By Emilia Benton
A study published last month in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that frequent runners are likely to live longer and suffer fewer long-term disabilities than healthy people who lead sedentary lifestyles.
The study, which consisted of research from over two decades, tracked two sets of people: “ever-runners” and “never runners,” beginning in 1984. Of the 538 people who ran regularly, the majority were selected from a national running group. The 423 people who never ran were selected from the faculty and staff at Stanford University. All of the study’s participants were middle-aged when the study began, and, aside from their very different exercise habits, the two groups came from similar demographics, lifestyle habits, ethnicities and weight ranges.
Over the years, those who kept in shape by running showed improved cardiovascular endurance and fitness, increased bone mass, less physical disability, improved memory, on top of living significantly longer. After 19 years, 15 percent of the runners had died, compared with the 34 percent of the inactive control group. Additionally, many of the non-runners were reported to have died of cardiovascular causes, neurological and infectious disorders after having also experienced disabilities in basic daily functions such as walking and eating.
Although this study focused on a much older group of people, college students-particularly female students-should take note of their lifestyle habits. Spending too much time on the Internet, regularly drinking alcohol and being frequent victims of sleep deprivation promote gaining excess weight and an increase in their body mass index (the measure of weight in relation to height), which puts them more at risk for cardiovascular disease. Underclassmen, watch out-these habits could easily point you in the direction of the dreaded “freshmen 15.”
As an avid runner myself, this information served as a reminder to continue my habits. For the past three years, I’ve been running six miles a day, five days a week. Sure, I’m often seen as neurotic for willingly waking up early to do this and I’m often told to give it a rest.
However, I find that I have way more energy on days that I work out and have always had a pretty strong immune system-I almost never get sick. Additionally, one of my longtime goals has been to start training to run a marathon (26.2 miles) soon after graduation.
Running long distances definitely comes with a sense of accomplishment-after all, I could barely make it through one mile back in middle school gym class. While I was a member of my high school’s track and cross-country teams, I decided against joining a team here at the University, because, frankly, competition stresses me out.
Instead, I’ve continued to train on my own and have participated in various community races, including the Nike Human Race (a 10K) three weeks ago. A good source of motivation is the fact that many of these races are designed to raise money for various charities and bring in millions of dollars in donations each year; one example in which I partook was last May’s Revlon Run/Walk, a 5K that raises money for women’s cancer research. Charity events are a big reason as to why distance running is growing more and more mainstream.
Next, I’m set to run the Poland Spring Marathon Kickoff, a five-mile race through Central Park at the end of October with my twin sister. I encourage any of my peers to join me. After all, in the long run (no pun intended), you’ll be running for your life! For more information, visit http://www.nyrr.org/races/2008/r1026x00.asp.
Emilia Benton is a senior print journalism student. You may e-mail her at [email protected].
