1. You get to be outside! You get to breathe fresh air, feel the sun on your face, feel the breeze on your face. Sometimes you even get to run/walk in National Parks :) There are multiple studies on why just being outside is important - but especially to kids! Just five minutes' "green exercise" can produce rapid improvements in mental wellbeing and self-esteem, with the greatest benefits experienced by the young, according to a study at the University of Essex.
Climbing a tree during the Turkey Trot! |
How can you argue that? Walking inside at Walmart is NOT equivalent to walking outside.
2. You are relaxed and enjoying time with your family. Exercising with your family not only makes you more likely to continue to exercise, but it strengthens the bonds with your family members. High school students that exercise with their families do better in school and are less prone to depression. Parents that exercise live longer. Sisters that exercise together are happier :) Spending time doing something together towards a goal is incredibly motivating. Being surrounded by not only your family, but lots of happy families is awesome!
On the way to the Trot! |
3. You are teaching your kids the importance of exercise. Making exercise fun at an early age is so important. Among the many benefits are physical fitness, confidence and stronger self-esteem, more energy, better memory, and simply a good feeling about themselves—and they are easy to achieve. The obesity epidemic in this country is astounding. Kids enjoying exercising instead of sitting on the couch is awesome!
Warming up for the 1k! |
4. You are putting family and charity ahead of consumerism. Most races are charity runs. The money you are "spending" goes to supporting after school programs for kids, fighting cancer, feeding the homeless, free dental clinics. Many runs are supporting local organizations that make a difference right where you live. I can't even remotely see how this is equivalent to shelling out money for cheap electronics to support major retailers and brands (ok, done ranting).
5. You are part of the nicest community of people I have every encountered. I have seen those videos of people at walmart fighting each other over a cheap TVs, of people knocking down little old ladies, pushing past security guards, yelling at each other. That is NOT the running community. People cheer you on, are super friendly, polite, kind, supportive...people I don't know congratulate me, push me to finish strong, and really just smile all the time!
Smiles are a big part of the running community! |
Oh, and you can enjoy your awesome Thanksgiving dinner a little more knowing you already burned some calories :)
The feast! |
I agree, Turkey trots are much better than shopping at Walmart!
ReplyDeleteYes X 5! 5k are almost always better than shopping :)
ReplyDelete