Running for fitness builds cardio, burns calories and gets you outside to breathe fresh air. Find an event and sign up now.
Over the last 15 years as part of my personal health and fitness goals running has been a big part. Essentially this has been my cardio supporting the various weightlifting programs I’ve followed. It’s as simple as leaving your front door, get the workout in and back again. Fortunately for me I’ve have friends and clients who also share my interest in running. Over time our running for fitness had evolved to the point of we sought new challenges. It was time we tested ourselves. As a result, we found that fun runs would satisfy this demand.
Now having participated in several running based events from road, rail trail and obstacle courses. Our focus now is on trial running. This has been an enjoyable activity with new challenges from the ever-changing terrain to a new fondness of elevation. And occasionally running through some spectacular terrain. The benefits from running are many, here’s a few to motivate. Firstly, it Improves cardiovascular fitness while burning a good deal of calories. This supports the maintenance of a healthy weight and weight loss when a nutrition plan is followed. Secondly, as a weight bearing (full body) workout, it helps build strong bones while strengthening your muscles. Fairly important for me as an older adult. Lastly, regular runners know that it puts you in a better mood and you have more energy. Often referred to as the “runners high”
Test your running for fitness conditioning. Try an event and challenge yourself. Check some of these out.
Melbourne Marathon. Above all, one of the major runs that Melbourne hosts. It offers distances from 5klm, 10klm, half marathon to full marathon distance. It starts on Alexander Avenue and depending on the distance snakes around the botanical garden’s precinct and back. The half marathon takes you down St Kilda Road to Albert Park Lake and back. While the marathon requires you to continue running to further run via port Melbourne, Elwood and back to town. One of the best reasons to sign up is crossing the finish line inside the iconic MGG.
Run Melbourne offers the participant distances starting from 5.5klm, 10klm and half marathon. These all cover the botanical gardens precinct along with an added section for the 10klm including Fawkner park and back across the Yarra river finishing on Melbourne Park. The half marathon is similar but takes you further to docklands and back. This one’s run in July so don’t forget to rug up and have your warm gear ready post event.
These two running for fitness events are great for social groups.
Mothers Classic Day was one of the first ones we ran as a group. An always popular one when I was conducting group training. The distances offered are great for those new to running events. You can choose to walk the 4klm or 8klm option or run either the 4klm, 8klm or 12klm. Quite achievable by most as a first event. A popular fun run where various distances are on offer around the scenic and popular tan track. Most importantly, you can go at your own pace on any distance you have signed up for.
Run for the kids. Similar to Mothers days where you pick the distance and enjoy the day out with your teammates. Another wonderful event that raises a great deal of funds for a children’s charity and a fun day out. This one’s one of my wife’s favourites while my duties are to support. The long course is 14.4 kms. In my opinion a great distance for those who look at jumping from a 10klm to half marathon distance. The other is the always popular 4.7klm course. Ideal for new participant and great for those who want a fast time for a bit of fun.
How about some trail running?
Trail running has increased over the year to become quite a popular pastime. It takes you offroad to some wonderful spots that you can only appreciate on foot. The various types of terrain over creeks, up hills and along single track have to be experienced. For something new sign up for a trail running event. There are many organisations that host a variety of distances over some amazing scenery. I’ll suggest a few to look up and find something suitable and close by. Rapid ascent events company, Trail plus, and running wild as a start. Likewise, check out running calendar for more event options to suit.
Running an obstacle course
Tough Mudder. This challenging muddy run is basically a 20klm obstacle course that is great when you are part of a group. It’s designed over various types of runnable terrain. Expect paddocks, dirt and gravel tracks with some challenging and mostly achievable obstacles. A great day out when you have fellow team members helping out. Look forward to getting mud everywhere. The Spartan race was one in particular of interest to me. Above all, it is a race, plain and simple. Run over 7klm, 24klm and half marathon distances. It’s hard, it’s fast and a lot of fun. Therefore, one for the participant who wishes to push themselves. With a solid plan and consistent training, you can negotiate all obstacles on your own and finish within a reasonable time.
It takes commitment then consistency before achieving benefits from running for fitness
Firstly, for those who don’t know how to start it takes the initial commitment. Go slow and steady at the beginning. I highly recommend the local parkrun where it is a friendly 5klm that you can go at your own pace. A great initiative with a great social environment. Over time your consistency will be rewarded, and you will start to reap the many health benefits from running. Lastly, for those who enjoy doing research. Look up running calendar and scroll through their options and find something that suits.
To sum up, we run to get fit, bodyweight management or sports performance. It’s the basis of everything we do, one of the fundamental movements the body performs in delivering cardiovascular improvements. It’s the best form of exercise for individuals who are able to run. For those who are injured and unable to run due to other conditions, other alternatives are always available. The adaptation to running the body receives returns an enormous amount in benefiting you. Running is reasonably easy to start and incurs low startup costs.
Happy running.
Claudefit Personal Training has been operation since 2006 with over 35 years of own practical experienced.
