I took notes during my last long run, just to be able to bring you a glimpse into the brain of a runner. Today I’m sharing those deep thoughts. Enjoy!
Running is a funny thing. On the one hand, it’s really fun and refreshing. On the other hand, it can be daunting, arduous, and sometimes even distressing. And more often than not, on a long run, it can be all those things combined. And that’s what I love the most about running. You never know what you’re gonna get.
My last long run was a mash-up of elation and aggravation. Let me set the stage: I was running solo. I had tunes, podcasts, snacks, and plenty of water. I was totally ready to roll. And things were going great! Until they weren’t. And then they were! I waffled and ping-ponged through thoughts and emotions for the entire run. Which is frankly not atypical of me during solo runs. Heck, even during partner or group runs I move through the spectrum of emotions.
Don’t believe me? I took notes during my last long run, just to be able to bring you a glimpse into the brain of a runner. Today I’m sharing those deep, deep thoughts. Enjoy!
Deep Thoughts from the Long Run
“Cheese and rice! I only ran 4.3 miles?”
“Shit. I have to pee.” (while running through a residential area, no less!)
“Why haven’t I seen anything interesting?”
“How have I been listening to this podcast for 50 minutes already?”
“I love this song!”
*5 seconds later* “Geeze, how is this song STILL on?!”
“I hate running.”
“Why is it so hot?!“
“Everything hurts and I’m dying.”
“I love running!”
“That suitcase was kinda disappointing.”
“Am I gonna make it?”
“My legs are toast and it’s kinda hot out.”
“Woohoo! 12.25 miles. Almost done!”
“Mother trucker!!! Am I done yet?”
“Why haven’t I seen anything interesting?”
“UGH. I’ve officially hit the wall. Snack time!”
“Uh oh. B asked if I need a ride home. Do I need a ride home?! Maybe I need a ride home!!”
“Omg I see my house. I can’t make it! Why god, why???”
“I’m never running again.”
“Damn, that was awesome.”
Take every run in stride…
Yes, I thought all of those thoughts and probably a thousand more that I forget about already. My mood, my outlook, my general feeling about the run was ever-changing. And as much as running long distances in the summer is extraordinarily difficult, I always enjoy it. I may say I’m never running again, but that’s the funny thing about running… you never know what you’re gonna get, and good or bad, it’s usually *overall* awesome.
If you find yourself struggling with summer running, just remember to take each moment, each mile, and each run in stride.
And side-note: nine times out of ten, my thoughts gravitate toward food. I tend to think about food most often when I’m running with others, though, which is why I didn’t mention food once to myself during this run. But believe me: food always wins.
xo
Let’s talk!
Do you cycle through all the feels during a hot long run, too?
What’s your fave food after a long run?
