Every January is the same story — thousands of adults lace up their sneakers to fulfill a new New Year’s Resolution to start running. For many adults, running is an easily accessible way to improve cardiovascular health, lose weight and improve overall fitness. Yet running is about more than just strengthening physical health — it teaches key skills like discipline and perseverance, skills that develop best when started early.
Beyond physical endurance, success in running requires mental strength and determination. A study that analyzed mental toughness across Portuguese trail runners found a strong correlation between runners’ resilience and their athletic performance across trail runs. Running daily trains the mind psychologically to adapt to and normalize pain and discomfort. Building mental perseverance through running can develop teenagers’ tenacity during other times of stress, both socially and academically. My cross-country coach often says that the lessons we learn on the hills and trails that we train on will stick with us forever. Learning to ignore negative, self-doubting thoughts has helped me improve my racing times and embark on challenges that once seemed impossible. By promoting running more in adolescence, teenagers will be better equipped to face academic and personal adversities.
Following a weekly training plan teaches discipline and goal setting — a crucial skill for high schoolers balancing busy academic and social schedules. Whether it’s racing along hilly courses to reach a new personal record or a casual Sunday long run, the importance of following consistent training teaches runners that every workout, jog and recovery day is important to reach fitness goals. Applying this lesson to other endeavors is key for high schoolers learning to schedule their week across completing assignments, studying for tests and hanging out with friends.
Running can better teens’ mental well-being through camaraderie with fellow runners. While not typically thought of as a team sport, running connects runners of all skill levels and requires minimal financial investment, making it an easy-to-start exercise outlet. Personally, as a member of Conestoga’s cross-country and track and field teams, running has connected me to teammates and friends that turn the sport into a close community.
Alongside social connection, the mental health benefits of running hold true on a biological level. The endorphins released during runs helps runners feel “runner’s high,” improving mood and inducing feelings of euphoria. These anxiety-reducing benefits are especially important to teens navigating the stresses of adolescence. Running provides a natural and healthy escape that can help teens clear their heads and stay more focused during times of stress.
However, encouraging intense training for teenagers can give way to physical health risks. Teenagers commonly experience bone injuries that can lead to stress fractures. One study found that the incidence of injury in adolescent runners populations is between 3.9% and 19%. While excessive running can lead to these injuries, the key to effective running is balancing intensity with recovery. Implementing structured training that includes high-endurance workouts, recovery runs and cross-training can help prevent injury while still allowing teenagers to reach their running goals.
Running teaches discipline and endurance while also being an outlet for connection. Beginning in adolescence allows teenagers to develop lifelong habits, setting the pace for successful futures.
Rowan Chetty can be reached at [email protected].
