You’ve got the fashionable — by University standards, at least — Varsity Sports T-shirt that says “Run Hard, Live Easy.” But do you really? If not, why is that?
While a good diet consisting primarily of fruits and vegetables is key to optimum health and an attractive physique for most, running is quite the supplement — particularly in the categories of achieving a healthy weight.
It’s no secret the United States has an obesity epidemic, with an estimated 36.5 percent of the population classified as obese. More specifically, a 2011 Centers of Disease Control study determined approximately 5 million college students fit that classification.
Obesity carries many health risks, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol. This isn’t a newsflash, but running — or any cardiovascular activity in general — can aid in the treatment of both. A brisk walk would even fit the bill.
However, in 2011, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California compared both weight loss and weight control in thousands of walkers and runners and determined running to be the superior exercise.
On April 15, runners and walkers from all over the world will converge in New Orleans to participate in the 39th annual Crescent City Classic. The 6.2 mile race takes thousands of runners on a picturesque journey through downtown New Orleans and eventually, New Orleans City Park. Approximately 42,000 people participated last year, and John Mirutu of Kenya recorded the fastest finish at 28:04.
If you’re like most, you gave up on your new year’s resolution back in early February. If it was to get healthier, it’s never too late to start. Consider walking, jogging, or running the Crescent City Classic this year, maybe even a combination of the three.
No one expects you to run as fast as Mirutu. Personally, I’m expecting to finish somewhere in the 50-52 minute range. But what’s most important to me is that I finish. My health is important to me, and I will continuously strive to improve it.
Even if you don’t want to pay to participate in the Classic, just get out and do something active, before the Student Union diet of McDonald’s and Chick-Fil-A catches up to you.
With finals just a month out, stress levels are sure to peak. Consider going for a run around the lakes instead of running to the Taco Bell at 1 a.m. when you’re cramming for your exam. Doing so will release endorphins and condition both your body and mind.
According to a 2014 study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, just five to ten minutes a day of low-intensity running, defined as running less than 6 miles-per-hour, is associated with markedly reduced risk of death.
In that sense, you can run easy, live longer and actually mean it.
Christopher Godail is a 27-year-old interdisciplinary studies junior from Kenner, Louisiana.