For example, a 15-year study on over 55,000 Americans ages 18 to 100 found that running just five to 10 minutes per day at a slow pace (under six miles per hour) was associated with “markedly reduced risks” for all causes of death. It was also enough to extend a person’s life by several years.
“When it comes to running, the largest health and mortality benefits occur at the front end,” said Dr. Duck-chul Lee, one of the study authors and an associate professor of physical activity epidemiology at Iowa State University. Even running for less than a mile — assuming a person is running at least a few days a week — is enough to meaningfully improve cardiovascular health and longevity, Dr. Lee said.
The physiological benefits of running may be attributable to a group of molecules known as exerkines, so named because several of the body’s organ systems release them in response to exercise. While research on exerkines is relatively new, studies have linked them to reductions in harmful inflammation, the generation of new blood vessels and the regeneration of cellular mitochondria, said Dr. Lisa Chow, a professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota who has published research on exerkines.
Much about these molecules requires more study. But Dr. Chow said research has already found that brief bouts of vigorous exercise — such as short runs — are enough to trigger some of these exerkine-related benefits.
Even Short Runs Have Major Health Benefits
Jogging a mile or two a few times a week can help you live longer and reduce your risk of disease.
From the comments:
Clark Suprynowicz
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Like others here, I have questions. What about running for office? And what about running away from things? Reality, for example. Or bears.
tchyD
Jupiter’s largest moon
@Clark Suprynowicz
What about running a temperature?
Or, running off at the mouth?
Or, running up a tab?
Or, running the show?
Or, watercolors running in the rain?
Or, running away from reality?
Or, running on empty?
Or, running and gunning?
Or, running out of inspiration (which I just did)?
wlieu
dallas
Life should not be lived as a cost-benefit analysis. Run because it is fun, not because it makes you live longer (why do these articles assume everyone wants to live longer anyways?).