5 ways in which running benefits other areas of life

Plenty of folks take up running for reasons like weight loss, improving health or finally completing that dream marathon. It’s goals like these that continue to grow our running community but while these sorts of resolutions draw more and more people to the scene, other rewards that come with adopting the runner’s lifestyle are usually the benefits that turn them into lifelong endurance athletes. If running is a new hobby of your’s, know that by committing to a routine, you will soon see benefits pop up in your day-to-day life in areas you weren’t expecting. Below, five ways in which running translates to other areas of life.

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Work 

How running helps: You committed to the local 5K and successfully completed it. Months later, you ran your first 10K. Last year, you knocked your PB down significantly. Suddenly, that intimidating project seems more doable. It also helps that those mornings runs have you more perky and alert by the time 9 a.m. rolls around.

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Relationships

How running helps: You understand what it means to show up for that scheduled morning run with your training partner. You also know how they feel if you suddenly ghost them on the planned workout or cancel your plans to cheer them on at their race. Sportsmanship – or lack thereof – is like the magnified version of everyday life relationships.  

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Goal setting

How running helps: Runners have a way of setting (and achieving) goals they never thought possible. (Fall half-marathon, we’re looking at you.) Many runners come to understand what it means to truly challenge yourself. Cue that eureka moment when you realize it’s time to do the same in a non-running related area of life. I.e. finances, career, travel… 

Confidence 

How running helps: Showing up to that new running club wasn’t so bad. Neither was arriving solo at the start line. Hey, you even booked a flight to run a marathon across the country. And when you thought other pedestrians were judging your running capabilities, you soon realized they weren’t. Plus, after even just a few weeks of running, you feel healthier and stronger, you look trimmer and you’ve surprised yourself with your pace increase. This newfound confidence benefits every single other aspect of your day-to-day life. Congratulations. 

Time-blocking

How running helps: When you’re really committed to your running but your days are full, you recognize the power of half an hour. You understand that the “too busy” excuse is just fluff because you’ve been managing to elevate your fitness level in the small blocks of spare time here and there. Suddenly, you recognize that one hour of the day can be used for small career gains, extra de-cluttering, a solid catch-up with an old friend or knocking off those pesky chores.