Im Siwan completes a 10km marathon…Things to know before you run

Singer and actor Im Siwan successfully completed a 10km marathon. Recently, Im Siwan participated in a marathon event and shared several photos on social media along with the message, "10km 51:20." In the photos, he is seen wearing a T-shirt and shorts, holding a medal while covered in sweat.

Im Siwan developed an interest in running after playing a track athlete in the drama 'Run On'. He is a member of a running crew and enjoys running regularly. Let’s take a look at the benefits of running that Im Si-wan enjoys.

Running Provides Both Cardio and Anaerobic Benefits, Plus Happiness

Running is one of the best cardio exercises because it burns a lot of calories. For a 70kg adult, running can burn around 700 Kcal per hour. Running also helps develop lower body muscles like the thighs and calves. In addition to these physical benefits, running can boost your mood by releasing the "happiness hormone." After about 30 minutes of running, many people experience "runner's high," where the initial difficulty turns into a feeling of happiness. This may be one reason why Im Si-wan enjoys running so much.

Running is Easy to Start, but Choosing the Right Shoes is Important

Running is easy to start because you only need comfortable shoes and clothes, and you can do it almost anywhere. There are also many running crews where you can meet people and run together. The best running pace is one where you can still talk with the person next to you while running.

However, since running puts stress on your feet, choosing the right running shoes is important. It’s best to pick shoes about 5mm bigger than your foot size to allow for space at the front. This prevents problems like ingrown toenails or foot pain. Shoes should fit snugly around the width of your foot, as shoes that are too wide or too narrow can cause discomfort.

Start Slow if You're Overweight or New to Running

If you are overweight, it's important to check your health before starting running because running can put pressure on your knees. It might be better to start with walking or cycling to lose weight without harming your joints. Wearing a knee brace can also help if you have weak joints.

For beginners, it’s important to find your own pace and enjoy the process. Instead of focusing on running long distances or running fast, start slow and gradually increase the time and distance as your body adjusts.