Why should I run outside?
I don’t talk much about treadmill running. Partly because I run to be outside and the treadmill doesn’t do anything for me, and partly because of the additional benefits that you get from running outside. There is a time and a place for treadmill running, but perhaps I’ll cover that in another blog post. For now, the bonus benefits from running outside (and in particular on trails) can include:
Reduces stress and anxiety: exercise is the natural way that your body has to deal with stress – it’s the flight in the “fight or flight” stance. Fortunately your body can’t tell if you are running away from imminent danger, or if you are simply running round your local park: both will have the same affect physiologically.
Connects you to nature: Mountainous landscapes evoke feelings of optimism, and I think this stays true of hills no matter how high they are! By being outside you are closer to nature and you get to see and hear things that you might miss if you are observing nature through a glass window. Take some time on your run to listen to the birds, or the river, or the sea or the wind in the trees and make a mental note of how it makes you feel.
Lowers risk of depression: regular running outside, and even better in a group, helps people to manage mental health. Try and be outside for at least 45 minutes. If this seems too much at first, work up to it by following a plan.
Improves energy levels: short term release of endorphins after exercise can make you feel more energised and reduce feelings of fatigue. Longer term, exercise encourages your body to produce more mitochondria – the elements in your cells that generate energy for your body to use
Limits seasonal affective disorder: in the winter, exposure to daylight reduces the impact of seasonal affective disorder and helps your body produce Vitamin D – essential for healthy bones and your immune system.
Boosts confidence and self-esteem: If you can stick to an exercise programme and follow the schedule even when you don’t want to this will help you emerge from your comfort zone and will build resilience. By exercising regularly you will see results and will start to achieve your goals. Taking both of these into consideration you will feel good about yourself and be able to handle difficult situations better.
Improves sleep quality: people with regular exercise routines are less likely to suffer from insomnia and sleep issues.
Helps you explore new places: If you choose to run outside you will soon feel the need to run further than your route round the block. Exploring the roads, trails and paths from your doorstep can connect you to your community, and taking a run in a new place gives the prefect excuse to explore further afield.
If you are new to trails, or unsure about how best to run them – get in touch for guided runs and trail-specific coaching sessions.