June 10th, 2020

Running is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and mortality compared to no running. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis by Pedisic, et al., (2019) concluded "Any amount of running, even just once a week, is better than no running" and "Increased rates of participation in running, regardless of its dose, would probably lead to substantial improvements in population health and longevity" These findings, while important, have to be taken in context. The word association is VERY important here and not to be confused with causation. What this study doesn't show is that running is the cause of reduced mortality but that there is a potential link. Regardless though, we can be assured that just putting on those trainers even just once a week is likely to have a positive effect on your health and well-being. So if during this time of uncertainty and unease you have managed to get out the door for a run, no matter how often, then brilliant!

Pedisic Z, et al., (2019). Is running associated with a lower risk of all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality, and is the more the better? A systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2018-100493