The Physical and Psychological Benefits of Running in Training for a Half Marathon

Running a half marathon is a major accomplishment in a person's life. It is an achievement both physically and mentally. The training is rigorous but after finishing the half marathon every sweat, pain and tear is all worth it. There are many things one should take into consideration before joining a half marathon. One should be able to condition himself or herself mentally and physically. He or she should train for months before being able to say he or she is fit to join the race. In training for a half marathon, running is a big part of it.

Running helps one have a healthy heart. It strengthens the heart muscles and helps the blood and oxygen flow through the body. These prevent heart attacks and helps control high blood pressure. Running likewise helps lower cholesterol by increasing the level of good cholesterol (High Density Lipoprotein) while lowering the bad cholesterol (Low Density Lipoprotein) thus helps one avoid the possibility of a stroke or heart attack. Running will make one's lungs healthier because the runner will learn correct breathing.

Breaths must come from the deep belly thereby forcing the lungs to use more of their potential. Running will help prevent osteoporosis because it helps bones stay healthy and produce more bone cells. As one exercise the muscles and tendons pull away from the bone making the body produce more bone cells. Running also helps one's immune system. There were studies which say that long distance running can help one resists infections. It also boosts one's energy. These are the physical benefits of running.

The psychological benefits of running are also many like the physical benefits. One of the benefits is it is a great stress relief. Running helps one clear his or her mind when confused or in doubt. It helps one sort our any problem and come up with solutions. Others times some runners when they have a stressful day at work would run and let the wind "take away" the stress away. Running gives one his or her private "alone" time.

There are times people want to be by themselves and running gives this to them. For some runners, whenever they run they get the "runner's high" meaning they get a good feeling. Running can help eliminate depression because endorphins which are known as the happy hormones are released making one feel better and happier. It also improves one's confidence. Confidence can come from different ways and one of this can be from accomplishing a set goal.

For example, when one set the goal of finishing a half marathon and accomplishes this, it gives that person/runner confidence. Others they gain confidence when they lose weight because of running and when they see that this is effective they would keep on running and participating in half marathons. Running in half marathon also improves one's social life. Runners meet other runners thus sometimes forming a running group. Running during training and the half marathon race itself will not only make one healthy physically but will also help in having a good attitude in life.

About The Author:

Hi, I am Sonya Peper, I would like to learn more about writing blogs, I'm a self-motivated person. My hobby is surfing on different informative websites that helps me on improving my writing skills. Thank you very much.