Running One Hour Adds Seven Hours to Your Life

Written by
Elizabeth Grimsley
Boy, do we have great news for runners! According to a new study based off research done by the Cooper Institute in Dallas, runners tend to live about three years longer than non-runners--that's about seven additional hours for every one hour of running. 

Whether you're fast or slow, on a trail or a treadmill, training or simply taking some time out for a leisurely jog, it all counts toward your ultimate pursuit of immortality.

But that begs the question: What should you do with all this extra time on your hands? We have a few suggestions.
Volunteer at a race.
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Think about how many times you've been grateful for the support of volunteers. Why not take a break on race day and offer up your own support? You have a few extra hours to spare, after all. Or maybe consider volunteering with a running-focused organization like Back on my Feet or Girls on the Run.
6 Reasons You Should Volunteer for a Race
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Take a well-earned break.
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Running can become grueling during a lengthy streak—and the last thing you want is to burn out. Your knees will thank you, and besides—you've got time!
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Tackle a challenge that's way out of your comfort zone.
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You've got time on your side, so why not push your boundaries? Maybe it's time to try a marathon or add a swim and bike to that run and complete your first triathlon. Or maybe it means getting down and dirty with a mud run or obstacle course race.
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Run a race in a far-flung destination.
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Ever wanted to run in a different country—or maybe even a different continent—but balked at the thought of trying to solve the logistical challenges? Well, with three years tacked onto your life, why not take the plunge and book your airfare? Who cares about jet lag when you've got so much extra time on your hands?
Training for Destination Races
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Help get a friend into running.
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Sure, it can be frustrating to sacrifice your own workout for the sake of someone else's. But now that you've got three extra years, you have plenty of time to make up for it! Plus, what's the fun of living longer if you've got no one to share it with?
The Six Running Friends that Everyone Has
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Catch up on all those TV shows (or movies) you said you'd get to.
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Do you always feel lost in the break room when your co-workers are communicating via quotes from The Office while discussing the latest episode of The Bachelor? While we don't suggest spending all three of your extra years binging on Netflix, you can fit a lot of episodes into your nearly 1,100 additional days on the 3rd Rock From the Sun—also a good show, by the way.
9 Must-Watch Running Documentaries
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Stay up past your bedtime.
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Maybe you should skip your usual morning run. We know it seems crazy, but hear us out. Not only does this mean you can sleep in, but it also affords you the luxury of hitting the pillows a little later than usual. Believe it or not, there's a whole wide world out there after 10 p.m.
The Case for a Morning Run
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Make a dent in your "To Be Read" pile.
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If you're like us, your TBR pile is teetering so high that you anxiously await the day it finally comes crashing down. Take the opportunity to hang up your headphones, put away your audio books and podcasts and get down to some old-fashioned reading. There's so many good books out there—might as well spend some time reading them!
The Most Inspirational Audio Books for Runners
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Spend time with family and friends.
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You probably don't see your loved ones as much as you'd like. So spend some time hanging out with your parents, catching up with old friends and making memories you'll remember for the rest of your (extended) life.
How to Train for a Marathon (and Still Have a Life)
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Your Next Race
Set big goals.
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With three more years to work with, now's the time to set what may seem like unattainable goals, such as qualifying and running the Boston Marathon or doing 26.2 in every state or on every continent.
7 Tips to Qualify for the Boston Marathon
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Your Next Race
Practice other ways to extend your life.
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Why settle for three extra years when you could make other changes to your everyday life and live even longer? Maybe eating healthier is an attainable goal. Or perhaps doing something as simple as laughing more is right up your alley. Whatever it is, the point is to enjoy the time you do have!
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Find:
Your Next Race