Runner\'s World UK - 09.2019

SEPTEMBER 2019 RUNNERSWORLD.COM/UK 011

WORDS: RICK PEARSON. PHOTOGRAPH: LUCKY IF SHARP

NUTRITION MIND+ INJURY

HEALTH

FITNESS

WARM-UPS

The TIPS YOU NEED to GET UP to SPEED

THINK ON

YOUR FEET

Why it pays to train brain and body as one

LIKE SOLVING A RUBIK’S CUBE, running is

good for your brain. In fact, it’s one of

the greatest things you can do to ward

off the cognitive decline that typically

accompanies ageing. But to get even

more of the mental benefits, exercise

should engage your brain as well as

your body. A recent study from the

University of Montreal, Canada, found

those who performed eight weeks of

motor tasks, such as tackling obstacle

courses, enjoyed the same cognitive

improvements as participants who

engaged in aerobic activity. So, to really

grow your grey matter, make your next

run a workout for your brain, too:

navigate an offroad run using only a

map and compass, add a few obstacles

or pace yourself without using a watch.

Try to do it without furrowing your brow.