Running in the Sun
"For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right." Psalm 84:11
With summer on us in full force, running in the sun is almost unavoidable. We all know that overexposure can be bad for us-age spots, burns, wrinkles, skin cancer, cataracts. But, in the right doses and with using protection, running outdoors can boost our heart and bone health. I would like to add mental health to that list too! Consider these facts: Recent research from Edinburgh University in the U.K. reports that the skin houses large amounts of nitric oxide, a compound that dilates blood vessels to reduce blood pressure and lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. Sunlight activates those nitric oxide supplies and releases them into circulation, says Richard Weller, M.D., a senior lecturer in dermatology who conducted the research.
Combine the health benefits of vitamin D and nitric oxide, and it's easy to see why one long-term study of the entire Danish population over the age of 40 found that people who had been diagnosed with skin cancer were less likely to suffer from a heart attack or hip fracture or die from any cause–period. That's no endorsement for skin cancer, of course, but it might be one for the sun.
And here's the kicker: Spending time in the sun may lead to faster race times, according to new research presented at the American College of Sports Medicine conference in May. After cyclists spent 20 minutes under a UVA lamp, they completed a 10-mile time trial faster than when they did it without the rays, says Chris Easton, Ph.D., an exercise physiologist at the University of the West of Scotland. "The large stores of nitric oxide released from the skin help more blood and oxygen flow to your muscles," says Easton. "Plus, by reducing the amount of oxygen the muscles use to produce force, the nitric oxide helps you go harder, longer." http://www.runnersworld.com/health/a-bright-outlook-on-running-in-the-sun
That's fabulous news for those of us that hate treadmills and love the outdoors. Just remember that spending too much time in the sun can have bad side effects but spending time with the Son will reap huge benefits. There is one side effect though-inexpressible joy!!!! So put on your sunblock, enjoy the sunlight and spend time with the Son.
"You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy." 1 Peter 1:8
Heavenly Father, thank you for the blessing of another day. Thank you for the sunlight and, most of all, thank you for sending Your Son to die on a cross for forgiveness of our sins. We deserve none of this Lord and yet you love us anyway. Thank you, thank you, thank you Lord, You are worthy to be praised. Be with us today and surround us with your Presence. In Your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.
Happy running!!!www.team413.org
Joy Unspeakable, Faith Unsinkable, Love Unstoppable, Anything is possible
Joy Unspeakable, Faith Unsinkable, Love Unstoppable, Anything is possible
Joy Unspeakable, Faith Unsinkable, Love Unstoppable, Anything is possible
Joy Unspeakable, Faith Unsinkable, Love Unstoppable, Anything is possible- Casting Crowns
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