Because it’s so freaking good for you! Physically, mentally, and emotionally it is good for you. Weight bearing exercise is fantastic for bone strength as bone responds to load by increasing in density, and strong bones are vital as we get older. The National Osteoporosis Society recommends running and jogging as a preventative measure in the battle for healthy bones, so if you don’t believe me, ask them.

Then there’s the knees thing. Running has a bad reputation when it comes to knee and ankle injuries but recent studies have shown that runners have less chance developing joint problems than people who don’t do weight bearing exercise. Even walkers have more chance of needing a hip replacement in later life than runners do. Sure, you can wind up with dodgy joints if your running style is all over the shop  or if you sustain a serious injury, but so long as you’re sensible (and avoid rugby tackles) you will probably only strengthen your knees. Running builds up the cartilage in your knee joint, providing cushioning, whilst also building up the muscles that support your knee, leading to knees of which James Haskell would be proud.

OK, some people have genetic joint problems or have chronic problems as a result of injury or illness. If this is you, perhaps swimming could work for you? I’ve never been into swimming because of the admin involved (endless getting changed, showers before and after, and spending the rest of the day with chlorinated contact lenses has always put me off) but nobody can argue it’s excellent exercise. It’s also non weight bearing, and may be perfect for you if you have back problems as it helps regulate your breathing and breathing dysfunction is a common cause of back pain.

Or maybe yoga or pilates is more suited to you? My point is that it doesn’t HAVE to be running…that’s just my preference…but exercising, using your body, is one of the greatest therapies available to us and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

And props to me for managing to link to not two but three past and present Wasps players.