I believe that running can help us connect to our ancestral roots and tap into our innate abilities as humans to run and move through the natural world.

Running can also help us connect to nature and the environment around us, which can be a spiritual experience.

Running can provide numerous benefits for the human body, both physically and mentally.

In this episode I’ll discuss 9 reasons why Running is good for us…

RUNNING

If you’re listening to this episode you don’t need me to explain what running is. But you may not be fully aware of some of the amazing benefits that running can offer us.

I recently spoke about how running improves our brain health through the release of BDNF in the brain. But there are other beneifts we often overlook.

THE TARAHUMARA

The Tarahumara people are known for their long-distance running abilities, which are rooted in their history and culture. According to their tradition, running is a way to connect with the spiritual world and to honor their ancestors.

the Tarahumara people are indigenous to the Copper Canyon region of Mexico.

Legend has it that the Tarahumara people were able to outrun the Spanish conquistadors who invaded their land in the 16th century.

The Tarahumara people were able to escape into the mountains and evade the Spanish soldiers by running long distances through the rugged terrain.

One of the most famous Tarahumara running traditions is the Rarámuri foot race, which is a 50-mile endurance run that is held every year in the Copper Canyon region. This race is a celebration of the Tarahumara culture and their long history of running.

Running is not just a form of exercise for them, but a spiritual practice that honours their ancestors and their connection to the natural world.

I think we can learn a lot from the Tarahumara. We in the modern Western World have the scientific knowledge and they have the spiritual/indigenous knowledge.

Combing the two gives us the 9 benefits of running that I will share with you in this episode.

9 BENEFITS OF RUNNING

These benefits are not in specific order and the list is not exhaustive. There are benefits that I’ve likely not covered. These are the general benefits of running so next time you are out on a run you can feel grateful knowing what mental and physical health benefits you are getting from your run.

This helps you view running differently. Running is life enhancer but its also a spiritual practice that our ancestors have done since humans have been on the planet.

We’ve run to survive, run for food, run for fun, run for competition and run because we can!

Let’s have a look at the more scientific physical health benefits of running:

1. Improved cardiovascular health: Running is a great form of cardiovascular exercise that can help improve the health of your heart and lungs. Regular running can help increase your endurance and improve how well your body functions.

2. Weight loss and management: Running is a calorie-burning exercise that can help create a calorie deficit, which is necessary for weight loss. Running regularly can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of obesity-related diseases.

3. Increased bone density: Running is a weight-bearing exercise that can help strengthen bones and increase bone density, which is important for maintaining bone health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Studies have shown that running is beneficial to areas like the knee which is contrary to popular myths that running is bad for your knees.

4. Improved muscular endurance and strength: Running can help improve the endurance and strength of your muscles. Your body will be more resilient.

5. Reduced risk of chronic diseases: Time and again studies show that running regularly can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, metabolic diseases and certain types of cancer.

Mental and Spiritual Benefits:

1. Stress relief and improved mental health: Running can help reduce stress and improve mental health by releasing endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting chemicals in the brain. Running can also help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. It’s good for the brain!

2. Increased self-esteem and confidence: Running regularly can help boost your self-esteem and confidence, as it can lead to a sense of accomplishment and belonging to a community.

3. Mind-body connection: Running can help improve the mind-body connection, as it requires focus, concentration, and awareness of your body's movements. This can help develop a better relationship towards your body. This can lead to a better body image.

4. Connection to nature and ancestors: Running can help connect us to our ancestors and the natural world. Humans have been running for thousands of years as a means of survival, transportation and tribal ritual. We can connect to that ancestory in our DNA when we run. It feels like our body should be running.

SUMMARY

I believe that running is integral to health. Hence why I’m so passionate about encouraging people to start running but also encouraging current runners to keep running by viewing running in a different light.

Running is not just ticking Trainerize workouts off or logging miles on Strava or pushing for the gold medal in your local running league.

Running is one of the most natural and ancestral forms of movement our body is capable of. When we tap into that history, the mind-body benefits and the sense of share belonging we are healthier and happier.

I hope this episode has inspired you to get out for a run.

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THANKS for listening my fellow runners. Speak to you in the next episode.