Mindfulness While Running
There are many forms of mindfulness. Below are reactions I had within the first couple weeks of trying mindful running exercises.
Helpful tips to read prior to running:
Decide whether you'd like to try running with a guided mindfulness audio recording, or without. If you'd like to run with a recording - download the following to your device: runrunlive.com/running-meditation-2
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/22/meditation-in-action-running-mindfulness_n_3625110.html
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-15332/how-to-turn-your-run-into-a-mindful-meditation.html
I had a difficult time attempting mindfulness while running the first time out. There were moments where I was focused on my body and breath, but only for briefly. Many thoughts raced through my mind and I was preoccupied with maintaining my dog who was along on the run with me. It is safe to say, we didn’t reach stride or a point of relaxation until I slowed for a walking pace and then began running again. The beginning of my run was plagued with thoughts about the my newly purchased home and neighborhood, while the mid to end of my run I focused on meeting my wife and kids who would be somewhere in the neighborhood waiting. These thoughts and anticipation did not allow for me to be in the moment. Also, the traffic and crossing of the street led to disruption in the flow of the run. My next attempt for mindfulness while running will be in a different location and possibly without my dog and with no timeline.
Helpful tips to read prior to running:
Decide whether you'd like to try running with a guided mindfulness audio recording, or without. If you'd like to run with a recording - download the following to your device: runrunlive.com/running-meditation-2
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/22/meditation-in-action-running-mindfulness_n_3625110.html
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-15332/how-to-turn-your-run-into-a-mindful-meditation.html
I had a difficult time attempting mindfulness while running the first time out. There were moments where I was focused on my body and breath, but only for briefly. Many thoughts raced through my mind and I was preoccupied with maintaining my dog who was along on the run with me. It is safe to say, we didn’t reach stride or a point of relaxation until I slowed for a walking pace and then began running again. The beginning of my run was plagued with thoughts about the my newly purchased home and neighborhood, while the mid to end of my run I focused on meeting my wife and kids who would be somewhere in the neighborhood waiting. These thoughts and anticipation did not allow for me to be in the moment. Also, the traffic and crossing of the street led to disruption in the flow of the run. My next attempt for mindfulness while running will be in a different location and possibly without my dog and with no timeline.
- I ran again today with my dog. We were stride for stride for a longer period of time today. I focused on my breathing and my feet hitting the road. I listened to the stomp of my feet. After some time, I lifted my head and absorbed the scenery and appreciated what was around me. It was a quick but run but a great moment where I thought of little else beside where I was and what I was doing.
- I felt the endorphins today. I could have ran and walked for an hour in the beautiful weather. I did make a mistake though. I had my phone with me, so I felt obliged to take photos of the picturesque battlefields around me. I needed it so I could communicate with my wife for a pick up. It was detrimental to my mindfulness while running.
- I get mixed feelings while running, quite often. While running, I notice I am functioning in a state of focusing on the past, more so now than ever before in my life - looking at past decisions and also worrying about the future. I try to focus on my breaths and steps and the sounds around me and it helps me be mindful while running. I try to pass the thoughts on and place them elsewhere instead of letting them be pervasive and disruptive. I aim not to pass judgement on the thoughts. The positive effects of running are long lasting through my evenings. Being mindful while running only makes a run more effective.