What Do You Do During a Run?

By Nicoleao @momfever

While I would like to say that I solve the world’s problems and think deep philosophical thoughts during my runs, the truth is I listen to country and western songs.

However, between country and western songs,  I do sometimes get these brilliant ideas that make me think: ‘I should write this down! If only I had a pen and paper, although it would be hard to write and run, and I can’t take a break yet, so I’ll just have to remember! What was it?! I’ve already forgotten but I remember it was brilliant!’

What do runners do during a run?

I was reading what other runners do during their runs, and I made a list:

  • Enjoying nature*
  • Doing some window shopping*
  • Solving problems
  • Praying
  • Worrying about getting hurt
  • Making plans on how to defend yourself in case of an attack*
  • Focusing on body
  • Keeping an eye on your pace
  • Keeping an eye on your heart rate*
  • Planning meals
  • Thinking about the kids*
  • Spitting
  • Wondering: ‘If I drop dead now, will somebody find me?’*
  • Doing sums in your head
  • Counting your steps
  • Counting your breaths
  • Meditating
  • Talking to other runners
  • Focussing on your body
  • Blowing your nose
  • Letting your mind roam free*
  • Reading street signs
  • Listening to an audio book
  • Letting one rip after checking there’s no one around to hear it*
  • Looking at other runners*
  • Checking out your reflection in windows*
  • Listen to a podcast
  • Enjoying the peace and quiet*
  • Doing the alphabet game: look for something that starts with the letter A. After you’ve spotted that, move on to B, etc.
  • Checking out houses*
  • Singing*
  • Checking your heart rate*
  • Arguing with yourself: part of you wants to stop and the other part is pushing you to keep on running*
  • Worrying about dogs coming to bite you*
  • Getting in touch with yourself*
  • Thinking of a blog post*
  • Calculating how many Big Macs you can eat considering the number of miles you’ve run*

I’ve put a little asterisk after every thing I do. Gosh, I turn out to be quite the multitasker!

Which of these things do you do during your run?