Five Things to Think About When Running
Friday Five. Five Things Runners Think About When Running.
5 Things to Think About When Running
I don’t train with music when I run outside.
Ever.
I never run with headphones and music when I head outdoors. People often ask doesn’t that get boring to run as far as you do with no music or podcasts to listen to? The answer is no.
When I was in college our rowing coach Mark wouldn’t allow us to listen to music when we were training on the Ergs (rowing machines) and of course we never listened to music when we were on the water. The goal was to always have strong mental focus on your form and on your strength and during the quiet to find the rhythm of the strokes and as the blades pulled through the water.
For me running is the same way. The intense quiet allows you to listen to your breathing and your foot strikes and to find the beat of your heart pumping. By tuning into your breathing you are able to become familiar with what your breathing sounds like at different paces and you can strongly feel when your pace has picked up. Running long miles with no music can become meditative and contemplative. It is a moment when you can practice race strategy or have an inner dialogue with your self about how to work harder. Sometimes when I run my mind is quiet but sometimes it is filled with busy thoughts about life and processing stressors or thinking about successes.
5 things to think about when you run:
- Inspirational Mantras. Sometimes I will spend a portion of my run trying to think of all of my favorite mantras and inspirational quotes. Sometimes I keep coming back to the same one like, “Run the mile you are in.”
- Running Form. I will often pick something that I want to work on such as keeping my shoulders relaxed or keeping my pelvis tucked in. It is great to have a specific form goal to think about. You can act as your own coach during the run.
- Let Your Mind Wander. Running can be a good time to just let your mind wander and let thoughts flow. Sometimes the miles tick off and you feel almost as if you were running with your mind in a daydream state.
- Mini-Goals. If a run is tedious or feeling long you can set mini-goals for yourself–”I’m going to run to the next mailbox, tree, etc.” Think about the run as smaller parts and focus on a half mile at a time.
- Songs and music. I am a music lover so even though I don’t listen to music when I run I often “sing” my favorite song to myself in my head or have my own “mini-playlist”
What do you think about when you run? Please share your thoughts!
This Friday I am linking up with the DC Trifecta for the Friday Five linkup with You Signed Up for What?!, Mar on the Run, and Eat Pray Run, DC. This weeks theme “Free Friday.”
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I am the same – never listen to music while running outside. What do I think about? Everything from appreciating the beautiful song of a bird to meal planning, to race strategy. I have a lot more time to think on easy/recovery runs. Hard/tempo runs I am dialed into thinking about the run.
I have been listening to music on the rare treadmill runs and discovered I like it! Definitely makes the time go faster on a treadmill. Great post! 🙂
Natalie recently posted…The Boston Marathon 2016: My Race Recap
Same for me – never listen to music while running outside. I did for years before kids but post kids, I don’t need distractions. I tune into myself. I think about every single thing possible – life, home renovations, food, nature, people in cars – whatever comes to mind! But I also think I do my fair share of not thinking. It’s a moving meditation.
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted…High Five Friday
Although I tend to listen to music on long runs, I don’t listen to anything on my bike and, most of the time, when I swim. I definitely enjoy the silence and that I can think about everything or nothing at all. A lot of times I come up with my best ideas on the run or ride!!
Allie recently posted…The Worst Race Day Ever and How to Avoid Having Another One
That’s really interesting! I always workout with music. Though, I’ll still often think about things, too. It’s good therapy, either way 🙂
Michelle Rogers recently posted…Learning about locally grown food (and cute baby animals!) on the Piedmont Farm Tour
I almost always listen to music and it’s one of those personal choices for everyone. However, I Do some runs sans tunes and try to make all my runs more of a mindfulness practice.
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…5 Things I’m Loving Lately
Food ;D To dos, blog posts, random things.
All of which I forget. Running is like dreaming–you usually forget what happened!
Susie @ Suzlyfe recently posted…Favorite Memories from Living in Streeterville
I’ve never run with music on my runs either. I usually run in the evenings after school. After teaching first grade all day, I’m ready for some peace and quiet! I tend to think about my day, particular students, motherhood stuff, but some days just clear my mind.
Kara recently posted…Friday Five: Five Ways Running Has Shaped Me
I need something to listen to on long runs. Usually a good podcast or a book on tape, but I do try to do some shorter runs without tech. It’s freeing!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Wantable April Fitness Edit
Actually running is when I come up with most of my blog post ideas!
I usually catch up on podcasts when I’m running. But I’ll have to try running in silence sometime so I can think about these things. Seems like a form of meditation, which is always a good thing.
I usually workout with music, even when I’m outside unless I’m biking outside, then I never wear headphones so I can pay attention to traffic. I need to run more without music, but it helps me get into a groove. I’m so used to working out with music since I teach group fitness classes that I’m not sure how well I would do without it! We are going to be doing a trail race in June and I don’t think we’re allowed to have music on the trail so I really need to train without it
I do wonder sometimes if I’ve become too dependent on music for long runs. It’s important to have that time without music too because it’s a great time to think and to pay attention to your body!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Runfessions – April 2016
I have found I actually prefer no music on my long runs, but I do enjoy music or podcasts on my shorter runs. Regarsless, my mind has a chance to think without interruption, and often plan new recipes or just my next meal, I think through any issues I may be dealing with, and sometimes I just use the quiet time to enjoy my surroundings and the fact that my body is amazing for carrying me so many miles. Thanks for this post!
Christina recently posted…Chipotle-Pumpkin Vegan Quesadillas
Great post, I am dabbling with running as I am training for my first 5k. Very useful!
I do runs with and without music– although I can’t imagine doing a really long run without it. I sometimes feel like running without music can really clear your head!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt recently posted…April 2016 Top Posts & Best of the Blogs Linkup
I do listen to music sometimes, but always use mantras. I do feel like, even with music, my mind will wander and it can really help.
i usually listen to podcasts or songs..but the of mini goal is also really good.
dixya @food, pleasure, and health recently posted…Roasted Almonds with Cocoa
I’m not a runner and on the rare occasions I get into a groove to run the music is what energizes me. But i can relate to this b/c i spend a lot of time in my car now that I live in the suburbs and often i just need to turn the radio off so i can think and tune into myself.
Lately I’ve been working on running with my pup, so right now I think about all the commands I need to give her like heel, leave it, come on lol
I never wear headphones either. Especially on trail runs.
I always let my mind wander when I’m out running. Its amazing just how much deep thinking I can do, especially when I’m out on a long run.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Friday Five – Potpourri v. 14
I love to think the day through while running. If I am outside, I never use headphones. If I am on the treadmill, that is another story and I listen to podcasts!
Lisa @ Lisa Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Road Runner Sports News!