As often I’m a little late to the party but here’s to World Running Day yesterday:)

Having run for over half my life, I can vouch for the tremendous effect it’s had both physically and mentally. Here I share just a few.

Originally I ran for weight loss. I was over 90kg and built up distance with time so I could eventually run 3 miles slowly.

After more than 20 years it still brightens my mood, improves my fitness, gives me more energy and helps control my weight and sleep.

I love exploring and being in nature, following new trails, watching how landscapes change as the light shifts and the seasons pass.

Running tunes out the negatives of everyday life and like a moving meditation, nurtures the positives and improves your outlook – on everything. On days I run I am heaps more productive, am in a much better mood and similar to coffee, I’m much nicer after I’ve had one.

It’s simple, time efficient and free. This year I have been experimenting with shorter, faster, runs – not more than 25 minutes. This fits into a busy schedule and has huge benefits to the cardiovascular system, builds fast twitch muscle and increases strength and power.

My advice to new runners….Like anything start very slow, build it up and keep it consistent.

And if you don’t like it, don’t do it. Find something else.

Make arrangements to try something new this week – whether it’s a new class, a new activity on the water or simply getting back on your bike.