I’ll let you in on a little secret. How in the world I entertain myself for miles on end. If we’re being honest though, the miles pass right by me. One of the [many] reasons I enjoy running is because it gives me a chance to ruminate. No person/computer can distract me, it’s just me and my thoughts.
My runs usually run (pun intended) a few miles longer than anticipated simply because I want and need more time to think.
Before I head out, I write a list of ~5 things on my hand that I refer to while running. Things to think through. It’s usually just for back up since my mind can wander endlessly without any assistance.
Some things are deep, some things are silly. For example…
Deep things:
- My new career path (Yes! I gotta write up that post.)
- Past/present relationships
[If a relationship has ever left you feeling sad/frustrated/angry, think about it while running. I swear the time will fly by AND you'll feel so much better about it when you're done. There's something about pounding the pavement while endorphins are flowing that will make you feel empowered.]
Silly things:
- What I’m going to wear that day
- What I’m going to eat (not silly! very important!)
- What I need to get at the grocery store (dreaming up a list of TJ’s products can take at least 3 miles!)
- My running schedule
- Whether or not I’m going to shower (uh yeah). If my run goes longer than planned, the answer is no.
The thing that takes up the most time? ‘Writing’ blog posts in my head, which I then have to try and remember when I’m finally in front of my computer. Like this post, actually.
Things that crossed my mind during yesterday’s run…
How I can be on the brink of freezing to death one day and sweating profusely in shorts and a t-shirt a few days later.
How I definitely need to get a pair of CW-X compression shorts or CW-X 3/4 ventilator tights for my long runs this spring because these Nike tempo shorts ain’t gonna cut it (love ‘em and always wear them to the gym but they don’t wrap around my tush tight enough!).
How I’m going to tell you about the awkward things that happen to me on my runs like…
1) As I was running past a little dog and her owner, the dog started getting excited and wanted to chase after me. All of a sudden, the owner went No, no Allie ALLIE!
Huh?! (How do you know my name?). Uh, doggy and I have the same name.
2) I really wanted to listen to a specific song on my iPod so I kept skipping through songs. I was running up a huge hill and the song was not coming on. I let out a HUGE UGHHHHHH!
Thats not awkward. What was awkward was doing that RIGHT as I was passing a parked car….with a person inside…and the windows rolled down. Awkward.
3) So I ran past roadkill again…in almost the same spot as last time. Except this time it was 8x bigger. It was a deer with it’s guts everywhere. $%&#@! I tried not to look but on my 3rd pass, I did (I’m totally that person), and saw that it was actually a DOG 
. Wahhhhhh!
That’s not awkward. What’s awkward is me tearing up right as everyone and their mom happened to be walking/running in the opposite direction. Warning: psycho runner ahead.
What else do I think about?
How I can possibly eat a cup of Greek yogurt and a cup of granola at 11 PM and STILL wake up the next day hungry (hint: weightlifting!).
I arrived home [late] from band rehearsal famished. I immediately spotted this box of Love Grown Foods Granola sitting in the corner of our foyer and ripped it open. Midnight snack!
I ripped open 3 bags for maximum nut consumption.
By the next morning, all the almonds, walnuts and pecans were picked out of their respective bags.
Do you pick out the good stuff first or save it for last? I pick out the good stuff first. I attribute that to me being the 2nd child.
I ate my quarterly shipment (the perk of being a Love Blogger) WAY too quickly last time, so I’ve been without this delicious granola for 3+ months. I’ve gotta pace myself this time.
Something tells me that’s not going to happen. I mean, seeing as how 3 bags have been opened have taken a hit and it’s been um…2 days? <3 carbs.
The Love Team also sent me this beautiful journal, where I can jot down all my running thoughts!
I ate one too many waffles and one too many handfuls of granola after waking up late yesterday, so I actually experienced some stomach cramps for the first couple miles of my run. A few years ago, I would’ve totally scrapped the run, but this time I distracted myself and whattdya know? They went away!
All that fueled me through…
10 miles in 1 hour 29 min. (SUB 9:00 min/mi avg pace!!!). I took an extra day off because my legs needed it and 25 mph winds on Tuesday were not gonna make it any easier. It’s amazing what an extra day of rest can do for your energy levels + motivation to run.
Okay, the awesome weather helped. 61* F and sunny. No gloves, no sleeves, no problem!
So yeah, this post was brought to you by nearly 90 min. of thinking. The best part is I don’t lay in bed at night unable to fall sleep because I’ve already thought about everything ad nauseum. There’s nothing left to think about.
Anywho, we’ve got another warm day today. I’m gonna go play tennis with Peter before I head to work. Wee!
Have a wonderful Thursday, y’all.
Tell me: How do you pass the time while working out? Do you pick out the good stuff to eat first or do you save the best for last?
{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }
You are just rocking those miles, Allie! Hope we can run a race together sometime!!!
Yeah! You’d have to slow down for me
. We can drag Brad to run with us too.
I am the reason why any container of chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream ends up just being a container of chocolate chip ice cream…my bad
!
Haha I did that all the time when I was little. Now I do that with the pecans in butter pecan.
One of the things I struggle with is making time go by while running (yes even for a 30 minute run!). This gave me some new ideas of things to think about! Thanks!
Ahhh, reading your blog makes me want to run but my classes for this week are abnormal, 8am-7pm. Gaaaaaaaaaaaaah. Gotta run this weekend!
For me, I save the best for last
That is so sad!!!!!
I would totally start bawling if I saw that.
Running is totally my thinking time – to work through things, just think random thoughts, and clear my head before an exam (like today! extra studying = stress). Great run today!
Wow you are quite the runner!! I can’t wait to hear about the new career path! How are ya gonna deal with not being able to run as often if you start working?! Its probably SOOO nice right now having so much free time!!
Don’t worry, I’ll still find time to run! It’ll probably just mean less time spent shopping at Marshalls
I love running- it’s one of the only ways I am able to meditate! Looking forward to hearing more about your career path
I think about random things when I work out too
I used to write blog posts in my head while running too! Now, I don’t run. ::le sigh::
I’ve been reading about your lifting. Yeah, writing blog posts while doing bicep curls just isn’t the same
I have to say- I’m excited to read about your new career path- I definitely have some ideas of things that you would be awesome at.
I write blog posts in my head too- not just when I’m running, but in random places.
I don’t listen to music while I run anymore- and just kind of get lost in my thoughts. And I think about everything- but always, always think about what I”m going to eat after my run.
Since my workouts are done indoors while watching Gossip Girl, I’m usually only thinking if Blair and Chuck will get back together. Best part of my day!
I also think about what I’m going to eat while running! I can think about that for miles. I also tend to think about things I’ve been worrying about. I tell myself that I’ll think about it while running, but once I’m done running, no more dwelling on it.
Yep, makes all those worries not so worrisome!
I listen to great Pandora music but I like the idea of writing things to think about on your hand- I think I should write things to pray about on my hand- that would be a great idea and would keep me on task! I’m also with you, writing blog posts in my head and trying to remember them before I get home is always the tough one!
I love to plan out my meals and new recipes to try while I’m running! My problem is that I usually forget it all once I get home.
I’m excited to hear about your new career path! I hope you post about it soon girl!
Running is the best thinking time
Can’t wait to hear about the new career path! I’ve been trying to decide my next career path, too, so I’m always interested to read about that kind of stuff
I think about many of the same things during workouts, actually! Most frequently pondered topics are my outfit for the day, breakfast, and whether or not I will get a dietetic internship (this waiting period is killing me).
Totally guilty of thinking about that day’s outfit while working out. Hey, it’s good motivation for exercising in the first place!
Thinking is one of the biggest things I miss about running. During my workouts now (mainly strength training) I love listening to music with a really hard beat and just kind of zone out in what I am doing. If we are specifically speaking of granola, I always pick out the big clusters first.
Do you like your Garmin watch? I’m considering buying one!
It’s usually sort of a bad idea for me to allow myself that much time to get lost in my thoughts since I tend to over analyze things to death! Instead, I try to zone out for a change, just tune in to the music, clear my head, and let the time pass!
When I do actually jog, I think of either what to have for breakfast or dinner. I think come on just moeve your legs, you can do it and I think your almost done! I think I spend most of my time trying to convince myself that this is good for you, you will feel good when your done and think of the calories you burn. I really try self motivation!
Ohhh wow I love this post! & your blog
Next time I’m out on my run, I’m gonna think back to this post and use some of your ideas! Have a great weekend
I remember when I used to run with compression sleeves, my friends would ALWAYS think I was running with long socks. One time, they saw me later that day and admitted to getting “mad” that somebody was running with long socks when it was 90* outside…until they realized it was me- haha! I do love compression capris, though. I wear them whenever doing tough leg things whether it be running, Zumba, or weights.
You and I think alike on long runs, love that time to myself too! Also, thanks for gluten-post., very informative. Love your ability to relate your life to us reader xo
I love how your have a great attitude about running. It doesn’t seem like a chore for you. Instead it’s your time to hang out with you! Love it!