I love to run. I don't run on a schedule, and I don't run for anyone else — and that's what I love about it. I run when I need to improve my mood, to stay in shape and to feel better after a long day. I don't go for a lap around the block as often as I'd like, so I have compiled this list of reasons to motivate myself and everyone else to go for a run.

1. It's super healthy.

Running is incredibly good for you. It burns calories super quick, burns fat and raises your heart rate. This makes it a great way to stay in shape and remain heart-healthy.

2. It gives you a sense of satisfaction.

Few things are as satisfying as crossing the finish line with a new personal record. By setting tough goals, you are teaching yourself to never give up. After you have trained for months or years to reach each goal, it's extremely rewarding.

3. You can do it by yourself.

Unlike tennis or volleyball, running does not require a partner, opponent or team. You do not have to wait for anyone or compare yourself to anyone else.

4. It makes you work through the pain.

Let’s be honest: running isn’t always easy. Sometimes it hurts, and sometimes you lack the motivation to do it. Running teaches you to keep going no matter what struggles you come into. That side stitch is actually a perfect metaphor for all the trouble you're having in your job, your relationship or school. Fight it!

5. It's a great stress-reliever.

Put your earbuds in, crank up some jams and run out your emotions. Set the treadmill as high as it’ll go or take your dog for a jog. Also, running releases endorphins, a chemical in your brain that makes you feel happy.

6. It makes you feel productive.

How good does it feel to know that you could have been sitting on the couch with some junk food but you decided to sweat instead?

7. You may have been born with natural talent.

There are a lot of people who are born great runners. Who doesn’t like to do what they are really good at?

8. The satisfaction of training to become good is amazing.

As opposed to those born with natural talent, there are people who work super hard to be good at running. Sometimes you appreciate the things you work hard for more than the things that are given to you.

9. You don't even have to be good.

There is no competition when you go for a run by yourself. You can run at your slowest pace if you prefer. You are up and active, and that's all that counts!

10. You make a lot of friends.

Pretty much every hobby has a community of people that grow closer because of their similar interest. Whether you run marathons, 5Ks or just for fun around your neighborhood, you will meet several people that encourage you to keep going and end up being your friends for life.

11. You don't have to go to a gym.

I often find myself unmotivated to go to the gym and be surrounded by dozens of other sweaty people. I am sometimes guilty of looking at the people near me and comparing my efforts to theirs. Even though it shouldn’t be a competition, it often feels like it. With running, you don’t have to pay membership to a big gym — you can run outside on your own.

Running is an amazing way to get in shape, but sometimes it takes a while to become motivated to get moving. However, when you finally get off the couch and start sweating, you will be so much happier.