Running makes you more fit. Everyone, all together now: “Duh.” However, it is amazing all of the other things which running seems to improve as well. First and foremost, this is not a scientific study. In fact, I thought about doing some research for this but in five minutes found conflicting studies that more or less came to the conclusion that what people think is more important is actually more so that what actually may or may not be important. As such, these are my opinions based on my own experiences and those around me.
Running Makes You a Better Driver.
I now do all the things that I should do already. Making a right hand turn from a stop-sign, I don’t roll through the intersection looking only left. I make more than one look to the right as well, in case someone is running (or walking) that direction. My eyes are more open for cyclists or children who would dart out in the way of me when I was running and who would be in trouble if they did so when I was driving. I see so many others just sliding through intersections and the like and have done informal surveys amongst my friends and find those that are active out n the streets are also much more aware of their surroundings when they drive. If you are afraid if some jackass will plug you with their fender because they are texting while driving, chances are you will do less of that yourself when you are behind the wheel.
Running Makes You Nicer.
All the endorphins that running releases not only naturally block pain signals produced by the nervous system, but are also believed to enhance the immune system, relieve pain, reduce stress, and postpone the aging process. And what about any of those will not make you more pleasant to be around? However, there is something else about running, more than any other exercise I had done, which seems to center a person, allow them to be more humble and brings out the best of their character traits. Is every runner a saint? No. But I have met more people who are nice who re runners than I have any other subset of the population.
Running Makes You a Better Lover.
Even if I had done research on this one, I am not sharing it here. But for all the reasons listed in the previous paragraph, it is not hard to imagine that healthier, happier person would not make for a better significant other. But to be more scientific, while running, blood flow is increased to certain “areas”. This increases your libido and makes sex more enjoyable! (I know you are lacing up your shoes right now but I have one final point.)
