The Benefits of Running

In my narrative paper, I wrote in detail about my last track season of my high school career. In this essay I discussed the process of practicing and working towards achieving my goals at the end of the season. I talked about my relationship with my coach and how important it was to me, as well as my determination and perseverance during the track season. I also discussed how I finally achieved my goal of breaking twelve minutes in the 3200 meter run and how much it meant to me as a runner. Writing this essay about my personal experience with running sparked my interest in learning all of the health benefits that come with running on a regular basis. In conducting my research, I found that running is not only a great way to maintain a healthy weight, but it is also great for your heart, mind and mood, bones and joints, and other body systems. As most people know, running is a great way to burn calories and lose weight. No matter what the pace someone runs, fast or slow, people tend to burn about the same amount of calories per mile, it just depends on their body weight. Also, the body continues to burn calories even after the run is over as the body proceeds to repair the muscles used (Roth). The speed of digestion increases as well after running, which also helps the body burn more calories and helps runners stay in shape as long as they are consuming a healthy diet (Roth). As a runner, I know how great running can be for a person’s body as long as they are giving it the proper type and amount of fuel. Some people feel like they can eat whatever they want just because they run and end up gaining more weight in fat than muscle. However, others like me have an issue with keeping the calories they consume as high as the calories burned and lose weight as a result. That is why it’s important for everyone who runs to see a nutritionist and find out just how much and what