5 Reasons to Start Running Today

Hey Runners! My name is Hallie and I’m a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor, RRCA Certified Run Coach, Precision Nutrition Level 1 Nutrition Coach, and Mad Dogg Athletics Certified Spinning Instructor.  I have been living in Philadelphia since 2009 and became a coach in 2017.  I worked at several local studios before transitioning into online coaching.  I ran cross country and track in high school, where my love for running began.  After high school, my life put me on a path that did not include long-distance running. I was motivated by seeing my first Broad Street Run, I had a visceral response that told me that I needed to be back involved with this endeavor. In 2013, I signed up for the Broad Street Run lottery but was unfortunately not selected.  At that point I joined the American Cancer Society team and was able to raise the money for a bib and off I went.  It was an amazing experience and my love for long-distance running was reinvigorated.  Since then, I have completed 3 full marathons, 10 half marathons, 10 Broad Street Runs, and several 15k, 10k, and 5 milers.

I’ll be collaborating with Run the Day this whole month in hopes to get you ready using all of my best tips, tricks, and knowledge.  Follow along with me this month to read additional articles and research for your reading pleasure.

So here are 5 reasons why we all should start running today.

1.  Running Improves Your Health

It’s a great way to improve the cardiovascular and immune systems.  It also increases your lung capacity and reduces your risk of chronic diseases.    

It is also a calorie-burning vehicle which is an excellent way to help manage your weight. 

 Running has been proven to reduce inflammation, cancers, and Type 1 diabetes, and helps prevent Type 2 diabetes.

Additionally, running can be a great stress reliever and mood-booster, which can improve your mental and emotional health.

This leads me to my next reason why you should start running. 

2.  Reducing Stress

Running is a great way to relieve stress and anxiety.  Regular running can help improve your mood, reduce tension, and provide a sense of accomplishment. 

It can control stress and boost the body's ability to deal with existing mental tension. When you run, your body releases endorphins, which are natural stress-fighters that can help improve your mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.  These endorphins help you clear your mind, reduce tension, and provide a sense of relaxation and well-being.  These benefits provide a great way to manage stress levels and cope with the daily challenges of life. 

Whether solo or with a group, running is a powerful tool for managing your mental and emotional health.

The more you run and the more fit you get, the better you'll feel about yourself. It's all about the release of endorphins and serotonin that makes us more energetic, alert, and happier. 

The benefit of feeling good about yourself has been proven to boost your mood and lessen your anxiety.  Running has also been proven to provide a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence which both helps you achieve your fitness goals. This energized feeling of positivity will ultimately provide you with a better sense of well-being.

 3.  Increased Energy and Endurance 

Running has been proven to gain more REM sleep, which in turn increases your endurance and energy levels. 

 It helps you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling more refreshed and energized.  

Better sleep quality equals better mental health which in turn can help you feel more alert, focused, and productive throughout the day. 

Improved energy levels equal improved mental health. 

4.  A Sense of Community 

Running is a way to meet new people and find a sense of community. Whether you join a local running club or participate in a race, running can connect you with others who share your passion for fitness and health.  There are many running clubs, groups, and organizations that you can join such as which ones OPAC, Fishtown Beer Runners, and Swaggahouse Run Club. You can see a complete list of run groups in Philadelphia here. 

I have personally met some of my closest friends from these clubs and from attending group fitness classes.  When you have a group of like-minded friends who motivate you and keep you accountable, you are more likely to keep on training.

This camaraderie helps provide motivation, support, and encouragement, which can help you stay committed to your goals. Additionally, many cities and towns host running events, such as marathons, half-marathons, and charity races. 

I always suggest to my clients that are new to the area to go to group runs because you never know who you will run into :).  And traveling is a great way to experience new places.

So, if you're looking to connect with others and be part of a community, this can be a great way to do so!

5.  Achieving Your Goals 

Running requires setting specific goals and training to achieve them. Whether you want to run a 5K, a half marathon, or a full marathon, setting these goals help you stay more motivated and focused. 

If you're looking for a way to track your progress, I recommend checking out Run the Day. It's a great app that can help you plan and track your running programs. It helps you create customized plans based on your fitness level and goals.  You can discover and register for your next race.   Whether you're a beginner or an experienced runner, Run the Day can help you stay on track and achieve your goals. 

Well, there you have it friends!  5 Reasons why YOU should start running today!  Stay tuned for more blogs and fun items from me all throughout this month and get all of your answers to the how’s in this post.

Let’s be friends! / Where to find me (Hallie)?

Hey! I’m Hallie, your running coach. I understand how frustrating it can be to lack an individualized training program, feel defeated when you can’t get faster to hit your time goals, and stay injury free to keep running all year long. Over the past ten years, I have helped many female runners get started on their running journey and take their goals to new heights with ease. I know how much goes into making it to the starting line feeling prepared and ready to tackle the race.

1. Hallie Murphy, based in Northeast Philly

2. Website: www.halliemurphy.com

3. Email: [email protected]

4. Instagram: @hallie__murphy Tiktok: @hallie.murphy