Running is a spiritual journey that tests your mind, body, and soul. All you need is a pair of running shoes, shorts, t-shirt, a positive attitude, and the open road. If you prefer to run indoors a treadmill is perfect for short runs of 30 minutes or less. The combination of strength training and running will prepare you for any race in your area or around the world. You have various choices in terms of running conditions and environments. You can run for charity, for example you can run for certain causes including; Breast cancer research, AIDS, sickle cell anemia, and literacy causes for youth in your community. You can run for relaxation in a park, gym, or recreational center. Whether you are a novice,a Zen runner, or a seasoned professional, running is a way of life. When you begin running for losing weight or just wanting to stay fit the benefits of running cannot be measured in terms of health and fitness.

You can begin running at any age whether you are 13 or 80. Some runners have not started running until the ages of 30 or beyond. The benefits that you receive from running are that you have more energy to complete tasks throughout the day. You develop a clear mind and release stress. The cardiovascular work out that you achieve from running is an amazing ride of freedom. Once you run for more than 30 minutes three days a week you can run your first 5K which is a 3 mile run. After you finish your first 5K you may want to continue the challenge and run a 10K which is 6.2 miles.

By the end of all of your training and hard work you are ready to run your first marathon. Running a marathon is a test of endurance, mind, and body. You are testing yourself to build mental toughness and dexterity. Running is a spiritual journey that will last forever. Once you begin the journey of running and relaxation you may never want to stop. I leave you with this message, “Continue the Journey, “Continue to Run.”

About The AuthorToiia L. Rukuni is a recent graduate of Michigan State University with a Masters in Family Studies and African Studies. Currently she is an aspiring freelance writer and activist residing in Atlanta, Georgia. However her passion lies with Black women’s health and health related issues. Mrs. Rukuni is a health advocate and trains four days a week at her local gym. Last year she ran three 5k races in E. Lansing Michigan. Also she ran her first 10k “The Peachtree Road Race” in Atlanta, Georgia this summer. In the future she will be running the Atlanta Marathon on Thanksgiving Day 2006.