Blogathon post 23/30
I'm often asked what I think of or do while I'm running.
Answer:
It depends on where I’m running. I do 99.9% of my training alone and during the week this will be early morning (04:00 – 06:00). The week runs are on the road through the suburbs but on weekends I do lots of runs on the trails in nature reserves in our area.
(1.) I make sure I relax. Even when I’m pushing it I’ll still make sure to stay relaxed.
(2.) I focus on upcoming races and specific things to try and train for. For instance, I focus on how and where I carry water, gels and other food/drinks/goodies. Sometimes I’ll carry something on a short run just to make sure it doesn't bother me where and how I carry it.
(3.) I think about work and how to solve any problems I might be dealing with. I often solve problems while running.
(4.) I never look at my watch and always estimate my pace. At the end I’ll stop and look at my watch to see how far off or how correct my pacing was. During a run I often think about what pace I’m doing. I haven’t looked at my watch during a run for many, many years now. I only take my total time at the end.
(5.) On trails I concentrate on running technical parts and downhills faster. I also take in the nature around me. That’s why I run trails in the first place. It brings me close to nature. I love the bush and wildlife and grew up close to it.
(6.) I sometimes count wildflowers if the trail and season offers them. I always do this when hiking, but running makes it difficult.
Well, that's a few things I do while running. How about you?
9 comments:
Yesterday on my long bike ride I was tempted to count road kill. There was so much of it!
Super interesting. I work on form much o the time. But as far as thinking goes, my goal is to not think at all :)
I think about lots of stuff. I guess it depends on the length and intensity. Sometimes it's everyday stuff, sometimes form and speed.
Nice post! I think running is meditation in motion.
Number five--my favorite reason to run! I really do spend most of my running time taking in the sights. I agree with what Amy said--it's meditation in motion.
I am definitely a problem solver while running. When I'm really deep in thought I can suddenly be up a big hill I didn't even feel. I love when that happens :)
This is so interesting. I've never been a long distance runner, and I think that is because I'm looking at the time, messing with my iPod, focusing on the pain, etc etc etc. I like the idea of running trails and counting things that go by. That might really help me get out of my own way.
I agree with Amy! Running is like therapy. Sometimes I solve problems, sometimes I just do math in my head (I am 1/5 of the way done.... now I'm 2/5 of the way done...). And I try to make eye contact with other runners, but that doesn't always work.
I think. I contemplate work, personal and any other issue. Sometimes I think what to put in a blog post but prior to this month, I wouldn't actually put the thoughts into writing.
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