As a runner, I’ve been asked this question countless times: “What do you think about when you’re running? You must be able to figure a lot out, right?”
Honestly, I’ve never fully understood the source of that question. Maybe it’s because my legs and lower body seem to be doing all the work, so people assume my mind must be free to wander. Interestingly, no runner has ever asked me this—probably because they know that running is hard.
So, what am I thinking about?
For me, the internal conversation during a run usually revolves around one of two dialogues:
- The Battle to Keep Going:
- “Can I stop now?”
- “NO. You cannot stop. Keep running!”
- “Really? I could just stop, maybe even lay down in that ditch for a few moments.”
- “Keep running, fool. When you’re in the shower later, how do you want to remember this?”
That last one always gets me. I know I’ll look back and judge myself based on the effort I put in. Being obsessed—and let’s be honest, committed—I always want to know that I gave it my all. The best possible effort is the bare minimum.
- Pacing and the Watch:
- “Is my pace slowing down? It feels like it.”
- “No, wait, I’m speeding up… or maybe my watch is broken.”
- “I should be faster. It must be lying to me.”
Sometimes, when I’m pushing myself so hard that it feels like my digestive tract might exit through my nose, it’s not unrealistic to think my watch is messing with me. But then there’s the relief when I manage to pick up the pace again—or the frustration when I don’t. Either way, the watch often takes the blame.
Running is Hard
If you don’t run, you might think that during a run I’m daydreaming, solving problems, or even coming up with brilliant ideas. The reality, though, is that running is hard. It demands focus and attention. No matter how easy it starts, eventually it becomes a battle to keep going, and that’s when the internal dialogue kicks in:
- “Can I stop?”
- “No, you cannot stop. Keep going!”
- “But I’d really like to stop, even just for a minute.”
- “No, you can’t stop. Keep going.”
There’s a simplicity to this internal conversation because running takes everything you’ve got. Sure, endorphins help, but there isn’t much energy left for anything else—not even for getting upset or arguing. That’s something I’ve noticed is different with cycling, where there seems to be more room for frustration, both in myself and others.
The Reality of Running
I have a theory: running requires so much energy that it leaves little room for anything beyond the basics—like not quitting and keeping track of your pace. Occasionally, I’ll hit a moment of flow where everything feels effortless, but those moments are fleeting. More often, even when my legs are strong, I’m struggling to keep my stomach from coming out of my nose or fighting the urge to vomit—though thankfully, that’s never actually happened.
I love running. But for the most part, I’m not solving any big problems out there. I’m just focused on getting to the end of whatever distance I’ve set for myself.
Ready to Join the Run?
Running isn’t just about the physical challenge—it’s about the mental battles, the small victories, and the relentless pursuit of improvement. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, I encourage you to embrace the journey. Lace up your shoes, hit the road, and see where your feet take you.
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