uk british fitness blogger femaleBefore anything else, can we all take a moment to appreciate the unrealistically-white parts of my trainers?  I say 'unrealistically' because I spent a fair few minutes violently scrubbing them until they looked presentable!  The cold hard truth of running (outdoors, at least) is that you'll inevitably have dirty, soggy trainers to look forward to at some point. Mmm pretty.  Though dirty trainers aside, there are one million and one positives to running, so if you've been toying with the idea of starting, hopefully I can convince you to tie up your hair, put on your trainers and start earning those miles!
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People start running for various reasons.  A common myth is that its sole purpose is to aid weight loss (though it's pretty damn good for that too), however it attracted me for a very different reason.  I've always been a sporty person and yet only warmed to the idea of running when I realised how helpful it could be for calming the mind.  Sure, I find candles relaxing, soft music calming and picturesque views to be beautifully tranquil - however if I really want to unwind and destress, I run.  So with this in mind, I've put together a list of 5 reasons to start running, comprising slightly more unusual points that have occurred to me over the past few years...
uk blogger fitness running female
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 1 - You don't have to wait for a court to free up, your friend to arrive or a particular gym area to empty out, if you choose to make the activity a solo one, you can just... do it.  You're good to go!  Any place, any time.
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2 - Clothing isn't an issue.  The world of fitnesswear has become increasingly gorgeous over recent years and can be a lot (and I mean a lot) of fun to explore.  However apart from essentials such as comfortable footwear and fitted sports bras, from the ankle up it's playtime!  However, if your budget doesn't quite stretch to the latest, flashiest designs when it comes to trainers, there are plenty of affordable options around such as trainers by Skechers*, Nike and New Balance.
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3 - To push further and further, meeting and exceeding goals as you go.  Running is as much a mental workout as it is physical; from the very beginning, you're guaranteed to get a kick out of going further than you had expected and quicker than you'd thought.  The same mentality seeps into other aspects of your life and before you know it, you've broken through other barriers that seemed impossible to break through.  If you're looking for ways to prove your strength to yourself and build on your successes, running is a great place to start.  
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 4 - As I mentioned earlier, for peace of mind.  If you're struggling to find ways to relax and slow down your thoughts, try swinging the other way and get out of the bubble bath.  I mean, don't turn your back on bubble baths altogether, just schedule them for after runs.  Sounds good?  Sounds good.
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5 - For the changes to your body.  Just like any other form of physical activity combined with eating more consciously, running helps shift weight, however the intangible changes can be just as impressive as the visible!  Lower blood pressure and cholesterol, stronger/healthier bones, increased happiness (release of endorphins in the brain), improved circulation, possible boost to immune system and the list goes on and on...

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Jacket - Kyodan Active 

 Leggings - MPG Performance Gear

 Trainers - Nike Rosche Running Shoes (similar)


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Regardless of whether you did a winning sprint out of the womb, or have been known to tremble at the thought of a brisk walk, running is for everyone - health permitting.  So, if you love it, great!  And if you hate it, you're welcome to come back here and beat me to a pulp with your well-circulated hands.  Deal?

With love,

Gabrielle x

Note: This post has been sponsored, however all opinions are my own.