Zen or Einstein Revisited...
Runner's World magazine is great media. It always gets me to thinking.
I read the article on associated/disassociated thinking while running. It immediately reminded me of being a Zen runner or an Einstein runner.
I remember Moab in April (I'm headed there again next week). The trail runs there are easy, breezy and oh so free. I place music I love on the iPod while I run and just enjoy the music, the run and the environment. It is so easy there. I completely disassociate during those runs. Running is fun and the miles just seem to fly by.
Then there are training runs. Today, for example, i put a podrunner music at 173bpm and ran concentrating on holding Molly in check and maintaining my pace and sensing my body. Definitely an Einstein run.
What do you think about as your run?
I read the article on associated/disassociated thinking while running. It immediately reminded me of being a Zen runner or an Einstein runner.
I remember Moab in April (I'm headed there again next week). The trail runs there are easy, breezy and oh so free. I place music I love on the iPod while I run and just enjoy the music, the run and the environment. It is so easy there. I completely disassociate during those runs. Running is fun and the miles just seem to fly by.
Then there are training runs. Today, for example, i put a podrunner music at 173bpm and ran concentrating on holding Molly in check and maintaining my pace and sensing my body. Definitely an Einstein run.
What do you think about as your run?
posted by CewTwo at 10:35 AM
6 Comments:
For me the better question would be "What don't you think about?" because I think about EVERYTHING.
I think of people who cross my mind due to my surroundings or just a passing thought.
I think of memories; people, places, experiences.
I think of the future; running while pushing a jogging stroller (God help me - that is MY DREAM for one day), crossing the finish line of a race (oh the hooplah!!!), even being out on the town all dressed up (not running related at all). I just think about all things that are upcoming in my life. For me, planning is key.
Most recently I have been thinking about - brace yourself - getting a recording device so I can share my audio running experiences with everyone!
I agree with Susan, I seem to think about everything.
But two recurring themes always seem to crop up on long runs: 1). Damn, I still need to run n miles, can I do it, and am I enjoying this? Which is always followed by 2). Think about how good you will feel the rest of the day... You won't be sorry you finished!
... and then I go back to zoning out, listing to my training buddy - Mr. iPod!
Very timely post as today I did a long run back in Orlando and for the first time ever on a long run, I ran mostly while associating. I think it's because I've been doing a lot of associating while swimming this whole week and the urge to stay focused on my technique and my environment just carried over.
Interestingly, I found the long run to go by much faster than usual. I was also much less sore than I thought I'd be afterwards. I think I'll write up a blog entry about this new running experience!
Much like Susan, I think about everything.
I think about conversations from the past.
I think about upcoming blog posts (that sometimes never get written)
I think about work and I strategize upcoming events.
It's really random and it depends on what's happening outside of the running.
And sometimes I too think I have X many miles to go!???!!!
I think about the crap and junk from the day. I use the run to stomp on the bad and leave it on the trail. Seems to work pretty good. I always feel more relaxed after a run.
That was a good article. I never even realized there was a difference.
For me I ten to associate when I'm doing hills. I focus on form and maintaining the same speed going uphill and hold myself from pounding downhill. Other than that I'm usually disassociated by default. If I find that I'm TRYING to disassociate, then I know I'm in trouble and I'll struggle along.
Some of the things going through my mind today: 80s music, finding a nice lush spot on the grass afterwards, bagel, coffee, crossing the finish line at the marathon, and getting a new pair of running pants.
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