100 of My Reasons To Run

I've been running for 15 years now. It's been the cornerstone of a transformation. We all know there are many benefits of running, but think more deeply and the connections really start to flow. You'll find many more, as I have done and continue to do every day.

Believe me... I could have kept going way past 100 but as all Ultra runners know, you have to stop somewhere.

If you are looking for a surefire way to improve the way you show up at work and in life, it's as simple as putting one foot in front of the other.

Enjoy! x

1. Increased Life Expectancy: Through increased Vo2 Max

2. Opened Awareness to Human Potential: Worked through imagined limits

3. Understood the Chimp: Learnt to settle and control reactive behaviour

4. Found More Humility: For my own shortcomings and those of others

5. Empowered Others: Past on learnings and supported others to achieve goals

6. Better able to Manage Stress: As fitness levels higher

7. Understanding Data: Interpreting biometric data for health insights

8. Faster Recovery: Can put in more effort and recovery faster than ever

9. Gained Knowledge: 1000’s of hours of podcasts and audiobooks

10. Understanding of the Breathe: Lead to knowledge and benefits of breathwork

11. Better Bucket list: More possibilities of what’s possible to do in one lifetime

12. Being a Good Dad: Leading by example by putting health first

13. No More Booze: Took a while to get here, but now tea total and happier than ever

14. Improved Cardiovascular Health: Strengthened heart and increased lung capacity.

15. Enhanced Physical Endurance: Increased stamina and get more done

16. Weight Management: And occasional guilt-free eats

17. Improved Strength: As I age :-(

18. Greater Flexibility/ Range Of Motion: Due to recovery stretching protocols

19. Boosted Metabolism: Better digestion and energy efficiency.

20. Reduced Stress: Decreased stress and anxiety levels

21. Improved Mood: All the time :-)

22. Stronger Immune System: Touch wood… hardly even ill

23. Better Sleep Quality: Deeper, more restful sleep recovery and efficiency

24. Higher Energy Levels: Greater and prolonged energy throughout the day

25. Improved Mental Health: Efforts lead to higher baseline dopamine

26. Enhanced Creativity: Stimulates creativity.

27. Greater Confidence: Improved self-esteem.

28. Continual Sense of Achievement: Felt accomplished after runs and races

29. Better Focus: Improved concentration

30. Greater Clarity: Cognitively clear

31. Increased Discipline: Better time management.

32. Higher Productivity: Increased work efficiency

33. Reduced Risk Profile For Chronic & Autoimmune Diseases:

34. Healthier Cholesterol Levels: Maintained good cholesterol balance in testing

35. Stronger Bones: Increased bone density as aging :-(

36. Better Digestive Health: By dialling into nutrition to aid running performance

37. Improved Posture: Better posture and reducing deleterious effects of sitting

38. Healthier Lifestyle: Adoption of other many other coexistent healthy habits

39. Enhanced Social Life: Expanded social circle radically

40. Provides Breaks from Routine: Mental break from daily life aids performance

41. Improved Patience: Learned patience and perseverance, especially for loved ones

42. Improved Goal Setting Capabilities: Developed systems applicable at work

43. Increased Resilience: Better at overcoming challenges in all aspects of life

44. Better Balance and Coordination: Improved coordination as I get old :-(

45. Reconnected to Nature: Far too many tangible and intangible benefits to mention

46. Reduced Healthcare Costs: Saved a fortune on medical!

47. Better Work-Life Balance: Making health a priority leads to higher contentment   

48. Increased Motivation: More overall motivation to expand felt generally

49. Controlled Cravings: Managed cravings better through dialled in focus on nutrition

50. Personal Time: Valuable time for reflection and introspection

51. Reduced Risk of Injury: Rarely get injured

52. Capacity for Learning: Cognition improved supporting learning and memory.

53. Improved Athletic Performance Generally: Better performance in other sports

54. Natural High: Experienced natural euphoric runners highs daily

55. Improved Mental Endurance: Better at pushing through mental barriers

56. Healthier Eating: Better dietary choices, through deeper awareness

57. Increased Alertness: Much more alert and attentive at work and at home

58. Better Body Composition: Look less like an old man

59. Mindfulness: Use as a form of moving meditation practice

60. Self-Discipline: Strengthened self-discipline immensely

61. Better Work Performance: Better version of self gets more and better work done

62. Natural Detox: Expelling toxins through sweating.

63. Dialled in Hydration: Far more conscious

64. Electrolyte Balance: More dialled improving clarity and maintaining energy

65. Overall Well-being: General high sense of well-being.

66. Better Decision-Making: Faster and clearer decision-making abilities.

67. Family Bonding: Enables a healthy shared experience together

68. Keeps Friendships Strong: Shared experience maintaining deeper connections

69. Improved Adaptability: Better at adapting to challenges.

70. Reduced Stroke Risk Profile: Lower risk of stroke as in family

71. Appetite Control: Helps regulate appetite hormones.

72. Reduced Back Pain: Stronger core muscles.

73. Reduced Anxiety: Managed anxiety.

74. Supporting Charity Causes: Fundraised and supported charitable organisations

75. Boosted Nutrient Absorption: Better nutrient delivery to cells for energy

76. Improved Reaction Time: Better reflexes.

77. Saved Money: Low cost compared to most other sporting endeavours

78. Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Helps regulate blood sugar levels

79. Environmental Awareness: A greater appreciation for the environment.

80. Routine and Structure: Established daily structure

81. Increased Awareness of Sustainable Living: Eco-friendly activity and community

82. Lifelong Learning: Lead to continual learning of all aspects of health and fitness.

83. Better Relationships Generally: Improved relationship-building

84. Community Engagement: Fostered and took part in community building

85. Role Model Opportunities: Hopefully inspired others to be healthy

86. Improved Empathy: Enhanced empathy for all people

87. Cultural Appreciation: Exposure to new cultures through global runs/ races

88. Addiction Recovery Support: Fundamental in recovery

89. Enhanced Technical Skills: Improved skills in planning, tracking and navigation

90. Environmental Stewardship: Maintained clean running spaces in my community

91. Sense of Adventure: Discovered so many new places

92. Understanding Psychology: Developed a deep interest in the way the mind works

93. Broke Down Barriers: Went beyond my comfort zone multiple times

94. Completed Epic Trails: Experienced some of the great pilgrimages

95. Have Better Stories: Many mind-blowing things happen in the running community

96. Other Recovery Protocols: Proactive recovery strategies such as sauna and ice bath

97. Weather Acclimatisation: Happy to be out in any conditions

98. Great Packer: Dialled into a thorough preparatory checklist

99. Kinder: More considerate to others as a reflection of the kindness offered me

100. Spiritual: Running helped find a channel to something far more profound