Participating in running events has immense
and long-term benefits. Even those who constantly join these events do not sure
for sure what are the specific benefits of participating on such activities.
Well, they join fun runs, for instance, because their friends ask them to join.
At times, a club or association forces them to participate in the said
activity. Would it be nice to know what you are running for exactly? Here are
some of the reasons for joining these events.
1) Running events are for a good cause.
Many a times the activities are organized
to support a great cause or advocacy. In some instances, the beneficiaries are
the most vulnerable groups in our society. These are often the people, groups
and communities who badly need seed funds, reinforcements and awareness. When
you join, you are not only improving your physicality, but also are also
contributing to a worthy cause.
2) Running events are great for bonding.
These events are fun because you get to do
it with family, friends, co-workers, etc. Some events are even categorized into
tandem and relay categories. Evidently, the fun part is not solely because of
running together, but more in strategizing together to finish the race. Remember?
Running is not all about winning, but finishing. READ SOMEWHERE: The family
that runs together, stays together. Indeed.
3) Running events are complete with perks and freebies.
Upon paying the registration fee, you will
be entitled to the custom-designed shirt and other running paraphernalia that
the organizers prepare to come with the fee. That’s not all, however, because
on race day itself, runners will be handed lots of freebies from water jugs to
towels to slippers.
4) Running events are good for your health.
This should be the first, but for obvious
reasons, it was put last. Running helps in building stronger bones and
strengthening muscles. Aside from helping in maintaining a healthy weight,
running also improves the person’s cardiovascular fitness. It raises the levels
of good cholesterol and decreases that of the bad cholesterol. Running thereby
improves the overall health.
Further, there are those who prefer to run
alone since running is their ultimate ‘me’ time. Let me say that joining the
events could be the best thing that a runner can do. Running along with
co-runners instigate an overall improvement in one’s performance. Not to
mention, running with others provide enduring companionship that running alone
cannot necessarily provide. The motivation to run will not be there always. But
knowing that others will be there to run with you, you’ll surely get yourself
out the door quick.
Running activities are complete with a
plethora of sub-events that can get the competitive juices continuously
flowing. The moral support of your family and friends alone can be the
unyielding difference that separates a great run from a good run despite
competing with higher level runners than you are. The opportunity of running
itself with the big wigs in the running community is a pride in itself. What
more when you win the race? Even when you are not running to compete, the
freedom of doing it whenever and wherever you want is enough motivation.
Each participant’s reason for running is
diverse. Whatever your reason may be in wearing that trainers and hitting the
trails, there are compelling reasons why running in group helps in making the
running experience itself much better. Running is encouraged to improve one’s
physical health. Nonetheless, it is one way of supporting an advocacy. The best
part is you get to do it with your loved ones and each one of you will not go
home empty handed.
Image credit: RunMania.ph
