Why you should run in nature, there are numerous benefits to getting outside in nature for your run

There’s something dreamlike about running along a quiet, country road or through a park with grand, overarching trees. The gentle sounds of a babbling brook or sweet birdsong can sweep away the pain during a long or tough run. Whether you’re new to running outside or enjoy an occasional jog through your neighbourhood, here’s why you should embrace the outdoors and explore some new, nature-filled routes on your next run.

Running outside isn’t always a pleasant experience. Rain, snow, gusting winds, and sweltering or freezing temperatures can make your workout much more challenging. You may have to look out for trip hazards or icy patches that aren’t present while running indoors. But would I swap this for a run on a treadmill in a temperature-controlled gym, watching a movie? Absolutely not.

Surrounding yourself with nature can be refreshing and motivating

Choosing a running route with some greenery or natural scenery can improve your mood and potentially motivate you to step outdoors for a run more often. A survey of 1,581 Dutch novice runners published in Environment and Behaviour found that runners preferred to run in parks or out of town. Running in spaces with greenery made runners feel mentally refreshed, reflecting growing evidence that exercising in natural areas helps reduce stress. It’s possible that elements of these routes (e.g., the absence of cars) also make runners feel safer, which may increase motivation to run.

Running outside can build mental toughness

Running outdoors on a rainy, cold, or windy day may not appeal to some, but these runs may make you mentally tougher. A study in The Sport Psychologist interviewed 12 ultrarunners about their perceptions of mental toughness. Ultrarunners race events of 50K or longer, which can take several hours or days to complete, so these runners need to train and prepare well.

According to this study, an important component of mental toughness for ultrarunners was the ability to work through tough and unpredictable environments. Running in the elements can make you feel powerful and build self-confidence. And if you’re training for an event, occasionally embracing suboptimal weather conditions can help mentally prepare you for whatever conditions are present on race day.

You can “flex your muscles” and get stronger by running outside

There are some differences in how your leg muscles respond to running outdoors versus on a treadmill. Some muscles activate more or at different times to help absorb the greater impact from running on harder outdoor surfaces. Some outdoor running surfaces, like trails, get your stabilizing muscles working harder to help keep you balanced on an uneven surface. Without a doubt, training on a variety of surfaces helps strengthen various muscle groups and makes you a stronger runner.

Try running with nature

To reinvigorate your running routine, next time it’s a little snowy or rainy, consider embracing nature and running outside through a green or natural area As always, put safety first. Dress appropriately for the weather, listen to your body, and ensure that others know where you are going and when you expect to return.

posted Friday February 3rd
by Lauren Moretto