Thinking and Running

One of my running buddies told me her husband doesn’t like to run because he couldn’t think when he’s running. He’s kidding right? I can’t help but think on my long solo runs. This month has been crazy busy for me (hence the no posts). Birthday parties, weddings, baby showers, late nights working, you name it, it’s been consuming. I did do my best to make time for running though. I worked through some tough work related problems and organized my tasks on those runs- even at the expense of sleep a few times.

Of course I run for vanity reasons (who doesn’t want to stay in shape and feel healthy), but sometimes I feel like I’m running solely for sanity. I think I’d self-implode if I didn’t have a physical outlet and the personal time I get from running. And as much as I can work through issues in my head when I’m running solo­­, I have to say that nothing beats running a long run with a good friend and venting over the miles. Therapy in its cheapest form.

There’s something about running with someone that makes you open up to them. Perhaps it’s the time you spend together. Perhaps it’s the physical excretion making you more vulnerable. Perhaps it’s the fact that you’re running side-by-side and not facing each other. Perhaps it’s that your body’s working so mind can work through issues. I bet it’s a combination of all of it. Some of my most honest and self-exploring conversations have been had while on a run. And the best part of it all is when you’re finished you leave all of it behind you in the dust, feel good about your accomplishment, and move on.

I think my running buddy’s husband needs to stop thinking he can’t think while he’s running and start running.

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