One of the best parts of running to me is the way that it boosts self esteem. I have been coaching high schoolers and adults for nearly a decade and it still amazes me the way that running can lend confidence to those that take advantage of it. I have watched this happen again and again. I coach a high school athlete that has been through some real trials in her life. When she entered high school her mom described her as scared, depressed, and defeated. After a season of cross country her mom reported that an energized, happy, and hopeful girl had emerged. I’ve witnessed this miracle time and again with the athletes that I coach; they come to find their physical strength which helps them see that they were strong all along. Running just helped them uncover that strength. Running teaches us that we can do hard things. 

Running is the great stress reliever. Humans are designed to move. We have to do it in order to be well. However, modern life often finds many of us behind a computer screen or at a desk. Running allows us to shed the stress and gain much-needed perspective. Running can be your secret weapon in stressful times. Take your problem to the streets and let your brain work on it while your heart is pumping. My husband and I run together, just the two of us, a couple of times a week. During that time we are able to talk about our family and make decisions about how to move forward. We seem to be able to communicate better while we are moving and are able to return to our kids with solutions and ideas.

In a terrible mood? Lace up! This is one of the quickest ways to elevate your mood. Getting those endorphins flowing can be the fast track (see what I did there?) to a better state of mind. 

Running can be a powerful tool in helping you maintain and improve mental health. It makes us smarter, more confident, less stressed, and happier. Who doesn’t want that?