When I run, my mind tends to calm down and just be at peace. All day long my mind thinks, analyzes, debates, goes crazy (!) but as soon as I begin running all that noise is gone. This is probably (besides the endorphin addiction) my favorite thing about running. Of course, if something is bothering me I will think about it during a run but for the most part my mind is free to roam.
So what do I think about when I run? Well, there’s the peace and quiet I described above and also lots of random thoughts. These random thoughts pop in quickly and leave just as quickly. Susan did a post a few weeks ago about what she thinks about on a run. I thought the post was genius and decided to steal the idea!
Do people think I run fast or slow?
Do I look funny when I run?
Damn, I need to pick it up.
Slow down, this supposed to be an easy run.
I can’t wait for chocolate milk.
I can’t wait for a Miller Lite.
Shot Blok time!
I don’t feel like going to work.
Can’t I just coach full-time?
Eww, I run into cobwebs all the time.
I hate bikers.
I know they are supposed to be called cyclists. Whatever.
Damn, it’s hot.
I wonder if people think I sweat too much for a girl.
This hill sucks.
Where should Matt and I travel to next?
We need milk.
Is it OK to walk into the grocery store to buy milk all gross and sweaty?
Fatigue is your friend.
Wow, that person is running fast.
Should I get highlights?
I think I can qualify for Boston.**
I need to qualify for Boston.**
Boston, Boston, Boston!!**
**These thoughts occupy a lot of miles 🙂
Are you a deep thinker when you run? Or are you more of a random thinker like me? What do you think about?
Great post! I bounce between totally spacing out, being super focused on whatever type of run I’m doing and having lots random thoughts like the ones you listed. I try to practice visualizing my finish if I’m doing a hard run, or sometimes I only think about my technique. Depends! But my favorite is definitely the peace and quiet for sure. It’s awesome to go for a run and then realize you’ve been in the zone for miles!
I do both deep thinking and random thoughts. I think silly phrases like “If you make pain your friend, you will never run alone!” when I’m by myself. 🙂
Some of my best solutions and thoughts come to me when I run–like the maid of honor toast I gave at a certain running coach’s wedding … 🙂
Me??? I usually “write” my blog posts on a run too.
I wonder why I am the only one running…yet when I am driving my car I see tons of runners and wonder why I am not running!
Yes, I think that too!
I loved Susan’s post and this one is great too! I think total and complete random thoughts when running and love to see what is going through everyone else’s heads! The last three on your list are top thoughts of mine as well 🙂
Boston or bust, right? 😉
When I’m at the gym on the treadmill I keep thinking ‘why the heck are the treadmills right in front of a wall of mirrors, I don’t want to watch myself run’ so then I usually look down at my time and distance, counting down to when I can start to walk (I’m currently doing the C25K). When I’m outside my mind generally wanders a little more, I enjoy being outside. Though I still wonder when my walk segment is coming up and hope it’s coming soon. In both situations though I also make sure to think ‘I can do this’.
Wow, I don’t think I could remember what I think about long enough to post about it! I have the most random thoughts – like about an email I forgot to return, or whatever. But, yes, it’s totally acceptable to buy milk all sweaty and gross. It’s even cool to pull the nasty money out of your sports bra.
qualify for boston so we can have a fun meet up. you always have a place to stay!
I’m definitely a random thinker! The most out of the blue thoughts come into mind…but I like it. It’s peaceful and stressless. I don’t think I’d love to run as much if I thought about all my worries.
I absolutely run to clear my head. It’s amazing how much clarity you can get running a few miles.
My stream of thoughts are a lot like that!
Get to Boston! I’ll cheer you on!
Great post Kristy. Made me crack up!!