At the starting line I look to my left then right examining my opponents. Hearing the starter exclaim “On your marks, set…” KAPOW! Startled, I accelerated off the starting line, feeling the adrenaline in every step. This experience raises the question of why teens don’t run. Running requires minimal equipment, making it accessible to most individuals. There is no need for expensive shoes when first starting out. When individuals begin running, it will be difficult at first. It will hurt, but that is good since it means you’re gaining cardiovascular health, muscle, and a host of other factors for a healthy individual. Despite the benefits aforementioned, some may say, “No time. No place to go… if your struggling with the ‘where to run’ piece, a gym treadmill, high school track, or neighborhood block are good places to start” (Jhung). Teens should start running because of its numerous health benefits and school subsidization of cross country and track teams allowing for the ease of involvement.
Teens should start running due to the numerous health benefits such as increased metabolic rate, improved sleep, reduced inflammation, etc. Such benefits are shown through a clinical investigation published by Men’s Health Australia as it states, “Endurance exercise stokes your metabolic fires by hiking up production of the hormone FGF21…FGF21 influences your preference for sweet foods and drinks, and essentially puts the brakes on craving” (“10 benefits”). As a runner, I noticed that not only do I feel like I want to eat less, but that this leads to losing weight as well, being a great add-on to a calorie deficit.
Another advantage is also shown through a study conducted by the University of California that states “Just 20 minutes of running suppresses inflammation…when inflammation is left unchecked…it causes damage that leads to serious health conditions li\ke heart disease, diabetes, cancer and arthritis” (“10 benefits”).
Another benefit of running is exemplified through an International Sportmed Journal study when it states “Endurance exercise in the morning improves your sleep the following night…not only will you nod off faster, but you’ll sleep for longer and enjoy a sounder nights sleep” (“10 benefits”).
Additionally, teens should start running because of the vast amount of opportunities provided to them thanks to the subsidization of cross country and track by schools. In addition to the ease of involvement the students also benefit in life skills. This is exemplified through NFHS’s article that “found that these coaches saw that the process of participation and striving to win taught life skills such as discipline, work ethic, and emotional control” (“NFHS”). I can also testify to this as I am also a student athlete that experienced an improvement in life skills.
One may critique sports for decreasing grade potential/academic potential, however that is not the case. According to NFHS’s article, “Kansas State Department of Education, revealed that ‘athletes earned higher grades, graduated at a higher rate, dropped out of schools less frequently and scored higher on state assessments than did non-athletes’’ (“NFHS”). One might also say that runners are not successful later in life, but that does not track. Runners, thanks to their discipline and life skills from their craft, are able to take advantage of their experience and apply it to their lives later on. Perhaps this critique comes from a hatred of runners on the road, but that’s a small number of folk that are so dedicated to their sport that they don’t care about the criticism thrown their way, as they are truly successful in society. According to NFHS, “activities foster success in later life. Participation in high school activities is a predictor of later success–in college, a career and becoming a contributing healthy member of society” (“NFHS”).
While research strongly supports these benefits, personal experience also highlights the impact of running. I’ve experienced benefits such as improved focus, cardiovascular health, boosts metabolism, etc. There was a period when I was unable to run due to an injury. Once I healed, I noticed I had fallen behind my expectations and felt very out of shape. At this time, my mental health decreased and I began thinking pessimistically. After returning to running, those negative feelings began to fade as I felt more in tune with my competition–myself. I also felt as if I was actually improving physically as well since I wasn’t forced to stay away from running, showing its great mental effects and physical gains. Nearing the finish line I give it my all knowing that each race is bringing me closer to being my fastest self.
