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Actually, the question went more like this: “I hate to run. It is hard. Did I already say that I hate it? Yet, you talk about running so much. Why?” There was more, but for the sake of this post, let’s just say that this reader’s negative feelings about running ran deep (no pun intended).
Why am I so hip on running? Well, for one thing, it is hard. I like things that are hard to do. Second, it is “me” time, and often the only time I have for finishing a thought. Four kids…enough said. And finally, (and let’s face it, this is important stuff) few physical activities burn as many calories per minute as running. Check it out…
Table:
110 lb woman, 3 miles, 215 calories
130 lb woman, 3 miles, 255 calories
150 lb woman, 3 miles, 294 calories
170 lb woman, 3 miles, 333 calories
True, other cardiovascular activities come close to these stats, but in my opinion, they aren’t nearly as much fun. I can spend 40 minutes running through the woods and enjoy nature, or I can spend 40 minutes on an elliptical machine smelling the garlic spew from the pores of the sweaty guy next to me. And by the way, rec center staff, ESPN is not enjoyable to women, even when displayed on a fancy flat screen TV. Naw, it is outdoor running that I like – even when it involves chasing turkey vultures out of my way as I go. Now back to the topic of calories…
Tip: Want to find out how many calories you burn running? Look it up on Run the Planet. Enter your weight, gender and distance or speed and the handy calculator does the thinking for you!
Running has many perks
So there you have it. I’m hip on running – other people, not so much, and that is fine. The important thing is to find an activity (preferably a physical activity
that you enjoy, and will stick with, for the long haul. I won’t hold it against you if you hate running too.
If you’d like to give running another shot, you might like to read, “Run/Walk/Jog: Footprints toward fitness,” to learn about getting started, even if you have no experience. Also, “Running Resources” is chock full of, well, running resources, from trail and map information, to running groups for women.
Have a favorite activity other than running? Let’s hear it…
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I love running so much I had to start a blog about it so my friends would stop rolling their eyes when I talked about it!! I too love it because it’s hard, so I always feel this amazing accomplishment every time I finish
I know exactly what you’re talking about
Either you “get it,” or you don’t. It’s fun trying to convince the rest of the non-running world how awesome it is though, isn’t it? Great idea – starting a blog about running. I wish you much success with that!
Stop back again!
To your health!
Diane
That is a tough time to deal with. Perhaps joining a running group would help? Knowing that others are counting on you to show up might coax you out of bed, and you might find you look forward to starting your day with not only a great work out, but great conversation as well.