15 Benefits to Marathon Running – From A Boston Marathon Finisher
Marathon running has become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more people see the benefits of this challenging sport. From improved cardiovascular health to increased mental toughness, there are many reasons why runners of all levels should consider tackling a marathon. In this blog post, we’ll explore 15 benefits of marathon running that may convince you to start training for your next race. So lace up your sneakers, and let’s get started!
Benefits to Running are Endless
There’s nothing quite like pounding your feet against the pavement and feeling the wave of emotions course through you from conquering a marathon. It requires dedication, persistence, and strength to finish all three, plus some sore muscles and chipped toenails. Still, it’s worth it for the fantastic benefits. Training for a marathon can provide profound mental, physical, and emotional development that will alter every aspect of your life. While there may be short-term pain in the form of blistered feet at the end of the race and soreness, the long-term rewards are irreplaceable and invaluable. Ultimately running is an enriching pastime that provides immense growth — scientifically backed benefits in nearly all areas of life.
Disclaimer: This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult with your Doctor or Primary Physician before incorporating exercise and advice in this article.
#1 Running can improve your mental health
It’s true. Running can do wonders for your mental health. Recent studies have confirmed that physical exercise has been proven to reduce stress, improve mood and increase cognitive functioning. The best part about running is that it is widely available everywhere. Its results are undoubtedly cost-effective — all you need is a pair of shoes! Running releases endorphins into the body, which helps boost happiness and reduce feelings of stress. Running in nature allows for a fully immersive experience where you can take in the sights, smells, and sounds of your surroundings -nature’s medicine. So if you’ve been feeling down or under some pressure lately, lacing up those shoes and hitting your local path or street can be just what you need.
#2 Marathon running can help you sleep better
By adding marathon running to your lifestyle, you can witness improved sleep quality in no time. It is a scientific fact that high-intensity exercises like running lead to more restful sleep. Moreover, intense exercise increases the body’s internal temperature and thus helps to achieve more profound relaxation while resting after exercise. Compared to other workouts, running increases the accessibility of sleep by reducing stress and calming the mind. Furthermore, it helps boost energy production that supports the regulation of your sleeping cycle and restores the physiological balance with subsequent long-duration rests. Therefore, if you want to improve your chances for a good night’s rest, consider taking up marathon running!
#3 Running can increase your lifespan
Exercise is one of the best ways to stay healthy and reduce your risk of developing life-threatening diseases. Running can increase your lifespan and improve your overall physical abilities. Studies have shown that running can reduce stress and lower the risk of type II diabetes. Running also helps you lose weight, keep your heart strong and healthy, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve mental health. Additionally, running consistently for 30 minutes daily can add years to your life expectancy. It helps maintain a healthy body weight and reduces inflammation that can cause chronic illnesses in the long run. So why not lace up those sneakers, get out, and start running? The rewards are a longer, healthier life!
#4 Running can help you find a community of friends
Running is a great way to connect with people with similar interests. Participating in races – whether 5ks, marathons, obstacle courses, or something else – allows you to interact and collaborate with an entire community of people who want to improve their physical health. And when you’re looking to switch up your usual workout routine, why not invite others? Inviting friends to join your running regimen may be the best way to find a new crew and enjoy the experience of being active together. After all, it’s well-known that having an accountability partner during your runs makes staying motivated just a bit easier! Whether you push them or they push you, making meaningful connections through running can turn into friendships that last for years.
#5 Running can improve your heart health
Running is a great way to improve your heart health and overall fitness. Not only does running help you to maintain a healthy weight, decreases your risk of cardiovascular disease, and has also been proven to lower cholesterol and reduce high blood pressure. Additionally, when you run, the increased oxygen content helps to sharpen the brain, keeps arteries clear, and strengthens the functioning of the heart. Believe it or not, 30 minutes of running daily can significantly improve cardiovascular health. No matter what shape you’re in, making this daily commitment can make all the difference in your life. So grab those sneakers and get going!
#6 Running can reduce your risk of developing cancer
Running can work wonders for your body and even help reduce your risk of developing cancer. Numerous studies have found that regular activity such as running can positively impact overall health, including an improved immune system and reduced risk of certain diseases. Running is especially helpful in reducing your chances of developing cancer. It has been linked to lowered risks of various standard forms of the disease, including breast and colon cancer. Of course, no single approach works for everyone, so talk with your doctor about your medical situation and ways to reduce your risk however possible. In any case, running will bring unique benefits to the table!
#7 Better brain function
Marathon training can also lead to better brain function. This is because exercise has been shown to increase levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). This protein promotes nerve cell growth and development. Additionally, exercise has been shown to improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, both of which are important for cognitive function.
#8 Improved Confidence from Running a Marathon
When you’ve completed a marathon, it’s like hitting an astonishing and impassable peak of confidence. You know then that no matter the challenge, you can draw on your strength to overcome it. Because if there’s one thing this feat has taught you is that nothing comes close to feeling so victorious! When faced with daunting tasks in future ventures, remember just how capable and powerful crossing such a finish line made you think. Only those who have reached their full-marathon goals understand what part of this elite club means.
#9 Completing a Marathon is a significant Accomplishment
Completing a marathon can give runners such an incredible sense of achievement and pride that the months leading up to it, no matter the difficulty, seem worth it. Achieving success in a marathon instills within runners a desire to continue challenging themselves through physical feats. Many likened this feeling of achievement to addiction; the feeling is so powerful that once experienced, most are motivated to run yet another marathon as soon as possible! By pushing one’s limits and experiencing this accomplishment, running a marathon not only raises self-confidence levels but also gives individuals something tangible to show for their hard work: a medal or certificate reflecting all their hard training. An avid runner can tell you there is nothing quite like the rush they get after running those final meters – and going beyond what they thought was possible!
#10 Running Connects you to Humanity’s History
Running connects us to our past. Our current understanding of running is rooted deeply in our evolutionary history. As humans developed an ability to travel greater distances, they saw the potential for using it as an advantage when chasing the game – and endurance was vital! Research conducted by Darren Geher reveals that nomadic groups could cover up to 20 miles a day, granted the necessary resources were available. This phenomenon laid the foundations for what we now understand as long-distance running, not just marathon courses but further exploration through natural terrain.
#11 Marathon Training creates Good Habits
Running a marathon is more than just an athletic achievement – it can be life-changing. By setting targets and committing time to train, you’ll improve your physical health and cultivate discipline that will transfer into all aspects of life. This commitment could form the foundation for achieving long-term goals in both personal and professional realms!
#12 Marathon Running can Provide Travel Opportunities to See the World!
Take your training run to the next level with a marathon in an exotic destination. Choose from tropical beaches, alpine peaks, and more! By opting for something different, you’ll create excitement around yourself and motivate yourself on those dark mornings when running is the last thing on your mind. And why not make it into a vacation? Extend that stay after crossing off all 26 miles. Turn it into a long-weekend city break when traveling abroad or even explore another part of this great world closer to home! So why wait any longer; get out there and take advantage of what marathons can offer: unique destinations plus personal challenges within one incredible experience! If you need inspiration, check out our article on the top marathons to add to your bucket list.
#13 Strengthen Your Immune System with Marathon Training
Running a marathon offers many physical and mental health benefits, one of the most underrated being its impact on immunity. Immunity is our body’s defense mechanism – protecting itself from disease and infection and keeping us healthy. Research shows that consistent running heightens immune performance in body parts that are hardest to reach during exercises, like the lungs and tissue cells. Immunity visibly increases when looking at post-marathon runners compared to their pre-running state. Enduring intense training blocks leading to event day teaches your body how to respond to stressful conditions. Which can boost immunity, turning you into a superhero of sorts! So if you’re considering running a marathon for your physical health – consider giving your immune system an extra boost too!
#14 Running can be a Tool to Connect You to Nature
Running a marathon is more than just an accomplishment and a boost of self-esteem; it’s a way to become intimately in tune with nature. Not only will you be aware of each step that your feet take in sync with the elements around you. But you will also observe how nature—in all its glory—supports you through each kilometer, enabling you to cross the finish line. You can almost feel the wind next to your skin as one of Mother Nature’s comforting caresses whispers, “keep going.” This connection is deeply satisfying; reach out and embrace it!
#15 Running can make you Happier with Every Step-Cognitive reframing
Running provides significant cognitive benefits, allowing you to tap into the power of positive thinking. Every step helps reinforce positivity throughout your body and soul. Create a mantra to repeat while running or even write it on your wrist–this can help keep focus mentally or out loud during races and training runs. Using the Cognitive Reframing technique, we create meaningful shifts in our outlook that allow us to approach situations with optimism. Running is one powerful way to realize these gains. With every step you take, you can actively reinforce positivity within your body, mind, and soul. It’s part of why you can feel so good after running!
Marathon Training is a Powerful Tool
Running has so many benefits for your mental and physical health. There’s no excuse not to give it a try. And if you’re starting, we have resources to help get you on your way. Visit our website for articles about the best running shoes, sprinting workouts to get started, and recovery to keep you going strong. So what are you waiting for? Lace-up those sneakers and hit the pavement!
