10 Reasons To Celebrate National Running Day (if you don't run)
June 05, 2013
Today is National Running Day, and obviously, for me, it's a very special day. But many people think,"What gives? I don't run, I have no interest in running, so why should I care?". Never fear! I've compiled a list of 10 reasons to celebrate National Running Day even if you don't run.
10.) We're comical
We runners, do weird things. Like, get up pre-dawn to get in a run, or slather BodyGlide all over our tighs to prevent this thing called chaffing, or spend $100+ on a pair of shoes we will only run in for about 4 months. If nothing else, we provide you, the non-runner, with comic relief as we are always up to something that just doesn't quite make sense to you.
9.) Runners will save the planet
This hasn't been researched, and I'm making a pretty strong assumption here, but I'm pretty sure runner's will end up saving the planet. If we were to do a personality profile of runners, most would be attune to their health and socially conscience and ultimately care about their bodies, just as much as the world we live in. Runners like to do good things like recycle, pick up trash while we run, by natural and/or organic products, shop local, etc. So, come on runners make me proud and save Mother Earth.
8.) Running has launched a new era of entreprenuers
Exhibit A, Black Girls RUN!. We consider ourselves social entreprenuers and have been very fortunate to help thousands of people by living out our passion while making a living. I hear more and more stories of other entreprenuers finding a way to turn their passion for helping our communities get healthier and stronger into a business. With these individuals and their forward thinking, I'm confident that some of our country's most challegening health issues will be solved.
7.) Runners have helped revolutionize technology
Okay, revolutionized may be a strong word, but influenced, certainly. From Nike's collaboration with TomTom and Garmin's product line of watches, to BodyMedia's fitness tool and various mobile apps, running and staying healthy has become synonymous with technology. Each year I'm amazed at how many fitness products make their debut at the Consumer Electonics Show. We can be certain that that trend will continue.
6.) Runners have changed the fashion game
From the short, short running shorts of the 70s to Nike, Lululemon and Brooks, running gear isn't just for the hitting the pavement any more and has become more of a fashion statement in and out of the gym. Thanks to runners, running tights can now serve double duty whether you're sweating or going to the office.
5.) Runners raise millions for charity
I'm sure there's a more accurate number out there, but runners have raised millions for national and local charities across the world. Enough said.
4.) Runners help fuel local economies
From frequenting local running stores to invading cities on race weekend, runners do a lot for our local communities (monetarily and socially). We help fuel local econmies when we by new shoes or take a racecation to tackle another half-marathon and we bring a certain flavor and social aspect to the cities in which we live.
3.) Runners are happy
Chances are you know a runner, but if not, let me let you in on a little secret. Runners are some of the coolest people you will ever meet. Their personalities run the gammit, but most likely you will find that they are fun to be around, optimisitc and like to enjoy life! (I attribute it to all those edorphins). Granted, there are a few rotten apples, but for the most part, people in the running community are some of the happiest people I know and I'd like to think make this world a better place.
My hero. Her work began accidentally 45 years ago when she was the first woman to officially enter the Boston Marathon when it was considered a men’s only race. Her entry revolutionized the sports world when she was physically attacked by the race director for wearing official bib numbers in the race. The photo of this incident flashed around the globe and became one of Time-Life’s “100 Photos that Changed the World.” Switzer finished that race but was radicalized by the incident. She campaigned to make women official in the Boston Marathon in 1972 and later that year was one of the creators of the first women’s road race. Epic!
1.) Ted Corbitt aka: "The grandfather of road racing"
One of the hidden gems in African-American history. He helped found the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), assisted in designing the first New York City Marathon course in 1970 (then finished fifth at age 51), and held U.S. records in the 25-, 40-, and 50-mile runs. He was inducted into the inaugural class of the Distance Running Hall of Fame in 1998.
So, there you have it non-runner, 10 reasons to give that runner in your life a high-five today, or at least don't rag them about their "weirdness". And for all my runners out there, have a happy National Running Day and have a shot of Gu for me!!