Running as a hobby is recommended because it is beneficial in helping to improve health, helps you to meet new people and is versatile and relatively inexpensive. Running is also a useful tool in reducing stress and provides other psychological benefits.
Running is a relatively easy hobby to take up. Running requires no new skills. You can begin running at any age with many people over 40 taking their first running steps as they embark on the path to health and a new and exciting hobby. The cost to start running is low requiring only a good pair of running shoes and a supportive sports bra for women. No expensive equipment or gym membership is required to be a runner. You can run anywhere virtually year round. You can run almost any time of day or night that suits your preference.
There are many social benefits from running. You can join a running club to meet new people, find a training partner, or simply to pick up running tips from others. Running with a buddy can help strengthen the bond of friendship as well as provide the safety aspect of running in pairs. If one runner gets sick or injured the second runner can assist. An attacker will be less likely to attack a pair of runners or a group of runners than a person running solo.
Running clubs often host social runs and also serve as a team cheering squad during long runs. There are fundraising training groups such as the Arthritis Foundation 's Joints in Motion Training Team or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society 's Team In Training, which will train you to run a half or full marathon in exchange for fundraising efforts. Many organized races are fundraising events for local organizations such as schools and churches and national organizations such as Ronald McDonald House Charities, Scottish Rite Hospital for Children and Team RWB supporting America’s veterans. Not only will you be helping yourself with the gift of health but you will be supporting a great cause and
References: Burfoot, A. (2005, September) How Many Calories Are You Really Burning? Runner’s World, 55-57 Thomas, J. (2013). Is Jogging Bad or Good for Knee Cartilage? Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com