The Road Runners Club of America's - Why Women Run

1. Running is the most efficient path to cardiovascular fitness. 30 minutes a day, 4 days a week will yield an excellent level of fitness in the shortest possible period of time. Regular, moderate running also can reduce the risk of osteoporosis, breast cancer and diabetes. Running can cut the risk of a heart attack in half for post-menopausal women.
2. Running is the most accessible of aerobic sports. No matter where you live or travel, an excellent area for running is almost always close by. No need to find a health club, join a team, go to a gym or worry about bringing along bulky equipment.
3. Running is inexpensive and simple to learn. You need good shoes, decent clothing, and not much else to participate. There are even running clothes made specifically for women runners' needs. Everyone knows how to run, and information on training is widely available.
4. Running is the best method of stress reduction on the market. 30 minutes of running will work wonders in dissolving stress accumulated on the job. Running helps alleviate many womens' menstrual complaints.
5. Running is an excellent component of any weight control program. Few activities burn calories so quickly.
6. Running is a flexible method of training. You can run at your own pace, with or without company, at whatever time of day suits you.
7. Running makes you feel good. Fitness, self-esteem, empowerment and confidence all increase with exercise, especially for women.
8. Running offers a unique opportunity for recreational runners to mix with world class athletes. You can't play at Wimbledon or on the LPGA tour, but on almost every weekend, recreational women runners compete in racing events with the fastest women in the sport. There are also low-key social events that emphasize fun and friendship.
9. Running is for families and individuals of all ages. There are running programs for kids, women-only races, "masters" programs for those over 40, and events for families.
10. Running puts you in good company. Millions of people already run for health, fun, fitness and competition, including 3 of the last 4 presidents of the United States (and the last two Vice Presidents' wives). There are running clubs in almost every community in the country.