Why is running so popular? – 12 reasons

More and more people stop living as couch potatoes. They put on running shoes and a comfortable T-shirt and go for a run. Running is becoming increasingly popular because it is one of those sports for which you don’t need much to get started. 

Why is running so popular? Why do people like running? How do people convince themselves to start training several times a week, regardless of the weather and season? Find out for yourself!

1. Improving mood and well-being

Happiness hormones – endorphins, are secreted during running. Immediately after you finish your workout, you can feel your mood improve and you feel better about yourself. What’s more, endorphins can effectively reduce stress. In today’s world, there are a lot of stressful situations, we encounter such situations every day. 

That’s why a lot of people, to clear their minds, relax and forget about their problems for a while, choose to run outdoors. Running has a very positive effect on the psyche.

2. Wide access to free knowledge for runners

The very fact that you are here is proof of this point. On the Internet, you will find many blogs and Youtube accounts that give free knowledge to beginner runners. Without tips and wise advice, a runner could not progress. With such advice, you can run better and enjoy your training. After all, that’s what sports should be – giving you joy, not anguish and reluctance to continue training. 

However, it’s not just knowledge that’s most important here. Motivation! On blogs, you will find not only practical knowledge and tips but also motivation to take action and get up from the couch and do something with your body and way of life. This is what many people sometimes lack, the motivation to take the first step.

3. Why do people like running? – silhouette 

The most common reason why individuals start exercising is to lose weight. Looking in the mirror they don’t like what they see and want to do something about that. The easiest way to do this is by running outdoors. 

With regular workouts, you can finally burn calories and lose weight. Work out your dream silhouette and finally feel good about your body. However, remember to take care of your diet as well. Running alone is not enough. Change your menu, think about a caloric deficit and watch the effects of your work.

4. Social Media 

Many people have Instagrams or Facebook profiles related to running. On their profiles, they show what progress they have made and, above all, inspire others to put on running shoes and go for even a short run. It will certainly be hard at the very beginning, but with each subsequent run, your fitness will increase. 

Many people are motivated by the beautiful silhouette that runners often show in photos. Thanks to today’s technology, it is easy to find such influencers. All you have to do is enter the appropriate hashtag, such as #running. 

Many influencers encourage their followers to be physically active through interesting promotions and codes from many running-related shops. This allows you to redeem training plans, sportswear, or shoes with a discount code for a lower price. However, remember not to stop buying the outfit. Put it into practice and go running.

5. Why is running so popular? – run where you want 

Running is popular because you can do it almost anywhere. It doesn’t matter if you live in a big city or the countryside. In the countryside, any track can be a good option for a runner – peace, quiet, nature – live not to die. In a larger city, you will find good running paths in parks. You can also run in the woods or your backyard. Any option is good. 

Doing other physical activities involves looking for a suitable location, and commuting. Not everyone has the time to do this. 

6. Almost anyone can run

Almost anyone can run. Excluded are people who are very overweight, and have degenerative musculoskeletal conditions and heart problems. Even pregnant women can run – but only after consulting a gynecologist. If the doctor doesn’t have any objections, and you feel fine during pregnancy, then take a breather while running outdoors. 

You can run at any age no matter if you are 15 or 60. If you feel up to it and your doctor has no contraindications you can hit the trail. 

Combat sports, artistic gymnastics, or weightlifting is not for everyone. Running is! If you look at training plans for people doing other sports, you can see that there is practically always running, which will perfectly complement your training.

7. Why is running so popular? – you can run all year 

You can run all year. Whether it’s a warm summer or a cold winter. All you need to do is dress appropriately to be adapted to the prevailing weather conditions. Runners aren’t afraid of winter and cold weather. 

8. Running competitions are everywhere

If you’re the kind of person who needs adrenaline or competition, think about participating in running competitions. Such events can be found not only in large cities but also in smaller towns and villages. By choosing this physical activity, you are assured that someday you will be able to participate in competitions without any problems. 

Moreover, there are many types of competitions: for example 5k, 10k, half marathon, and marathon. Therefore, you will not get bored. What’s more, you’ll be even more motivated to exercise to finish your run during the competition at the best possible time or just to reach the finish line.

There are also a lot of events that are not strictly related to diet and healthy living. These are just “for fun” runs such as a marathon where you can enjoy a glass of wine along the way and food tracts are laid out along the route.

9. Why do people like running? – souvenirs from the competitions

When you take part in the competition you get a participation package, for which you can buy a commemorative medal. This is an extraordinary souvenir for everyone who takes part in the race. No matter which place you take – the medal is guaranteed. Well, unless you finish on the podium, then the prize is even better. 

Some people like to collect their trophies. They hang medals on the wall and collect T-shirts from every race they’ve been to. You can always brag to your friends about what you have achieved and show them your medals 😉

10. Make new friendship

Want to find new friends to share your passion with? Run where there are plenty of runners. In larger cities, that would be parks and places that are not very busy. Nowadays, runners can be found everywhere. 

Running together not only creates a wonderful friendship, but you will also have someone who can motivate you in moments of crisis. Besides, it is always better and more enjoyable to run with a partner.

11. You can run as you want!

Just because you’re running doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to compete right away. 

You can run recreationally, to improve your mood, in the woods, with your dog, or even with your child in a special stroller. Of course, nothing will stop you from training and preparing for competitions. Who knows, you may yet become a professional runner. 

How, why, and when you run is not important. What is important is your motivation and desire for physical activity. When running, just remember the right shoes, outfit, and running technique.

12. Run and help others 

Many running events raise money for a good cause. Many runners participate in such events and help others with their enthusiasm and willingness to run. This is another reason why running is popular. 

You are not just running for yourself, but also others. The satisfaction after completing such a route is even better than standing on the podium – knowing that you helped another person is great! 

You can help all the time, not only during running competitions. You can download the Charity Miles app. After logging in, you can choose one of more than 60 organizations for which you will raise money through running. Even if you don’t run much and think that your small contribution won’t do anything, you’re wrong. Remember that even one small act of kindness can change someone’s life.

I hope that after reading this article you now understand why people like running and why running is so popular. You can train where you want, take part in competitions, make new friends and help others. The hardest part is taking the first step, then it will be downhill. Put on comfortable shoes and try! Don’t give up!