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Column: Lace up your sneakers: The transformative power of running

Running has always been a part of my life. I have experienced everything from going on simple jogs around the block to training for high school track meets. But as I tie my shoes and step outside, I am reminded that the benefits I receive from it are not limited to physical fitness alone. It […]
<a href="https://highschool.latimes.com/author/vartangigi/" target="_self">Giselle Vartanian</a>

Giselle Vartanian

September 26, 2024

Running has always been a part of my life. I have experienced everything from going on simple jogs around the block to training for high school track meets. But as I tie my shoes and step outside, I am reminded that the benefits I receive from it are not limited to physical fitness alone. It is not just something you do to stay healthy; it could be described as an activity with many different benefits which has affected me in more than one aspect of my life.

No one can deny the physical benefits of running. Regular running strengthens the heart and lungs muscles and helps keep one’s weight under control. This works even better with consistency, since it becomes a full body exercise which builds stamina while increasing metabolism and leads to overall wellness. But such benefits should not limit us from realizing how much of a positive impact can come out of running.

Of all the things I have gained through this practice, none is more important than the mental clarity I have gained from running. When my feet hit against the hard pavement or when air rushes in and out of my lungs due to rhythmic breathing, these become moving meditations for me where my thoughts are sorted out clearly, thus enabling focus in those areas which require my attention most urgently. After many hours spent at school sitting behind a desk and answering questions about different subjects presented by teachers, running becomes my happy place, my escape from my daily routine. 

Another benefit that comes with running is managing emotional health. The “runner’s high” produced by endorphins released during runs may be described as happiness brought about after accomplishing something difficult. However, it goes deeper than what mere words can express since it brings tranquility and reduces stress levels significantly so that whenever I feel overwhelmed with problems all I need to do is go for a short distance jog. This gives me the chance to gain fresh insights on how best I should approach various challenges. 

Running connects people together also through active involvement within communities where events like charity races or joining local clubs take place. It fosters feelings of camaraderie and belonging among people from different walks of life who would never cross paths, but for their mutual love for running. Such connections offer not only a chance to make friends, but also an avenue for channeling our energies into supporting things that matter most to us like protecting the environment or promoting mental wellness.

Lastly, resilience skills learnt when training oneself physically by means like racing against others or pushing limits during tough workouts can never be underestimated because they remain applicable throughout life even beyond sporting activities. Indeed running has taught me valuable lessons concerning personal development which go beyond enhancing physical well-being alone; all these require self-discipline combined with determination, while fostering a positive mental attitude towards realizing set goals no matter what.

Running is more than just another way of keeping fit; it’s an experience that touches every aspect of my life. Running offers mental clarity, emotional balance, community connection, and personal growth. So if you are looking for overall improvement in your life, then lace up those sneakers because you might find yourself having fun on tracks, while gaining all the wonderful things that come with running.

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