I’ve always been a little jealous of those of you who run for fun. I avoided longer distance running for a long time, because I didn’t have the patience. I have to make my own fun! My first half marathon was along the river front in Harrisburg a few years ago. My thought was that it would be a pretty run, with nice scenery. The first few miles were nice, and the river was beautiful. But mile after mile after mile of that river became a mind-sucking view that just wouldn’t go away. I am the type of person who needs something “to do” on a run. I often plan events, or try to work out problems in my mind while running, but sometimes, I just need to find ways of making that run more fun.
Ear Buds or No Ear Buds?
I often need a distraction on a run, and that often comes in the form of listening to something.Some days music fits the bill. Often those are the days when I need some motivation. If I am feeling particularly cerebral and in need of something to ponder, I will often listen to a podcast. Last summer, I got into listening to comedians on Pandora. I remember noticing some drivers staring at me and smiling as they passed, and I thought that was odd. Then I really tuned in and realized that I was running with a giant grin on my face, and often laughing out loud at the stand-up acts. I recently read an article about the health benefits of smiling. I am going to consider those smiling runs as a double whammy workout. 🙂
Running Mantra
In this age of social media, Facebook and memes, sources of inspirational quotes and photos are endless. Sometimes I need that little extra insight. One of my favorites is: “There will be a day when I can no longer do this. Today is not that day.” It reminds me that we only have so many days; let’s do everything we can with them. No matter what happens in my day, if I got my run in, it’s a good day.
Mindful Mosey
Can you/do you try meditating on a run? As a mom, wife, daughter, sister, employee, friend, I am responding constantly to different stimuli. Focusing on one thing does not come easy to me, but I am so intrigued when I see articles on meditating while running.
Runners often talk about running as a balm; it’s a mind-clearing, mood-lifting and anxiety-reducing salve.
Meditation is supposed to be calming with positive health results as well. Could it be that we can combine the two? Here is an article that might interest you. Stay tuned-I am going to try it out this weekend, and report back.
A Season for Everything
I have a friend who enjoys running outside year-round, because she likes to watch the season’s change. I used to think that I could see the season’s change just fine from inside! But there is something kind of neat about running by the same field, in it’s frozen-over state into it’s soggy, muddy phase. Soon it will be time for the softly plowed fields, harboring seeds of beauty and bounty to greet you on a future run. Icy streams will soon run clear. Get out and take it in this weekend.
Happy Trails,
Allison Cuthie