By Grace Manion, Guest Columnist

Jaw drops, sudden gasps, shocked faces. I’ve received it all when I say I love running. Many people in our world would say they’re “bad at running” or that they “hate” running in a heartbeat. I, however, love my sport which happens to be your sport’s punishment.

I have been running for as long as I can remember. I come from a family that has generations of not only runners, but fast runners. As Shawn Mendes would say, “It is(n’t) in my blood!” When high school rolled around though, I found an even greater love for running on the cross country team. Because it is my heart, my soul, my passion, here are a few reasons why everyone should run for fun.

First, running is a great overall workout to improve physical health. It is important that we take care of our bodies and running keeps us healthy in many ways. Running mainly improves cardiovascular health and increases bone density which can even add a few years on to your life. We all want to live as long as possible, right? Start running now.

Second, running is great for your mental health. Mental health is just as important, if not even more important than your physical health. You hear most people talk about a “runner’s high” and that is not a myth. Running releases endorphins, and endorphins can help improve your mood and overall outlook on life for the better. Trust me, running highs are something special that you cannot get anywhere else. Take it from the girl who was injured for a year and a half and could not run. I missed those running highs like one misses their ex.

Third, running is a social sport. Running can get boring if you do it all alone. Finding a group of people to run with is key. Some of my best friends are because I joined the cross country and track teams at school. Runners pass the time of short and long runs by chit-chatting and connecting with one another.

Fourth, running is basically free therapy. Because endorphins are being released, you feel better no matter what mood you were in before the run began. Also, most runners say “what happens on a run, stays on a run.” This is said because lots of runners end up “spilling the tea” while running with friends. It is a sacred time to rant, complain, connect, and even cry.

Last, runners are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. Take a time I ran on my local trail. Passing by runners is a breath of fresh air. We smile, say hi, and encourage each other on our runs. Passing by a biker, for example, well technically a rider as they like to be called, is just the opposite. They yell at you to move out of the way or better yet blow a loud horn right in your ear just as they pass by with no warning at all.

All in all, everyone should run. You will see dramatic changes physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially, guaranteed.