5 Reasons To Take Your Running Outside
By Team EtchRock in All,Challenges,Running,Training
If you live in the UK you will most likely be getting extremely excited about the recent sun that we have been having. It means spring is just around the corner and what better way to enjoy the sun than to take your exercise routine outside? In this short blog piece we have outlined five reasons why you should ditch the treadmill this spring and hit the road!
1. It’s Realistic!
This one may be the most obvious but it is also the most important. If you are training for an event like a marathon, 10km or half marathon then you will almost certainly be running this race outside. Running on a treadmill is actually quite different to running naturally as you use slightly different muscle groups to propel you forward. Get used to running outside so that you are adequately prepared for your race!
2. Running Outside Is Harder!
As mention in the point above, when running outside, you use a slightly different combination of muscles when running outside compared to that of a treadmill. As you run on a treadmill, you have an automatic conveyer belt constantly rolling beneath you. When your foot hits the front of the belt at the top of your stride, the treadmill will help to propel your foot backwards. In essence you are removing the ‘push’ of your run because the treadmill conveyor belt is doing it for you. Combine this with the fact that running outside, you will encounter wind resistance and uneven terrain, which presents you with a tougher challenge!
3. More Vitamin D Please Sun!
Just spending 15 minutes in natural sunlight can do wonders for your health. The sun is the main way to get your daily dose of vitamin D, this is something that we can’t get solely from food. The NHS states that, ‘Everyone needs vitamin D to absorb calcium and phosphorus from their diet. These minerals are important to healthy bones. A lack of vitamin D, known as vitamin D deficiency, can cause bones to become soft and weak. This can then lead to bone deformities’. So put on a tank top and start catching those rays!
4. The Cost
How much does it cost to run outside again? O yea, nothing! If you are paying for a gym membership just for cardio purposes, then you need have a rethink. If you can get a better workout from running outside, then why pay money to solely run on a treadmill? Even try creating your own circuits outside. Public parks provide a variety of equipment that you can use to get creative with your workout!
5. The Ambience
Running outside can provide you with an escape from your working life. We spend most of our lives indoors and the fresh air can make you feel invigorated. Simply step out your front door and take in your local surroundings whilst getting fit. Dorris Brown Heritage, the first woman to run a sub 5 minute mile puts it perfectly: ‘ Running is a road to self awareness and reliance. You can push yourself to extremes and learn the harsh reality of your physical and mental limitations or coast quietly down a solitary path watching the earth spin between your feet’.
This blog wasn’t meant to be a knock on treadmills; they are a great piece of kit and many people swear by them. We just want you to give it a try running outside. Trust us, it is definitely worth it!
Where is your favourite place to run? Do you love running outside? Let us know your thoughts and share with the EtchRock community!
Visit EtchRock.com to get started and find your next challenge!
Team EtchRock