“You've got to be joking right? I haven't run since school, and why should I? I'm not overweight. I'm fine and have never needed to go to a doctor, and never needed to go for a check up." These are the thoughts racing through your mind right now . "By the way - what about the dogs, and the traffic and the pollution. The park is so far away. I walk regularly..." You add to yourself.

While walking is good exercise, it is not great in isolation, especially for those of us with otherwise sedentary lifestyles. If walking was the best exercise, India would not be the global capital of cardiac and diabetic ailments! Running helps elevate the heart and lung activity to a much higher level and gives the body a comprehensive work out.

I have lost 9 kg in 2 months, reduced 2 inches off my waist to fit back into my jeans, and reduced my cholesterol from 260 to a level of 180, primarily through running. My motivation — doctor's orders (after my 1st ever comprehensive health check at 39) , my favourite jeans, and quick results.

"So like I said, I don't need to lose weight and I am sure my cholesterol is under check, I feel great and I eat healthy foods. " That might be but just read on. The health benefits of running are mostly known to be related to weight loss but let me give you a longer, yet still partial list which goes further, and you'll be amazed at what running can do for you.

Improvement of the cardiac muscles, making the arteries a bit more flexible, reducing LDL (bad cholesterol) levels while increasing the HDL (good cholesterol) levels
Strengthening the skeletal system by enhancing bone strength, promoting bone development via the high impact nature of running on the joints, reducing the chances of osteoarthritis, and reducing incidence of osteoporosis.
Blood sugar management, helping those with type 2 diabetes, and also keeping those on the verge of diabetes, to manage their risks better.

Life changing

Reducing the incidence of sinusitis: - I had acute sinusitis when I was based in Singapore, started running, and found that with a 20-25 minute run, my sinus cavities would get drained and I would be absolutely fine.

Keeping the common cold and mild fever at bay: I used to always have a lump in my throat followed by a couple of days of fever and a cold, twice a year with a change of season. But that's fortunately a thing of the past.
Running is a great way to de stress, and even perhaps plan what you need to do in the day. It's one of those rare 'me' times during the day. Even Anil Ambani who started running only a few years ago, finds this a great way to spend time with himself on what he needs to.

A study among 2,400 twins in the UK found that regular vigorous exercise of 3-4 hours a week, was found to make you younger by nine years. Now who can argue with that! Who doesn't want to feel and look younger?
A study done in the UK suggests that people need to run, not walk, for enhanced health benefits. They have even cited the impact of running as a means to lower the risk of breast cancer.

The above is only an indicative list of the health benefits and is by no means exhaustive.

So let's accept that a simple thing of putting one foot in front of the other, quickening the pace, and doing it for 30 - 45 minutes a day, 4-5 days a week, is good for us.

"Hey that sounds simple. I can do it!", is what I hope you are now saying to yourself. "But I am a bit old, maybe I should rest actually", is probably what I hear you say to yourself.

The good news is that all of us have run at some point in our lives, and we can again. Fauja Singh ran his first marathon in the UK at the tender age of 89, and continued to do so post 94.

I could barely run a km without getting out of breath at 40 and now, at 47, am readying myself for my 25th full marathon. I know if I, as a non athlete, could start so late in life, anyone can start running. So go ahead and start.

But try not to get addicted! Over the next few weeks I will take you through some other benefits of running, how to make a start, getting the right shoes and basic gear, running schedules, and having fun.



The writer left a corporate career of 25 years post IIMA to create a venture focused on helping corporate and individuals unleash their potential - via running . Visit  www.runningandliving.com