The benefits to running... Its been a while, but I'm back at it

It's been a very long time since I put on my old running shoes and just pounded the pavement for a few miles. It's been so long that I had almost forgotten how this running malarkey actually worked....

I discovered very early that I now have the lung capacity of a pencil and my cardio has, unlike my weight, crashed.

One of the biggest benefits of running is that it's good for your health. Running is an excellent way to strengthen the heart and ensure the efficient flow of blood and oxygen throughout the body, which helps decrease your risk of a heart attack. I took the run very gently, and after settling in to a comfortable pace reached the half way mark and picked up the effort.

Exercise, combined with maintaining a healthy weight, is one of the best ways to naturally reduce your blood pressure if it's above normal. If you have high cholesterol, running can also help keep it in check. Running and other weight-bearing exercises also increase bone density, which can fend off osteoporosis.

Well... Its safe to say I'm carrying an extra pound or two. So running in this baking heat, didn't really help either.

Including running into your fitness routine can also improve your immune system, so your body is more effective and efficient at fighting off germs.

When you're feeling sluggish or tired, running, combined with a healthful diet, is a great way to boost your energy.

You might also want to consider setting your alarm 30 to 45 minutes earlier than your usual wake up time, since runners who run in the morning report that they have improved energy levels throughout the day.

The best part, for someone who hates spending money, is that running requires very little equipment, and it can be done almost anywhere. You don't even need a gym membership!!. All you need is a good pair of running shoes, and you can head out your door to go for a run. From city pavements to wooded trails, there are plenty of places for runners to explore, and at no cost. If you travel a lot, it's easy to pack your running shoes and run while you're on the road.

Running is also a great way to expand your horizons and break away from the daily grind. The sport gives people the opportunity to explore areas of their own community or new locations, experience new physical sensations, and run places they may not normally see.

And in these difficult times, rtunning, as with many forms of exercise, is a great cure for stress, emotional strain, and even mild depression. Anyone who has experienced a runner's high knows that the endorphins (those feel-good hormones) produced by running can boost your mood.