Home > The Running Report > Archives > 2008 > March > 18 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USOn long distance runs, Where does your mind go ???
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Your iPod is on ready. It’s Saturday afternoon and time to get the week’s long distance run under your belt.
But during your run where does your mind drift to? Are you thinking about your family, work, or just taking in the sites?
I’m just trying to settle in for the first few miles. It’s not that different from a road trip in my car. I know I’ve got some miles ahead of me and I’m trying to reach cruise control.
What are you thinking about once you get to automatic pilot?
When I was running with a walkman, I’d tape a talk radio show to listen to while I ran.
These days most runs with my iPod are sort of a meditation for me. But when I’m doing a long distance run, you want to know what’s really on simmer in my subconscious? It’s what I’m going to eat later on.
I’m thinking, ”After I shower and change, what great meal is going to be my reward…my guilty pleasure.”
Last Sunday after 16 miles it was a small pizza and red wine.
SIDE NOTE: We’re looking for 3 or 4 unique runners participating in this year’s ING race for a story I’m working on. Maybe you or someone you know is running in tribute to someone or celebrating a milestone. Shoot me an e-mail and tell me about it.
MORE: State of the Art Marathon Training. USA Fit/Team Spirit Active Trainer. Peachtree Road Race. Road Rules. ING Georgia Marathon.
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Comments
By John Tackett
March 19, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
It all depends on what is going on in my life at the time of the run. I use my long runs to clear my mind, but to also think out problems.
Some runs I realize the beauty of the area I am running in and take that in as well. A good example of this is a training run I did about 3 weeks ago in which I ran the ING half course. I had never run in many of those neighborhoods and saw building and parks that are unique, historical, and just plain beautiful.
For me, those most beautiful run I have ever done was the US Half Marathon in San Francisco, CA. The run took me over the Golden gate Bridge and on the Marin county side of the bridge, off on a hill was a pack of deer, watching us as we ran by.
By John
March 19, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
Absolutely it does…whenever I have ever had a difficult decision to make in my life, it was through running that helped me make that decision.
I remember running in Hyde Park in London, early in the morning in the late spring; watching the sun rise in the lifting fog was breathtaking. Running gives me a clearer perspective than anything else.
By runner
March 19, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Try running without an iPod. Why would you voluntarily participate in an activity you dislike so much you have to “take your mind off it” the entire time you run?
Turn of the music and listen to your body and surroundings.
I’ll NEVER understand running a marathon with headphones on. The unique experience, the other runners, the cheering crowd is so great. No two marathon experiences are the same and you want to ruin it with songs you’ve heard a thousand times.
By Rick
March 19, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
Actually, I think about running into Carmen Electra and testing my stamina. Helps the miles go by like lightening.
By John Tackett
March 19, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
Hey John,
Running in Hyde Park and around Buckingham Palace is indeed a beautiful run. Did a couple of times when I was in London last year. The history that surrounds that park, as well as the pastoral beauty of the park makes it a great place to run, clear your mind and generally set your mind straight.
And while I may run 5 and 10K races with an ipod, my half’s and full marathons are me and the world around. Sometimes it is the noise of the crowd (or bands on the side) that keep me going, other times it is the silence of being alone on the course. Either way, the ipods are great, but the music of life is enough for me during a long run.
By Adrianne
March 19, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
Hi Runner: After a while I get so deep in thought I don’t hear the music. I think it’s just natural to reach a meditative state on a long distance run.
By stupidasspeople
March 19, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
Gee, do you guys also use Advil to help you get through your 4 hour runs??????
By Flash
March 19, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
Running is meditative for me and even though I’ve tried, I can’t run while listening to music. It breaks my rhythm and hinders the meditative effect of running.
By Another runner!
March 19, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this
Yes. My mind first starts with listening to my heart and breath…because that first mile is ALWAYS TOUGH! Then I settle into the rhythm with my breath and then I’m pretty much lala land after that..haha! Running really does put things into perspective and the biggest benefit I get, is AFTER THE RUN! I usually run before…like at 6:20AM. I’ve clearly noticed that when I run before work…I’m sooo relaxed and nothing stresses me out. I’m better able to handle work/personal things. The downside is that on those early morning running days, I’m in bed by 9pm! I’m gettin’old..hahah! Take care my fellow runners.
By Another runner!
March 19, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this
Yes. My mind first starts with listening to my heart and breath…because that first mile is ALWAYS TOUGH! Then I settle into the rhythm with my breath and then I’m pretty much lala land after that..haha! Running really does put things into perspective and the biggest benefit I get, is AFTER THE RUN! I usually run before…like at 6:20AM. I’ve clearly noticed that when I run before work…I’m sooo relaxed and nothing stresses me out. I’m better able to handle work/personal things. The downside is that on those early morning running days, I’m in bed by 9pm! I’m gettin’old..hahah! Take care my fellow runners.
By S.
March 20, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
Running has really helped me find my way around Atlanta. I’ve also found new places of interest, bars, shops etc that I otherwise would not have known about. It also makes you appreciate the beauty of Atlanta, the tree lined streets and the different styles of architecture. It’s a great way of seeing the city and getting some exercise at the same time. Although I often zone out to music, I try and pay attention to the finer points of what’s going on around me.
By Miss A
March 20, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
I love to walk/run outdoors at the track, but I listen to the radio. Listening to music helps take my mind off the pain! lol…
I also love to hike Kennestone Mountain because of the beautiful view at the top…looking at nature, hearing the squirrels running across you…and just the overall peace and quiet is so relaxing to me.
By Brandon from Dunwoody
March 20, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
I think listening to an ipod while running regardless of the distance is necessary, but that is just me. I will zone out some times on the weekend, but usually I have to pay attention since Dunwoody house wives and other morons around Dunwoody are too busy trying out for the Indy racing series. Hey that reminds me, if you are driving on Happy Hollow Road try not to hit me. I would like to see my daughter grow up. It would be nice if Dunwoody would go back to the way it was when I was growing up.
Sorry I got off topic there on a rant.
My father who many people know as the “Dunwoody Runner” for the past 30 years cannot understand my reasoning for listening to music but that is a generation gap. I also use my Ipod to track distance and time with the Nike+. Long runs are great for going over all those thoughts you stuffed into the “other” file in your brain, what projects should I do at the house, what is going on at work, how can I be a better father, and many other things. Bottom line no matter what you think about while running it is great for your heath and welll being.
By Jim
March 22, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
After a few miles, I start thinking about hot chicks.