I thought it would be interesting to open up the floor to something that probably isn't always thought of when you run. That is how running is good for your mind.
I am not a long distance runner. I am not even built for running. I don't think my body was even designed to run. One of the big reasons why I do run is that is allows me to free myself from all the stresses in my life for 30 minutes. I don't have my cell phone. I don't have to worry about anything other than my pace and listening to what my body is doing.
In a way...I am washing my mind of anything that might have been in there before. It is like meditation. Just you getting in tune with your body. I don't even wear a watch to see where I am at. I know my route and I run it comfortably and sometimes push it a bit so I have to actually concentrate on the run and only the run. Pushing it a little helps me take my mind off of what I might be tempted to think about and just zone in on the rythm. The pace. The moment. I am lost in the physical act of running.
By the time the run is complete I am physically drained and my mind has been properly cleansed because I have just spent 30 minutes getting to know my body. Arriving back to my home I can start with a clean slate. Refreshed. Energized. Ready to take on my world.
How does running affect you in this way? Maybe running just makes you happy to be alive. More confident. Maybe it even just makes you thankful that you have your health and that you CAN run. Not everyone can say that. Your health is a gift. Use it.
I can dig where your at. I usually can't get out to run until after 8pm when my two youngest sons (3 and 5) are in bed. My wife is a full time student and works part time. I am a part time student and work full time...and we have three sons and a bunch of pets. Mind cleansing is a powerful thing! My runs not only help me get in the shape I want for the events i have entered, but they also provide the "down time" that would otherwise escape me.
I don't like running I wish I was 1 mile from home rather than 5 I wish my hip wasn't twinging ow! that blisters coming up again gosh I'm thirsty is this road ever going to end I think I might need another puff on the ventolin I wish my glasses wouldn't keep slipping down that sun is just too hot I wish it was cooler why can't it rain I'm really hungry I wish I had curry for tea instead of pasta ooh my hip is really hurting now................
But when I get back the sense of accomplishment washes away the negative thoughts and I plan where my next run is going to take me lol!
I've just invested in an MP3 player so I'm hoping this will help drown out my moaning mind!
My partner however is just like you and can switch off and be as one with the road. He says I talk too much when we train together but talking takes my mind off the negative thoughts! I think we both need new training partners!
I think you'd enjoy "The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner" by Alan Sillitoe about a convict who's allowed to train outside the prison for an inter-prison athetics meet. Personally I prefer cycling for the soul mainly because its smoother than running but I agree very good for relieving stress.
Pushing my body allows me to clear my mind and forget about the daily worries, at least for one hour. Having taken part in triathlons I find the swimming leg of these events the most rewarding. Swimming in the ocean where there is no need to turn and all you have to concentrate on is your stroke and your breathing ( well once you have gotten away from the pack). This is pure escapeism, especially when it is hot sunny day and I am swimming in the clean waters off the east Australian coast.
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