GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - With countless runners taking to South Africa’s roads each day, running is one of the country’s most popular activities to keep fit.
These runners share the roads and mountain trails with professional athletes, fitness fanatics, families and casual walkers looking to spend some much-needed time outdoors.
Running offers several key health benefits, and as an activity that is widely accessible and doesn’t cost a cent, it’s the perfect complement to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Talking to the many perks of running is Gugulethu Athletics Club chairperson and race organiser, Aubrey Shoko, who spearheads the annual Gugs Youth Race, which is sponsored by retail consumer finance provider RCS. He believes that running is one of the most versatile and inclusive forms of exercise.
“Anyone, regardless of age or fitness level, can run – even the shortest distance completed consistently and at a pace that is comfortable for you, can reap many physical and mental health benefits.”
Benefits for your mind and body
Apart from the positive cardiovascular effects of running, the physical benefits of regular exercise are most commonly touted as motivation for taking up activities such as running.
However, there is also a growing body of evidence that talks about mental health advantages.
Running or brisk walking releases endorphins, which are the body’s ‘happy hormones’. Over time, the accumulative effect of this hormonal stimulation has become known as ‘runner’s high’ or the feeling of euphoria that often follows an exercise session. The release of these vital hormones is known to aid in reducing stress and anxiety, creating a feeling of general well-being and greatly assisting in lifting your mood.
For individuals who have never tried running, the thought of getting started and facing the strain of a long road may be daunting, but Shoko encourages all beginners to “start wherever you find yourself physically and mentally and then build on that foundation.”
In South Africa, where world-class races like the Comrades and the Two Oceans marathons feature prominently as the benchmarks to aim for, beginners may feel intimidated.
But as Shoko advises: “Running does not have to be a competitive sport.
Among the thousands of participants who take part in major marathons are amateurs who simply want to be part of the gees and have fun.”
Fortunately, as South Africans, we have the privilege of having many urban and natural environments that allow anyone to challenge themselves. Ease of access and the fact that running is absolutely free make it a firm favourite.
Advice for beginners
Offering his tips to beginners, Shoko encourages first starters to find a way to reward themselves after a run.
“The idea that by running, you are earning something you will enjoy, can be a powerful motivator. You could, for example, plan your route to include your favourite smoothie destination or reward yourself with a chocolate or a monthly massage. When you have something to look forward to, you’ll be more likely to put in a mile or two to get it.”
Another tip for beginners is to make running a regular part of their weekly routine. How many times per week you hit the road is not as important as committing to a regular timeslot that you can add to your calendar. In doing so, runners can train their brains to associate a certain day and time with a fitness activity and create the neural pathways that make that activity a habit.
Joining a running club is also a great way of being introduced to the sport. The fact that running clubs are only for professionals or people with a high level of fitness or stamina is a vast misconception. Running clubs cater to every level of fitness and provide an environment that is conducive to camaraderie and mutual upliftment.
As Shoko concludes: “There’s nothing more inspiring than running or walking alongside someone who shares the same goal and can motivate you to improve on your personal best. As part of the Gugulethu Athletics Club, I’ve witnessed first-hand how running can build communities, give people a reason to get out of bed in the morning and challenge them to keep moving forward.”
The perfect challenge for first-time runners
If this was motivation enough to get you on the road, then the upcoming 2023 RCS Gugs Youth Race is the opportune moment to put your best foot forward. The race, now in its 23rd year, takes runners through a route passing through one of Cape Town’s most iconic townships.
Friday 16 June is the date to diarise, with this year’s RCS Gugs Race being held in honour of Youth Day.
The race offers a 10km run which will kick off at 07:15 AM, as well as a walk starting at 07:00. Participants also have the option of enjoying a 4.2km fun run, which will start at 07:25.
Runners are now free to register online or on the day from 05:00.
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