#RunWithVitality for brain and body

Here are just some of the reasons that Wayde, Xolani and we at Vitality think running is great.

Running supports mental health

All exercise improves your mood because even 30 minutes releases hormones that make you feel good. Exercise like running that makes you sweat and gets your heart racing is particularly good at helping you beat stress - that's why the phenomenon of intense good feeling during exercise is called a 'runner's high'.

Running has an abundance of benefits for your body

Every one of the systems in your body is positively affected by regular physical activity, especially workouts like running. Most importantly:

• Running regularly reduces cardiovascular risk factors.
• Just 150 minutes of physical activity a week can help to maintain healthy blood pressure.
• Running helps to improve your bone density and strengthen your joints.
• Physically activity is associated with reduced risk of certain cancers, including lung and prostate cancer.

All you need to run is your shoes

You too can start running - all you need is a pair of running shoes. And now you can #RunWithVitality and get a new pair of running shoes for up to 100% cash back by activating Shoe Booster through Vitality Active Rewards. Achieve your weekly, personalised fitness goals and earn cash back on your running shoes with Sportsmans Warehouse or Totalsports.

Want to start running? Already an avid runner? Ask us your running questions, tell us about your last run or next race, or show us your new Shoe Booster running shoes using #RunWithVitality to stand a chance to win an entry to each of the Vitality Run Series races for you and a partner.

Do you have the HealthyGear benefit activated but have not received your card as yet? Not to worry because from 7 July 2017 you can go cardless! You can still get rewarded without using your HealthyGear card. Simply log into your Discovery profile to view your unique card number and SMS it to yourself. When purchasing your items, just present your card number at the till. It's that easy!