More and more people are beginning to realize the health benefits of running. In addition to being an easy way to get exercise, there are plenty of health benefits from beginning a running routine, including stress relief, weight loss, increased energy levels, better mental clarity and more. These ten benefits of running will help you on your journey to becoming a healthier you!

Exercising is a great way to increase your overall fitness and help strengthen your heart. Runners tend to have lower blood pressure, body fat, and cholesterol levels than non-runners. They’re also less likely to develop diabetes or high blood pressure. Running can even improve how you look; not only does regular exercise improve muscle tone, but it also gives your hair more shine and flexibility. For best results, run at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes.

Here are 10 reasons to start a running program:

 

1) Improve your heart

2) Improve your mood

3) Lose weight

4) Increase mental capacity

5) Promote better sleep

6) Better blood pressure

7) Reduce stress levels

8) Increase energy levels

9) Reduce risk of depression and suicide

10) Sleep better at night

Despite all the incredible health benefits both for you body and mind...there is one downfall that may change your mind about taking up running.

1) Bleeding Nipples

Sorry.  I think I'll sit my ass on a couch with my non-bleeding nipples.

A man in Northern Ireland filmed his half marathon experience.  He was also working as the "pacer" which means he would stop and encourage some of the other runners.

Here is when he found out his nipples were bleeding.

DIY McRib

Everyone is rejoicing that the McRib is back! You can hear the chanting from down the block. Everyone is washing their hands a little bit more due to the bbq sauce residue and it's wonderful.

All is right with the world.

But it isn't always like this. The McRib will leave soon and we'll have to settle for a McChicken or a Double Quarter Pounder like a peasant. Life isn't fair. We know this.

However, my cousin Steve has figured out a way to beat the system.

He's gotten his hands dirty and experimented so we don't have to. He has perfected the DIY McRib!

Quad Cities Live Music Venues That Aren't Live Music Venues Anymore

Nostalgia Alert!.

We've compiled a quick list (by no means comprehensive) of venues in the Quad Cities that are no longer music venues but to us will ALWAYS hold a special place were we saw some great shows and made some incredible memories.

To many of us the live music scene wasn't just a concert here & there. It was an every weekend affair. And it didn't matter if it was a touring band or your buddy's band. We were going to be there with a beer in hand and scream along with guitars that were way too loud in a room that was improperly treated acoustically and make some bad decisions.

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