Run Luau Run

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There are many reasons why I run.  Some are for me – the sense of accomplishment, the feeling of achievement; but some are for others.

I run because I need to know that I am doing everything possible to make sure that I am “there”.  I don’t mean “there” in the sense of the here and now – no, I am talking about being “there” down the line.  I run for my kids.  I run for the wife.  I run for my parents.

Statistics show that those that lead a sedentary life have a significantly higher likelihood of being inflicted with cancer or other life-debilitating diseases.  Add extra weight (not even obesity) to that equation and the numbers become staggering.

According to the Mayo Clinic, men who have a beer gut are at a higher risk of:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Some types of cancer
• Type 2 diabetes
• Insulin resistance
• High triglycerides
• Low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good,” cholesterol
• Metabolic syndrome
• Sleep apnea

For women, the increased belly fat brings a higher risk of:

• Heart disease
• Breast cancer
• Diabetes
• Metabolic syndrome
• Gallbladder problems
• High blood pressure
• Colorectal cancer

Depending on how sedentary the life-style and the amount of weight, the increased risk can be as much as 50%.

But here’s the thing, even if a sedentary life only added a 5% chance of getting cancer or some other life-ending disease, would you want to take that chance, knowing that exercise and healthful eating habits could have helped you avoid them?  Could you look your children or spouse in the eyes at the end and simply apologize because you couldn’t find the motivation to move your body?

Time is a factor, I know.  There are only 24 hours in a day, and busy, hectic life-styles can impede the ability to sweat.  Carving out 120 minutes per week can be difficult.  It’s hard.  It shouldn’t be, but it is.  Still, I bet if you kept a diary of everything you did in the coming week, you would find a 30 – 40 minute window in a few spots.  Give it a try.  Seriously.

Energy is another factor.   Low-energy can sap the will like nothing else, but I tell you this – you energy-level is much like matter in that it is subject to inertia.  If it is sedentary, it will remain sedentary until you move it.  The spectacular part though is that once it is moving, it is more likely to stay in motion.  You just have to push – a little bit, every day.  Get the ball rolling and the rest will take care of itself.

So, I guess the question is, are you happy playing Russian Roulette?  The statistics say that nothing should happen when you pull the trigger, but do you want to take that chance?  Whether it’s a bullet or life-ending disease, the result is the same.

That is a reason I run; why I try to break a sweat at least 2 out of every 3 days.

Take the bullets out of the gun.

There are no guarantees in life other than death and taxes, but why not stack the deck in your favor?

Why do you run?