Let me tell you how my thoughts could ruin a perfectly good run, on a perfectly good morning.
Last weekend I went for a run along the river. I am somewhat new to running – began in March of 2014.
I have not been focusing on distance or speed. I have simply been focusing on running for a certain amount of time, without stopping. So far I had been enjoying it.
On Saturday, I mapped out a particular distance that I wanted to run. I was excited to be tracking distance.
But this time my run was different and not in a good way. I noticed that five minutes into my run, I began to focus on how far I still had to go.
My thoughts went something like this…
“Ugh, I’ve hardly gotten anywhere. It so far away before I can turn around and come back. I’m tired already, I’m never going to make it that far. This sucks. Maybe I should walk a bit”.
Then I realized what I was thinking and how awful my thoughts were making my run.
In the past, when I wasn’t focusing on distance or time, I was focusing on keeping a nice pace and looking around to enjoy my view.
Here it was, a beautiful morning. The sun was out, but it was cool. There were people rafting down the river. Other runners were passing and saying, “Hi” or nodding in acknowledgement (I kinda felt part of a club!).
I decided to let go of all the thoughts about distance and speed and simply be in the moment. Kind of like mindfulness meditation for running.
Heel to toe. One foot to the next. Inhale deep 1, 2,3. Exhale deep 1,2,3. Beautiful river passing by.
It didn’t take long to get back into my groove and let go of all thoughts about how far I had to go.
Mindfulness meditation has helped me to become aware of my thoughts and feelings, without being consumed by them.
In the past, I wouldn’t have realized what I was thinking. I would have simply had the negative thoughts, felt overwhelmed, and probably wouldn’t have run the distance.
Once again, mindfulness meditation helps me to live a happy & healthy lifestyle.
Now please – anyone who is a runner – what are your tips for dealing with the thoughts that run through your head when you’re focusing on distance? How do you enjoy your run? Please leave a comment below.
peace & love
Char