After a full day of classes and countless steps during your walks between classes, I’m sure the last thing you want to do is go for a run. Change your shoes, change your clothes, walk downstairs, and out the door. But is that all really THAT difficult? Every night around seven or eight o’clock, I go for a run. I tell myself that running should be a part of my daily lifestyle. After a long day when all I want to do is sit down and be lazy, I make myself run, even if it’s just a jog. What else am I going to use the time for? Let’s be honest, it’s not like I’m going to do m homework the very second I get back from class…my brain will fry! However, sitting on Facebook and watching movies shouldn’t keep someone from getting outside and moving.
Here are my top three reasons for making myself run at least 3 miles each day:
1. I feel better about myself. I know its sounds cliché and may seem pointless at the time, but it really does make all the difference your health. Aside from looking good or losing weight, running enhances so many other parts of the body, from providing the brain with a healthy flow of blood to boosting your metabolism.
2. Running alone gives you time to think. Personally, when I run, I come up with my greatest ideas. Sometimes I wish I had a notebook with me! Running solo gives you a chance to find your own pace, really enjoy the nature around you, and maybe even pray about things. However, running with a buddy or a few gives you a chance to have some really great conversations. When I run with my friends, we always try to keep the same pace and we push each other without realizing it, which is great for the mind. Running with friends also guarantees a few breaks, which can be pretty nice. When on campus, I run around St. Joseph and St. Mary’s lakes. The view of the dome and shade of the trees really enhance my run and truly brings me joy. Even dodging geese reminds me that I am in a very special and beautiful place.
3. Running lengthens your life span. I don’t know about you, but I really love my life so this makes me extremely happy! Running has this magic effect because of the way it rejuvenates the mind, body, and soul, but only if you let it. Remember, even a slow jog is better than not running at all.
I believe that people who run are genuinely happier people. When I go a week without running, I feel a definite difference in my attitude. I feel lazy, slow, and, honestly, a little bit down. When I come back from a run, I feel like I can do more things without feeling guilty. Now I can watch a movie and eat some ice cream because I worked for it! I am more alert when doing my homework and studying and I am friendlier around people. When you go for a run to the grotto or around the lakes at Notre Dame, you never know who you’ll meet or what you’ll see, and that’s pretty exciting!