Running offers many more benefits than merely losing weight and improving your cardio. 

It’s well known as a good stress reliever and could actually save your life at multiple levels. 

Think of someone that may have been a heart attack in waiting because of stress, who started working out in the nick of time. 

Those that suffer from depression have found purpose, joy and sense of accomplishment from running. 

Imagine yourself becoming fit and in a situation where you need to run to or from something or someone. 

Your running fitness could make all the difference for a positive outcome.  

Have you ever dreamed of turning back the clock to when you looked and felt your best? Running can make it possible. 

Some people use drugs to get high and achieve exhilaration. Running will eventually give you that and more.

It gets better. The only equipment you need is a good pair of shoes, non-cotton shorts, top and socks to stay dry, and a good stretch of road. 

Rob Guy, founder of Canada Run Club says, “There are 1.6 million Canadians who run one plus times per week. Many of those are purely recreational with no interest in races, more focused on things like weight loss, stress release and a generally healthy lifestyle.”

In the book, Runner’s World, Complete Guide to Running, it lists 49 Reasons to love running. Here are what I consider to be the Top 10 reasons to get off your La-Z-Boy and start running: 

1. Vitamin D. Running is for every level of runner. You don’t need to be an elite runner to enjoy it and achieve your personal goals.

2. Running on trails provides quiet serenity while you absorb Mother Nature’s gifts. It’s like stopping to smell the roses, except you don’t have to stop. You don’t have to think; you just take it all in and savor the moment. 

3. Quality time – running is an activity which the whole family can participate, including with modern baby stroller, built for speed and safety.

4. Running can be addictive, which is a good thing to replace addictions to smoking or drinking after you are done with your addiction treatment. It’s possible to transform from a 50 pounds overweight person with bad habits to a clean living, inspirational picture of fitness to others. 

5. Head for the hills, the ultimate calorie killer.  Find a decent incline to incorporate into your program and you’ll burn up to 40 per cent more calories. As you become more comfortable with running, you may decide on six to 10 hill repeats before continuing on your route. 

6. See the world through running – include in your travel plans a running event – a great way to explore your new surroundings on foot.

7. Explore your neighborhood and discover new running routes. This offers variety to your program and change of pace that will keep your program fresh.

8. Run for your mental health.  Becoming fit will restore confidence and empower you to cope better in all aspects of life.

9. Let music inspire you to keep going. Your workout will be over before you know it as you run to the beat of your best tunes.

10. Following a running program will encourage you to be more disciplined in areas of nutrition and proper sleep, which in turn can make you more successful in other areas in your life.

To get started it is suggested to walk for 30 minutes three times a week for up to three weeks.  Then begin a walk/run program by running for one minute, walking for four minutes over 30 minutes total, three times weekly for two weeks. 

Then walk for two minutes and run for two minutes for the same duration. Next run for three minutes, walk for one minute. 

After two weeks you should be ready for a slow, continuous 30-minute run.  

Now you’re a runner. No need to worry about speed which will take care of itself. 

Just love it.

Christine Blanchette is a TV host and producer of Run With It, a monthly running, fitness and lifestyle program.