Why should I run 1 mile a day?

When you say it out loud 1 mile doesn’t sound a lot but the distance you are achieving should never be overlooked. Especially over the whole challenge, by the end of the month you will have run or walked more than a marathon! if you’re a complete newbie to November Challenge or a novice runner it can seem a little intimidating.

Just know that you’re never alone! With support from the NC community, office team and the Captain himself we will get you through it. We’re all in it together!

PLUS there are SO many benefits! Running or walking 1 mile a day can:-

Get you fit as a fiddle!

To put it simply, the more you exercise and get your heart pumping the stronger your cardiac muscles become, just like the rest of the muscles in our body. Similarly, with your lungs, during a run or brisk walk, they expand and contract much quicker, making those breathing bags stronger all the time.

Improving your cardiorespiratory health can reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular disease significantly. Along with this lowering that pesky cholesterol and prevents conditions such as type 2 diabetes. Basically you’ll be strong, fit and healthy!

Help to improve anxiety and depression and help you destress

If you haven’t heard already, exercising is known for promoting all kinds of changes in your brain. Firstly, heading out for your 1 mile will release ‘feel good’ hormones in your brain. These are called endorphins which trigger a positive feeling in your body (similar to that of morphine!) not only that but they interact with the receptors in your brain to reduce your perception of pain. Clever, hey?

Exercise, especially running, improves neural growth and new activity patterns promote feelings of calm and well-being. It’s known to be a powerful depression fighter, releasing tension and stress therefore boosting your physical and mental energy!

Shed the pounds!

(lbs not the money!) - It’s as simple as this, running and walking burns calories and excess fat in a relatively short period of time. Here’s the bonus, even AFTER your run it can help you continue to burn calories! Running/walking may help suppress your appetite and targets stubborn belly fat. Even the prime minister took up running in 2020 to try and shift a few lbs. It’s said that the Queen allowed him to run through Buckingham Palace gardens – maybe it’s worth an ask for NC?

Make you smarter and stronger

You know how we talked a lot about the brain before, well when you lace up your trainers, you are encouraging your brain to grow! Crazy we know, but you’re actually producing more brain cells en route! Research has shown that the cognitive boosting effect of running improved working memory and focus. (You won’t be forgetting your keys again! We hope!)

Ok so our brain, lungs and heart are strong, what about our body? Well high impact exercise such as running can increase your bone density preventing weak bones.

Get you a good night’s sleep! (Who doesn’t want this!?)

These days SO many people suffer from lack of sleep, insomnia and poor sleep quality. With our busy lives it’s important we get our hours in in but also make it a ‘good’ sleep! Running and walking can increase time spent in deep sleep which helps to boost immune function and control stress. Being more active every day requires you to use more energy, this makes you feel more tired and ready to rest come bedtime. It’s also said that regular exercise that’s part of a routine (1 mile every day) can help improve sleep duration and quality.

Make friends for life!

The great thing about running and walking is that it can done in any weather. Even though it may be a bit of a struggle to head out in the rain – it’s only you that’s stopping you. Not only that but especially for NC we encourage you to get everyone involved. You can run as a group, with your family, with your furry friend and on the last day we will come together for the final run as the whole NC family. The support, community and sense of achievement are just some of the reasons we’ve been so successful with November Challenge.

Raise LOTS of money for charity!

November Challenge is about improving your own health and well being, but whilst you’re doing that you can give back to others that are in need. NC charities for 2020 are ‘Mind’- support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem, and Make-a-wish foundation - creating life changing wishes and experiences for children with critical illnesses. Two fantastic charities for great causes, especially in the times we have found ourselves in throughout the year – now’s the time to give back whilst having fun and getting fit! Everyone’s a winner.

Hopefully, by now you're convinced that running or walking 1 mile a day can benefit you all round! For hints and tips in the lead up to November Challenge Follow @CaptainCymru on Instagram