Every year on June's first Wednesday, Global Running Day is observed to encourage people to run and to embrace its benefits. This year, it is being observed on June 4. While running every day may sound intense, but studies show that even short, consistent runs can offer major health benefits. According to research, running just 5 to 10 minutes a day at a moderate pace (about 6 miles per hour) can significantly reduce your risk of death from heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases.Interestingly, researchers found that benefits tend to max out at around 4.5 hours of running per week, so there’s no need to overdo it. Overtraining can lead to injuries like shin splints and stress fractures.What You Gain From RunningThe benefits of daily running aren’t limited to just heart health. Some other science-backed perks include:Lower risk of developing certain cancersReduced chance of neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseaseBetter mood, sleep, and focusA study on adolescents who ran 30 minutes each morning for three weeks showed improvements in sleep quality, mood, and concentration compared to non-runners. These same benefits can be seen in other daily activities like walking, cycling, swimming, or even yoga.But Is It Safe to Run Every Day?While the benefits are clear, running daily can increase the risk of overuse injuries if you're not careful. These injuries often occur when someone starts too fast or doesn't give the body enough time to recover.To reduce the risk:Use proper running shoes and replace them regularly.Increase your mileage gradually.Always warm up and cool down properly.Run with good form and posture.If you start to feel pain or fatigue, take a break. Use the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and consult a doctor if needed.The Importance of Mixing It UpRunning alone isn’t enough for overall fitness. Cross training—such as cycling, swimming, yoga, or strength workouts—can help balance your routine. Benefits include:Reducing injury riskActivating different muscle groupsImproving core strength and flexibilityKeeping workouts fun and variedExperts recommend adding cross training one to two times a week and incorporating strength training for best results.How to Start and Stick With ItBeginners should aim to run every other day for 20–30 minutes, gradually increasing frequency. A “couch-to-5K” program can provide helpful structure.Essentials to start running include:Good running shoes (ideally two pairs to rotate)Sweat-resistant clothesReflective gear if running early or latePlan your runs according to your schedule—mornings, lunch breaks, or weekends. Join local running groups for motivation.For experienced runners, weekly plans can include a mix of:Long runsSpeed trainingHill workoutsRecovery jogs or pool running