Mindful Running

Miles I was supposed to run: 10

Miles I actually ran: 10

Yesterday I was reading "The Terrible and Wonderful Reasons Why I Run Long Distances" by the Oatmeal. One of the things that really struck me was the importance of being in the moment when you are running, and not focussing on when the run is over, among other more entertaining and silly things. I realised that I am incredibly guilty of this, and one of the reasons why I was able to enjoy the Edinburgh Half Marathon so much, was because I was able to just focus on being in that moment, rather than wishing the whole bloody thing was just over. So I took that idea on board today, and literally ran with it. I feel that it made a big difference, and I was able to enjoy my long run, rather than looking forward to it all being over so I can bask in the warm fuzzy glow of runners high. 


I was visiting my future in-laws this weekend, so went for a bit of running tourism, and enjoyed a beautiful 10 mile run in the South Downs. 

I switched off my running watch, stopped worrying about my pace and just enjoyed the calm and my surroundings. It was nice to run somewhere much quieter than my usual haunt of the Thames path. Even the people seemed much friendlier and calmer! 

Except for the man at the back of a group of walkers who announced "runner coming through. Slowly!"

"Screw you" I thought. "You're not running, you're out for a leisurely stroll, so what gives you the right to call me slow!"

However, I quietly apologised and thanked everyone in a polite British fashion, and ran on. Using my silent irritation to push me on faster...and in to a bush. A spiky, thorny bush, which left me with a big cut on my shoulder. 

So I returned to my in-laws covered in sweat, mud, blood, and protein powder (which I had managed to spill on myself in the car). They looked rather confused when they answered the door to me, and politely suggested that I may want to get myself cleaned up...