A Great Opportunity!

Monday, April 08, 2013 · Mike Davis

How’s your spring running going? I can honestly say mine is going pretty well! Not running lots of miles, but I am running some great miles! Meeting the other night with a client we discussed a similar approach to running alone. We both agreed that it’s nearly impossible to think anything in our lives through like we can when we are running. For me when I have something that needs my total focus for more than 5 minutes I struggle to sit and focus without being easily distracted. Whether it be the computer in front of me, my phone or just my minds tendency to wander; I am not very good at processing for any extended period of time. However when I head out for a run I come up with a thought, starts by thinking extreme, then begin the process of working through the issue or idea. By the time I’m done running I have usually had at least 60 minutes of total focus. Honestly I can say that I never have that kind of focus when I’m not running. Ashley (my client), told me of a similar approach for her but she’s perfected it. Throughout the day when she has subjects that she needs to focus on she actually sets them aside for her running time. Planning ahead she is able to insure that she has topics in which to resolve while pushing through her run. Now that’s taking it to the next level! I have never really thought to hold off on solving a problem or making a decision until a scheduled run but I think that’s a great idea! People (mostly non-runners) tell me how boring running is and I totally disagree. Putting on those running shoes and challenging your body is in no way boring, but to also utilize your uninterrupted peace is phenomenal. Think about it; when else can you enjoy your thoughts without any distractions or feeling that you should be doing something else? Unfortunately people sometimes feel the need to cloud this opportunity by playing music thus focusing becomes splintered. Some feel that they need music to distract them from running, but then they miss out on the opportunities that this time offers. I won’t say that I never listen to music because sometimes I just want to listen to music. However if my run is 60 minutes or more, I usually stop hearing the music and revert back to whatever might have been hanging around my thoughts. In fact I mentioned a couple of weeks ago how I was feeling really crappy the first couple of miles and I was thinking of my pains and how much further I had to run. Then it dawned on me that I should stop thinking about my running and focus on anything but running. I instantly went to our future house in North Carolina and suddenly I was turning the corner on mile 7! Running with other provide us with support and distraction so that’s a great thing. Running alone has many great upsides and opportunity so plan ahead like Ashley! I have come up with my plans of action while out running and have also saved myself from making a hasty decision that often happens when I don’t think some out. People don’t know realize the opportunity they are missing. It all starts with running!