No, it’s not because there’s a crazy axe murderer behind you, or because you’re missing the bus (although those are good reasons to run). These are 5 reasons why you should step away from the egg nog and lace up those kicks and get a move on via two feet and a heart beat!
1. It Does a Body Good.
Running is good for your health – plain and simple. It’s a great way to relieve stress and clear your head. You’ll strengthen the heart and lungs and whether you have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, running can help keep both of those in check. It’s also a great way to burn calories and lose weight, and if you’re already happy with where your waist line is – then enjoy filling that calorie deficient with a post run gingerbread man – you’ve earned it!
2. Set Goals.
I love running because it allows me to set AND complete goals. The first goal I ever set running was to race the NYC marathon. Not at that point of time, 7 years ago, I was barely able to run for 20min on the treadmill, it was lofty, and I loved working for it (and accomplishing it!). Be sure to keep your goals S.M.A.R.T! That’s Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic/Relevant, and Time based. Build up your distance slowly and safely, and use your goals as motivation to get moving.
3. Meet a New Crew.
For my first year in Toronto I ran alone and I liked it and that was great. Then I connected with my local lululemon and have spent the last 3 years running with a crew. A running community is a great way to not only meet people who have common interests, but is a great way to share advice, product reviews, routes, and to stay safe while running at dawn and dusk. Running with a crew will help you stay motivated, not only during these chilly winter runs, but they will help you to meet, as well as celebrate, your running goals.
4. Low or No Cost.
Running can pretty much be done anywhere and with very little equipment (just don’t say that to my closet full of lululemon and shoes!). Grab a good pair of running shoes and you’re ready to hit the streets.
5. Explore.
Running is a great way to explore and see what’s new in your town or while out on vacation. Throw on your shoes and explore. Even after 4 years I’m surprised with all the new areas we run across or some of the old places that we’ve never taken the time to look around in. During a trip to Paris with my sister we woke up every morning and ran along the Seine. My first view of the Eiffel Tower was during our run. Just lace up your shoes and let the journey begin!
So why run? Why not? Put on your shoes, get ready to explore, and go for a run!
catchingheather.com 
I love all your motivations! My run time is ME time and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’m pretty sure I’m more agreeable after a run too 😉
my running career ended when 3 of my toe nails turned black and one fell out 😦 lol
Ewwww 😉
I lost 4 toe nails in one season – then I finally took everyone’s advice and went up a .5 size in my shoes – just couldn’t do the full size as people suggested 😉
I’m happy to say I spent this whole season with all my nails still intact! First time in a while.
hahaha, thats great! Hey you got any good advice on how to gently convince a spouse not to workout so much?
I’ll ask my husband if he has some and let you know 😉
Actually what works for us is to plan our individual activities at the same time. Mark can’t stand long distance running and won’t do short distance in the summer, so does other activities in the winter to stay active, so we plan our activities on the same night. I have my run clubs on nights when he has indoor Ultimate Frisbee, that way our nights in/recovery are also the same. That’s what works for us. It’s not so much reducing workouts, but making it work in our schedule.
I’m a cyclist and my wife is a real good triathlete. But sadly, we got two kids and my wife is on another level when it comes to prepping and competing. Sometimes it feels like I don’t have a wife anymore because she is training every minute 😦
I’m sure my husband can relate to that.
By planning our time away with our workouts, it also plans our time together. I would suggest scheduling date nights/or afternoons/or breakfasts – give your wife lots of notice so she can work it in her program and have someone watch the kids.
High level training certainly becomes a balancing act between personal goals and family priorities.
you should have him read my blog on my frustration over wife’s triathlon career.lol I’m sure he can relate to that one, but I hope he doesn’t do what I did 😦
eek. I’ll check it out.