15 Reasons Why You Should Run in 2025
Until 2013, I despised running. In fact, I was the kid who walked the mile in gym class, knowing my grade would drop. I played sports on a few recreational leagues and played volleyball in middle school; but, beyond that, I wasn’t very physically active aside from running around in my or my grandparents’ back yard. When I went to college, I started to become slightly more physically active, but not by much. It wasn’t until joining a Couch to 5K program that I realize what joy running brought me. It’s now been more than 11 years and although my relationship with running has been somewhat inconsistent, I’m excited to say that in 2025, I’ll be training for a marathon! So, what better way to begin the New Year than to share with you some great reasons why you should run in 2025.
How to begin running if you hate it
I’m sorry to say, if you want to run solely to lose weight or “get in shape,” then it might not be for you. Running can be simple, but it is hard. It takes a lot of fortitude, stamina, and diligence to stay consistent. I’ll be honest, consistency is not a skill that comes naturally to me. I tend to give up pretty easily; however, with the goal of a half marathon on the horizon, I’m determined more than ever to get consistent. Even if you begin by doing very short intervals (i.e., running for 30 seconds, walking for a minute), the best thing you can do is to get consistent, and over time, you’ll will gain in miles and speed. You may eventually be able to run a mile without stopping! For tips on how to begin running if you don’t particularly enjoy it, check out this post I wrote a few months ago.
Reasons why you should run in 2025
It’s fun!
If you have never run consistently or you don’t enjoy doing it, you might think I’m crazy. However, of the many reasons you should run in 2025, this one is the top. Plain and simple, running is fun! It’s also hard and an incredible challenge, but I seriously enjoy it. The main reason why running is not enjoyable is because others will try to do too much too quickly. I can speak to that. The best thing you can do is to start slow. Most runners are not extremely fast like Olympic athletes, but they don’t need to be! The only thing you need to do when running is to be consistent. No one cares what pace you are running at or even how long. Over time, if you are consistent, your pace and mileage will naturally increase.
It’s ridiculously easy to get started
Guess what? Running takes very little money, if any at all, to get started! At the very basic level, you need shorts/pants, a sports bra, shirt, socks, and shoes, and possibly headphones if you want to run with music. More than likely, you already have all of these items. If you are just testing the waters and are a brand new runner, you don’t need fancy gear. You just don’t. It’s unnecessary until you get consistent. However, if you find you want to run regularly and consistently, you’ll then want to consider adding more gear, like a GPS watch, moisture-wicking clothes, and a good pair of running shoes. I highly recommend Brooks shoes!
It costs very little money
Of the many reasons you should run in 2025, this might be the captivator. To start out, you don’t need to spend any extra money. You don’t need apps, fancy clothes, or new gear. You just need the things mentioned above and an determined attitude to get you started. Running can be an expensive sport, but it doesn’t have to be. I will say, when you’re starting out and you know you want to run consistently, I HIGHLY recommending investing in a good pair of running shoes. There are so many websites out there to be help you figure out which shoe will be best for you. RunRepeat is a fantastic website that reviews many different shoes. Road Runner Sports is a great resource to help you find a shoe that works best for you.
It will create a more positive outlook on life
Running just does something to you. I can’t quite describe it. I think it might be a mix of all the things involved in running. When you become a consistent runner, you can’t stop. With all those endorphins running through you, it’s hard not to be in a good mood most days. Overall, running helps you to have a more positive outlook on life. Because it is such a challenging sport, to know that you have accomplished a run makes you feel like you can do just about anything. It builds a type of mental fortitude that is indescribable.
You will become stronger
Next on our reasons why you should run in 2025: Hands down, you will become stronger. It’s just going to happen. Assuming you become consistent and run regularly, you will gain strength. Because of the type of exercise running is, you aren’t necessarily going to see massive muscle gains like you will with strength training. However, as you run more, the more your muscles develop. Not only that, but you will gain mental strength. The toughest part of running is figuring out what works for YOU as an individual runner. So many new runners, myself included, start building speed too quickly without focusing on consistency. This leads to giving up too early, as well as overall frustration and sometimes even injury. Starting out slow but with consistency is the best way to become a strong runner.
It will give you something to work towards
Does anyone just run to run? Not usually. Even if it’s a small one, there is usually a goal involved. Maybe you want to run a mile without walking or run a longer race. You might have a time you want to beat. Either, one of the next reasons why you should run in 2025 is because it gives you something to work towards. As we’ve already learned, running is not for the faint of heart. It takes a lot of hard work, determination, and diligence; but, there is beauty in this.
Because you are working towards something, you begin to build character and you become more focused on your goal. I say this as a person who starts too hard, too fast and then quits rather quickly. Thankfully, that’s changed in the last few years. I attempted to want to run a half marathon before. In fact, I almost signed up for one in 2022, but ended up not due to life circumstances. However, I recently picked one and paid the money, so it’s now official! Having a race to work towards has entirely shifted how I live my life for the better.
Your body will change
This is not necessarily one of the top reasons why you should run in 2025, but it’s a nice added bonus. Assuming you don’t overconsume on food, more than likely you’ll shed some weight. Not only that, you’ll tone your muscles in the process. Running changes my body like no other physical activity does. It’s one of the few ways I’m actually able to get lean. Your face will get thinner and your body in general will get leaner. I highly advise against running solely to lose weight; however, if you enjoy running, it can be a great way to change your body!
It will improve your physical and mental stamina
Of the many reasons why you should run in 2025, building physical and mental stamina is a really good one. Simply stated, stamina is the ability to do something for prolonged periods of time. Running requires both physical and mental stamina. If you have never ran more than 10 seconds in your life and set out to run a 5K or even a mile without walking, more than likely you aren’t going to do it the first time you try. Running takes a lot out of you and it’s hard work for your lungs. However, if done correctly, over time you can build up capacity that allows you to tac on more mileage and time. And that is a really good feeling!
Starting slow is honestly the best way to start. On top of being slow, you need to be consistent in order to increase your stamina. Brand new runners may be able to get away with running twice a week. However, it’s the opinion of many runners out there, myself included, that in order to really see gains, you need to be running three to four times per week with strength, weight, and/or cross training built in at least twice per week. It sounds like a lot, but again, that’s why we start small and build from there. I love Not Your Average Runner with Jill Angie. She gets the runners that are not super slim, fast, and fit. She understands that all runners are created differently. I highly recommend listening to her podcast. It’s short but gives great tidbits of information.
It is challenging
If this isn’t the top reason, it’s definitely one of the top reasons why you should run in 2025. Interestingly though, it’s why many people quit. Running is hard. It hurts and you often end up in pain, even if you don’t get injured. Your lungs feel like they’re on fire, you’re sweating profusely, and you’ve barely been going for five minutes. Why would someone do this to themselves?? The challenge, my friends. That’s why! Our society prides itself on easy living, to the point where it’s uncomfortable to be even slightly uncomfortable. There’s something significant though, about someone who balks at that and puts forth the effort to overcome physical and mental challenges. Running allows you to truly feel like you’ve done something significant.
It will improve your health
This is another no-brainer. Almost any physical activity will improve your physical and mental health. A few of the health benefits from running include lowered risk of disease, stronger bones, better sleep, and better mental health. I have plenty of hard workouts and frustrating runs, but one of my mantras is “I will never regret a run.” And it’s true! After every run, I feel some type of benefit, whether is improved mood or physically feeling stronger.
It builds community
There is something about gathering with other people before a race that is like no other. When you run, you are almost guaranteed to build a community. Not only does it help with accountability, it’s also fun to have a community of like-minded people who are excited for and with you. I think some of the reason why others don’t run is because they are intimidated. I promise you are not going to get jeered at because you are running a 13-minute mile while everyone else is running 8-minute miles. The opposite, actually. What you will find is cheering and excitement. No one cares how fast you run. They’re just happy you’re running.
It’s a good excuse to create a new playlist
If you’ve read some of my other posts, you know music is a thing for me. I am always looking for a good excuse to create new playlists, so that’s why it’s next on our reasons why you should run in 2025. Funny enough, when I got my Spotify Wrapped for 2024, my top songs were songs my from workout playlists! That was really cool to see. Spotify has an amazing array of playlists for any running style or speed. Recently, as I have begun training for my half marathon, I actually created a slow running playlist. I get into the trap of trying to speed myself up too quickly, so implementing some slower tunes has really helped me find a more manageable pace. On the flip side, for my speed workouts, I created a playlist just for that purpose. No matter your goals for running, there is absolutely a playlist for you.
You’ll naturally take in some vitamin D
This might be one of the more underestimated reasons why you should run in 2025. Almost half of the United States is deficient in Vitamin D and almost no one is meeting the recommendation for Vitamin D intake. The biggest culprit besides a society that’s shifted away from animal-based products is a lack of sunlight. Our bodies were NOT created to be inside all day, staring at computer screens under fluorescent lights, but this is what is currently happening to us. Ideally, we should be getting outside for at least 15 minutes almost every day of the week, barring crazy freakish weather. However, we don’t like to be uncomfortable, and especially in the winter, the cold makes us uncomfortable. The beauty of running though, is you quickly warm up as your body moves. So, do yourself a favor and start running outside in the winter to increase glorious Vitamin D!
It reduces stress
Maybe you’ve heard this one before, but I’ll bring it up again. Running reduces stress! What a great reason to start. Exercising releases endorphins which are known as the “feel-good” hormones. It also helps to bring down cortisol, naturally lowering stress. I’ve often said that I will never regret a run, and I wholeheartedly live by this. No matter how tough your run might be, it is still an accomplishment you should be proud of. At the end of almost every run, not only do I feel great, but I often get “runners’ high,” which is an incredible surge of energy that happens within a few hours of finishing my run. Seriously, I become so energetic that I feel like I’ve had a huge pot of coffee! It’s pretty amazing. If for no other reason, try running because you will begin to mentally feel much better.
You will be ahead of 85% of the population
Ah, finally, we have hit the end and what I think is my favorite of the reasons why you should run in 2025. It’s what I call the “cool kid factor.” According to a statistic, only about 15% of the population went running or jogging in 2021 and this doesn’t account for if runners considered themselves regular runners. That being said, we can assume most people don’t regularly run. Before I started running, I remember thinking when I heard someone call him/herself a runner, Wow, I could never do that! I despised running but at the same time was jealous of others who called themselves runners. I admit, it’s now a pretty cool feeling to regularly do something that most of the population just doesn’t dare to do.
Friends, I am beyond excited for this new year! There are so many amazing things to look forward to. I would love to hear about your current running journey. Tell me all about it in the comments below!
