect, I think it’s more than thinking time; rather resolving time. I have ‘dealt with’ some really tricky things whilst running x
Such a brilliant added bonus to running, well done you 🤗
MoliJGraduate10
Encourages you to spend lots of money on jazzy running gear and gorgeous shoes 🤪😂
Just bought Oakley wrap-around prescription glasses 😜 think that’s definitely my most expensive bit of kit other than ski gear.
😂
Sandie1961Graduate10
New friends, bling 🏅and t-shirts 😊 Oh yes, firmer thighs 😂😂
Definitely, and firmer butt from those hills 🤣🤣
Only if you have hills 😂😂
I’m managing to avoid them as have been trying to keep HR low but all our fields are now a muddy soggy mess so headed back to a little hill today, will work up again to longer/steeper
in reply to Sandie1961
oh yes, bring on the bling 🤣🤗
OldgirlrunsGraduate10
I echo everyone’s benefits Grannyhugs! I particularly like the idea of firmer thighs and butt - clearly I need to work harder😂!
If you do remember the after run stretching, I went weeks with aches in bed until I worked out the additional stretching needed after the hills🤗
Juliet202Graduate10
Butt, bones and bling 🥳
Headspace, Heart and endorphin Highs
Thinner arms 😂
And all that = guilt free cake consumption (fitter not fatter !) ❤️
Great list, especially the cake. Wouldn’t like to tell you the volume of home backing I’ve consumed since taking up running and not an ounce added to weight 😜
RoxdogGraduate10
Oh my additions -
I got to meet, virtually, everyone on the forum
It makes me feel fearless
I get to have adventures
It is a mindful activity
It makes us powerful
So, not very much about the actual exercise!
I think all these things you’ve listed are really important, without them we couldn’t run. 🤗
Frizzbomb67Graduate10
Burns off stress 🤯
Increased fresh air and appreciation of nature
And a butt like Kylie’s 😂😂
You’ve been doing hills if you have that butt - fantastic 🤗
Sandraj39Graduate10
Oh my goodness - great replies everyone! 😀Why wouldn’t you run - when you get all these benefits!!👍
🤗
It gives me a gift. It is my friend. It is always waiting for me to go. It is my secret garden. It pauses this world and takes me on a journey each and every run 😃
Brilliant list
A great philosophy to have 👍
Birdlady64Graduate10
It has simply made me a better version of myself ☺️
Oh my, what more can we ask for, fantastic 🤗
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate
We all need a reminder sometimes as to why we do it, but once out for me it’s the pure joy of being able to
Being able to is so precious 🤗
Yes
I agree it is the most special thing I have found since stumbling across running during lockdown V 1.0
I agree, running and the forum🤗
RoxdogGraduate10
LOVE all these replies!
Mum22boysGraduate10
What a great post! For me..
Freedom from everything else
Time to be just me
Increased self-esteem
Sense of accomplishment
And because I enjoy it
😊
I agree 100% with all of these - oh the freedom 🤗
FionamagsGraduate10
Because I can, when many aren't able for whatever reason...
Because it gives an enormous sense of achievement
Because I get to cheer on my VRBs
Because ....shoes, shirts, running watch, aftershokz, leggings
AND
The new found sport of jelly baby wrestling on a 10k!!!
Brilliant, we are all so lucky we are able to run, with or without the worry of how to eat a jelly baby while continuing to breathe🤣🤣
ThisGirlNowRunsGraduate10
Puddle jumping and laughing at getting caught in the rain ☔️
Puddle jumping 😱Have you never heard of Peppa Pig?
🤣 I’m def more of a jumper (though it often goes wrong ...... 🐷 ).
With 2 small ones we often go out when it's raining just so we can jump in puddles 🤣🤣
Embrace your inner child and splash through them, it’s great fun. 🤗
Definitely - not much choice, there's no avoiding them at the minute 
Yes to all the wonderful points already made. Realised recently that I know my local area inside out, and much better than folk who've lived here twice as long. I've run round all the roads, including the cul-de-sacs, twittens and paths.
We moved to our new house during lockdown and running was a great way to explore routes locals hadn’t tried🤗
We're moving house to a new area, too, when the solicitors finish all their stuff. I'll be exploring all over again! How have you found it, moving this year? I wonder whether it will be hard to meet new people with so many things closed or restricted.
We were left for 6 weeks with our belongings in boxes at the start of lockdown but eventually everything went smoothly mid May. We’ve moved close to extended family which is lovely but other than saying hellos in the village really difficult to meet new people, it will come. Good luck with your move.
Added the heart and then thought it sounded as if I was glad you had troubles. I just meant to thank you for responding!
🤣🤣
Whydothis60minGraduate
All the above - plus:
Got halfway to my pilates class last week, realised I hadn't picked my mat up - could run home for it!
Wow, fantastic effort 🤗
CmoiGraduate10
All the above (except for freedom in lockdown, since we're limited to one hour exercise, once a day, within 1km radius of home)
Discovering new podcasts and having the time to listen to them
Feeling connected to a bunch of people on the internet despite never having met them
Being happier with my body than I have been in years
Acting like a kid again and flying with the dragons
Sorry about your 1k rule, I did wonder myself in April if I was stretching the distance boundaries a bit. Great other benefits - never forget them. 🤗
Thanks @Grannyhugs. I only started running in mid-May, after the first lockdown ended, so it's a whole new experience! I hate doubling back on routes, but think I might end up Grand Old Duke of York'ing it: run right up to the top of the hill, then run back down again! 
Well done for getting this far. Do tackle those hills 🤣, great for stamina and from butts. I certainly had a massive sense of freedom out running at the height of lockdown. 🤗
Which podcasts have you particularly enjoyed?
I hope you are asking Cmoi as I run naked, just me and nature, quiet nature today as my right hearing aid battery failed at the start of the run 🤣
On a running theme, I like RunPod by Jenni Falconer, which I think may have been a recommendation from here. It's at podtail.com/en/podcast/runpod/
My current favourite, though, is The Naked Podcast with Jenny Eells and Kat Harbourne: bbc.co.uk/programmes/p063wf...
As you can see from the link, it's nothing to do with running and will absolutely not be to everyone's taste. If you're offended by swearing and/or frank discussion about sex and bodies, then you shouldn't click on it. Personally I find it a great listen
Thank you. Currently on the ic, but one day I shall run and, as you say, listen undisturbed.
Speedy60Graduate10
I was in such a miserable mood yesterday I couldn't reply to this. 🌧 😔
But today is a new day.🌞 😊
You are absolutely right. Running got me through the last lockdown with all those wonderful endorphins. It t will get me through this one. 👊
We have to really dig deep through our inner thoughts some times and force ourselves out. I was in the darkest place last week but forced a 7k run on 2hrs sleep and despair, helped but hard🤗
It's true. I had a few down days over the spring, but they were never running days. I sometimes think I started couch to 5k 18 months ago as training for lockdown.
We must keep each other going. 🧡
Amazing what we have achieved since starting, I’m at month 15 so you’re a bit ahead of me. 🤗
EThomasGraduate10
All of the above reasons including:
Getting out of the house has been a priority. Finding new areas to run from home and exploring more. Meeting new people, especially everyone here.
Becoming more toned has been a big plus. Unfortunately I have still not managed to put on weight despite eating much more.
Generally feeling much better in myself. Running has given me the headspace needed for my mental health over a difficult year.
Support from this community.
What a fantastic impact running has had for you. Keep strong, keep running 🤗
MagellanGraduate10
Inspires partners / children / siblings to start their own fitness drive.
Quick way to learn the layout of the village the morning after I arrive in my holiday destination.
Enables me to get from the bottom to the top of the school site with two sets of books, a laptop and a handbag between lessons without puffing and panting.
Making other sports suddenly possible, like badminton and 5-a-side football, that I never used to be able to join in with.
A sense of achievement that I can start something in middle age and do well at it.
And the benefit go on 😀 what a great impact running has had on your life 🤗
LiflufGraduate10
All of the above but also got a bit of respect from sons and son-in-law who are all impressed that an old lady like me can run (even if they run twice as fast) 🤣🤣
Respect from those younger is brilliant. Let’s teach those youngsters what we can achieve 🙆🏼♀️🤗
Totally agree, also for me, improves stamina,helps you focus, and builds up determination, improves your endurance too, all the while having fun 🤩 no matter what the challenges are! Great post Grannyhugs 👍👏😃
Fantastic, a fun fun fun all the way, well done🤗
MJCAldGraduate10
All of the above, added thinking time and compliments from my husband....(who is actively encouraging the retail therapy because he likes the ‘results’!).
Well done you - encouraged to spend is brilliant, enjoy 🤗
LookslikejamesGraduate10
It gave me the confidence to push for a promotion that I’d deserved at work for a long time. I’m on day two of my new role now 😊 I have a sense of self belief I’ve never had in my life. Running quells my mental health issues. When I run I feel free! And I look forward to a day that life is back to normal so I can use my new ability for good, raising money for charities that need it.
Wow - congratulations on the new job role. It’s totally amazing the multiple impacts running has on us all. 🤗
SlinkymalinkiGraduate10
So many lovely and thought provoking comments. I would only add the following connected to the reasons I started running:
- Helps dissolve grief
- Gives you a purpose to get out & be part of your surroundings
- Gives you permission to do something 'just for you'
Happier times now, despite the uncertainties of life but I still run 'for my sanity' when I make it out there and will always be grateful for this forum for keeping me going. 🙏😊
What a lovely response, glad you are finding running so helpful 🤗
a_in_gsrGraduate10
It makes me happy!! Probably the most unexpected thing, but I do offer just feel so good during my runs.
Especially when we’re in lockdown, running makes me get outside. Also in winter! I used to be the type of person to hibernate from September onwards... but actually running in the wind / rain cold honestly feels so cool? I like it anyways 😎
It also makes me appreciate my body and want to fuel it properly ie eating lots of tasty food! I struggle with eating enough, but running makes me want to fuel right so I can run faster / longer / stronger.
Running has also made me become more mindful of my body: is it an ache or an injury? What speed am I comfy with? Am I tired or just lazy? I feel so much more connected to my runs now than beginning C25k and I think that’s super cool!!
What a fantastic journey you’ve been on with not just running but self awareness too. I wish you very many more happy running miles 🤗
cheekychipmunksGraduate10
Just saw this post GH. It’s when you have an enforced break that you realise how much running means to you.
I’ve been in self isolation since a positive COVID test last week and I’m climbing the walls. My weekly routine of 3-4 runs was so deeply ingrained that it feels alien to me not to be going out. I’ve definitely become a happier, fitter person since taking up running nearly 18 months ago - and I was never unhappy nor unfit in the first place! It just shows how much it can add, whether you think you need it or not.
Roll on Friday. My running shoes are ready ...... 🥰
It will be interesting to see what difference the enforced break from running has had. Enjoy that run. 🤗
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