You want me to run?

The health benefits of running are mostly known to be related to weight loss,but let me give you a longer,yet partial list.

Improvement of the cardiac muscles,enhanced artery flexibility,reduced LDL (bad cholesterol) levels,increased HDL (good cholesterol) levels.

Strengthened skeletal system via the high impact nature of running,reduces chances of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.

Blood sugar management,helps those with Type 2 Diabetes,and helps those on the verge of diabetes,to manage their risks better.

I had acute sinusitis when I was based in Singapore,started running,and found that with a 20-25 minute run,my sinus cavities would get drained and I would be absolutely fine. Keeping the common cold and mild fever at bay — I used to always have a lump in my throat followed by a couple of days of fever and a cold,twice a year with a change of season. But that’s a thing of the past,thanks to my running regimen.

Running is a great way to de-stress,and even perhaps plan what you need to do during the day. It’s one of those rare “me” times.

A study among 2,400 twins in the UK found that regular vigorous exercise of three-four hours a week,was found to make you younger by nine years.

Another study done in the UK suggests that people need to run,not walk,for enhanced health benefits. They have even cited the impact of running as a means to lower the risk of breast cancer. While walking is good exercise,it is not great in isolation,especially for those of us with otherwise sedentary lifestyles. If that was the case,India would not be the global capital of cardiac,diabetic ailments and hypertension!!

Let’s accept that a simple act of placing one foot in front of the other,quickening the pace,and doing it for 30-45 minutes a day,four-five days a week,is good for us. The good news is that all of us have run at some point in our lives. Fauja Singh ran his first marathon in the UK at the tender age of 89,and continued to do so post-97. I know if I,as a non-athlete,could start running at 41,anyone can. So,go ahead and start.

The author left a 25-year career with Unilever,Nestle and Motorola post IIM Ahmedabad to start a venture focused on promoting running. Check http://www.runningandliving.com for more