The Benefits of Running

I have been on North’s Cross Country and Track and Field team since seventh grade and enjoy running every day. Whenever I feel stressed or just need to clear my mind, I go for a run, and I feel amazing and energetic like I just drank forty cups of coffee. Running not only improves your mental and physical health, but it provides individuals with important life lessons. I have learned over the years that it is important to be on time, persevere when facing obstacles, remain “hungry” for opportunities in which I can reach full potential, have a winner’s mindset, build self-confidence, and most importantly have fun.

Firstly, running improves an individual’s physical and mental health. For example, running improves cardio health and lowers the risk of having cardiovascular diseases. Even if it is for just fifteen minutes a day, a little can go a long way. It also lowers an individual’s resting heart rate, thus leading to them having a more efficient heartbeat. Furthermore, running can improve sleep, knee health and back health. Running helps lower stress and clears the mind, which leads to better sleep and relaxation. It can even lead to a lower arthritis rate and improved back health as runners must have good running form, which includes keeping your back straight and relaxed. Lastly, running can help lower the odds of someone obtaining upper tract respiratory infections and leads to a better mood and energy. After every run, I always feel like a new person and become excited for the day. I also feel more productive when completing homework and am in a better mood.

Additionally, running also improves academic performance and learning ability. In other words, exercise increases circulation throughout the body and enhances brain function, thus leading to academic achievement. For example, students that perform aerobic exercises daily may have higher test scores than those who do not exercise. I have seen this in my life as well because as a junior in high school and take multiple AP classes. Running after school helps me deal with stress and the workload of junior year. Coming home from school without running does not help me complete my homework, as I feel unmotivated and my brain overflows with thoughts from the school day. On the other hand, running after school helps me clear my mind, have fun, and prepares me for the schoolwork ahead. The next day, I ace my exams and get the grades that I want.

In essence, running is a lifelong sport. Whether you are 13 or 45, running is for everyone. All you have to do is put on your shoes and start running. It is not a sport that requires a lot of equipment. If you decide to start running, start off easy, be sure to hydrate (Trader Joe’s Alkaline water is my favorite), eat foods heavy in protein and fruits and vegetables, and most importantly have fun and run with close friends or relatives.

All in all, being on the team has brought me closer to the North community and I have made many friends that I would not have made had I not joined cross country and track. I would like to thank my brother and my coaches for motivating me to join Cross Country and Track and fight through the pain of running. I will miss running for North when I graduate; however, I cannot wait to see what we can accomplish in the 2024-2025 season.

References: 

How Does Running Improve Your Health? (webmd.com) 

The Correlation Between Running And The Classroom (coachweber.org)