Why Running Stands Out: My Journey and What Makes It Unique Among Sports
Running is one of the most universally accessible sports, requiring nothing more than a good pair of shoes and the will to move. It has become a cornerstone of my physical and mental well-being, offering benefits that extend far beyond the track or trail. In this post, I want to explore what sets running apart from other sports, share my journey into running, and highlight why it might just be the perfect activity for you.
The Unique Appeal of Running
Simplicity and Accessibility
Unlike many other sports that require specialized equipment, facilities, or teammates, running is as simple as putting one foot in front of the other. It can be done almost anywhere: on a treadmill, through urban streets, or on winding trails surrounded by nature. This simplicity makes running one of the most accessible forms of exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels.
I also found it perfect because it does not rely on anyone else. Running with others can be great although I have not done that myself much yet. I will get into why in a later post and maybe I should reconsider that. But, anyway, you don't need to organize anything! You don't have to meet people, join any organization, or be forced into any particular schedule that may or may not work. You simply get out there yourself and run, with whatever schedule and timing works for you.
It is very scalable. You can go for a 10-minute run or a 4-hour run. With other sports, it is much more rigid. Taking Yoga classes? A one-hour class. Want to play tennis? Generally an hour or two or so depending on what the other players want. I like sailing too though not so exercise intensive. But sailing is generally a 3-hour activity at the bare minimum, typically 5 or 6 hours or more. Want a round of golf? There goes 4 to 5 hours!
Mental Health Benefits
While many sports offer physical health benefits, running has a unique ability to foster mental clarity and emotional resilience. The rhythmic nature of running often feels meditative, helping to reduce stress, combat anxiety, and even alleviate symptoms of depression. Studies have shown that running releases endorphins, those “happy hormones” that contribute to a sense of well-being often referred to as the “runner's high.”
What I like here is the simplicity. You don't have to be a great athlete to do it, nor very skilled. Golf has a million things to remember to try to get decent and requires layers of training on different aspects. Similarly, tennis is the other main sport I play and am familiar with, and requires a lot of different skills. Other sports are also very technical with the amount of skills you need to learn and build upon. Running is simply running. This is what aids with the mental health side of things because you simply run and can then focus on enjoying yourself and the moment, the landscape, and the calmer mind.
Individual and Community-Based
Running offers a dual identity: it can be a solitary pursuit for those seeking peace and self-reflection or a community activity through group runs and races. This versatility allows it to cater to introverts, extroverts, and everyone in between.
Comparing Running to Other Sports
Low Barrier to Entry
Sports like tennis, golf, or cycling often require expensive equipment, access to courts or courses, and sometimes even lessons to get started. Running, by contrast, only asks for a decent pair of shoes and a safe path.
A Sport for Life
Many sports become harder to sustain as we age due to physical demands or the risk of injury. Running, however, can be adapted to different paces, terrains, and intensities, making it a lifelong companion for health and fitness. Of course, there are other sports that people can play as they age, definitely golf and tennis to some extent if you maintain good mobility and fitness. There are many more. But the scalability of running with time also is extended to age. I notice some of the guys in the 5km races beat me but are in an age bracket or two above me! That is because all they do is run! Remember also, running can scale to walking!
My Journey into Running
I didn’t start as a runner. I played tennis in primary and high school and some martial arts during university. But as I moved into my 20s, I mainly dropped all sports which I should definitely not have done. It was only my early-40s that I started running and it took at least a year or two to really get moving and make it a habit. You can see here some activity diagrams from recent years, from the iPhone 'Zones' app. This is just a snapshot but also tries to show that it takes a long time to build habits. In fact, from memory, I seem to be missing some years of data. I think I started off and on around 2015 or so and in the first few years I was not diligent with using apps and fitness watches or bands to collect data. From Apple Health, I see the first real start of activities in 2018 and ramping up through 2020.
Why Running Might Be Perfect for You
If you’re considering incorporating more physical activity into your life, running offers a compelling mix of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Whether you’re looking to improve your health, find an outlet for stress, or simply spend more time outdoors, running has something to offer. Speaking of the outdoors, we didn't get into that much here, let's do that in another post.
It’s not always easy, especially at first. But with time, patience, and the right mindset, running can become more than just exercise—it can become a way of life.