I will admit it, I really, really, really don’t like running. And it’s OK, because there are so many other activities that I love. But I am trying to fall in love with running, mostly because I feel like an outsider these days. ‘Everyone is doing it’. And it’s so uncomplicated. When I’m on the road, it’s the easiest way to practice what I preach, which is move your body every day. All you need is shoes and an iPod. And a whole lot of positive self-talk.

In the training I’ve been doing over the winter, I have come to appreciate the benefits of running. And I’ve come up with a few tricks for folks like me who want to love this thing that they hate. So here are five reasons and tips for the running-haters who need a little convincing.

1) As I mentioned above, it’s uncomplicated. As long as you can lace up your sneakers and get out the door, you’ve won half the battle. Once you’re on the road, or treadmill, you can begin by doing a run-walk program. Gradually increase your running time, and decrease your walking time.
2) It helps to have a goal. Spring and summer are 5K seasons. Every community has an organized run nearly every weekend. Set a goal to complete a 5K before the end of summer. It will get you out there more often, and make you work on improving your finishing time.
3) Running is the quickest way to lose weight. Whenever I have taken up running, I drop pounds quickly. You will start to see the muscles in your legs, calves, and maybe even core area start to emerge from their winter hibernation in no time.
4) Running builds muscle. Not only do you develop leg strength when jogging, but foot strength, hip strength, and core strength. Proper foot strike, landing just behind the ball of your foot, helps in strengthening the muscles in the bottom of your foot, and around your ankle. You’re also developing stronger calves and shins. Jogging also helps strengthen quadriceps, hamstrings and glute muscles. And as icing on the cake, engaging the muscles of the core while you’re jogging helps you develop a stronger core. For more on this, see this video.
5) Don’t wait until you FEEL like running. That will never happen. Motion Creates Emotion! Once you get moving, then and only then do you FEEL like moving. I like the 10 minute rule. Make yourself get out there for 10 minutes and if you still want to stop, then stop. At least you got 10 minutes in. 99 times out of 100 though, I keep going, and it feels great! Remember also, that the first mile is always the hardest. Stick it out, and get in the groove. Who knows…you might even begin to like it!

If you’d like more tips on fitness or yoga, please visit my website. www.DeniseDruce.com.