Go Running
Why Running?
Hearts, like any other muscle, strengthen with exercise. Running is ideal for providing exercise as it increases the efficiency of the organ. Generally, the lower the heart rate the more efficient the heart. Did you know the heart of an average inactive person beats 36,000 times more than a runner?
Running is also an excellent method for losing weight. Experts recommend it as a sure-fire way of losing weight effectively and quickly. Did you know the body is capable of burning 100 calories for every mile covered? Other activities, such as cycling and walking, will burn only a fraction of those calories in the same amount of time.
Psychologically and chemically, the benefit of running can outweigh the physical gains. Did you know that the natural chemical endorphins released during sex are the same as those released during long periods of running? This substance is responsible for improving the immune system, pain relief, reducing stress levels and slowing the ageing process. A feeling of euphoria is the tell tale sign that your body has released endorphins into the system. Is it any wonder that this is referred to as the runners high?
UK Places & Races to Run?
Roads, beaches, fields, hills, mountains, parks - the world really is your oyster when it comes to finding places to run. The easiest and most practical way to get started is to contact your local running club. There are running clubs located all over the country and all of them offer organised runs on a weekly basis that allow you to improve at your own pace in the safety of a group. These runs are often in the evening, providing a great way to exercise after a hard day at the office and your club should be a good source of advice on what equipment youll need. Your running club will also be able to keep you updated on any forthcoming races if you fancy taking part in organised running events. Visit www.runnersweb.co.uk for more information about running clubs in your area.
Races and running events are held nationwide every weekend of the year across a whole range of distances and terrains, including road, cross country and fell. Your local area or interest may dictate what style of running you want to get involved in but rest assured there are kindred spirits already out there organising, training and competing. See www.allaboutrunning.co.uk
When to Start Running?
One of the best things about running is that it can be done almost anywhere, at any time and all year round. People will naturally have preferences; some will welcome the freshness of winter over the heat of summer and vice versa. With clubs hosting regular runs and races held almost every weekend, theres no reason not to start as soon as possible. Often a big draw can be setting yourself a goal such as a large organised event - a local 10k run or half-marathon, and youll need to start your training in order to be ready on the big day!
Preparation is the key to succeeding at organised running events. Make sure that you have the right footwear, clothing and have a properly organised training schedule to keep you on track for the event. The purely recreational runner should get hold of a good pair of running shoes and get going!
You dont have to be Lindford Christie to go out jogging. Running is for all ages and all shapes. In the G3 10km run we have runners over 70 years old and there are now many athletic clubs you can join who have running squads for kids as young as 12 years plus.
Further more you dont have to compete. Running is one of those sports where you can keep beating your own PB [personal best] by improving at your own pace, although running with others does sometimes make the sport more enjoyable. Clubs such as 8th Day UK organise a Run & Roast for those who prefer the social side to running rather than the exercise itself.
Top British Running Events & Occasions
Toby Jenkins has been raising money for Motor Neurone Disease through completing various sporting events from racing against horses in Wales to completing Iron Man challenges via the San Francisco Triathlon. Competing in these events has inspired Toby to organise his own races in the South England area, under the business name all about running (www.allaboutrunning.co.uk). Currently the G3 10k cross country running series is "possibly the hardest 10k" in the U.K. and now the Xtreme Terrain Triathlon and Duathlon are fast becoming synonymous with well organised and very demanding races.