Run Unplugged
| August 24, 2010 | Posted by Lauren under Running |
Sometimes all it takes is a little rain…
Today it rained. Little driving drops that fell all day long, soaking the world and cooling down the temperature. And it showed no sign of letting up when it came time to do my run this afternoon. Since I didn’t have time to make it to the gym, I decided to brave the weather and go out for a run in the rain. Plus, I hated the thought of “wasting” a day running outside in the perfect 60 degree temperatures.
Out of fear that I would ruin them, I decided to leave my iPod and Garmin at home. I figured I could “suffer’ through a quick 6 miles without my two favorite running companions. But oddly enough, only a few minutes into my run, the decision that started out completely practical became one of the best things I’ve done in a long time. I ran completely unplugged, and I loved it.
Technology = Tool or Crutch?
I don’t know where along the line I became so dependent on technology. Once upon a time, I used to run without the help of music or a watch that calculated my splits. Even back in the days when I had my fancy new sports Discman, I often opted to leave it at home since it was bulky.
Back in the day, this baby was pretty advanced technology
But these days, I rarely leave home without my iPod strapped to my arm and my Garmin strapped to my wrist. These two tools have become as essential to my runs as the shoes on my feet.
While I can’t deny the ability of a great playlist or a watch to improve your running, I’ve recently started re-examining my technology-dependence. I’ve started to think that maybe I rely on these tools too much. It wasn’t too long ago that I hated timing my runs and calculating my splits. Now I’m checking them constantly. There are definite benefits to this – checking my pace can help me run harder on days when I feel like dogging it, it can help me pace myself for longer runs so that I don’t go out too fast, and it can ultimately make me a faster runner as I time my tempo runs and intervals. But sometimes it can actually be detrimental. Like when I’m supposed to be doing an easy run but hate letting that split time get longer…or when it’s really hot outside and I get frustrated that I can’t keep my pace, even though I know I should be running slower for safety reasons.
There can be negative effects to constantly running with music as well. Constantly relying on music to help me get through my runs is just another crutch getting in the way of actually listening to my body and its internal cues. If my iPod dies or I somehow forgot it, my run suffers.
Furthermore, I came across an interesting article in Runner’s World a couple of months ago which basically said that research has shown when a person runs with music every single day, the music starts to lose its effectiveness. So if I’m relying on the music to motivate me through my runs but that tool loses effectiveness each time I’m out, eventually my runs will feel harder and harder. To avoid this, the article suggests going without music one run a week.
Running Unplugged
I had all this in the back of my mind today as I headed out for my run. Even though I knew this was probably good for me, I figured the time would go by slowly without any distractions. But to my surprise, the opposite happened. I just ran, focusing on the sights and sounds around me – the sound of my breathing, the rhythm of my footsteps, and the drum of the rain falling all around. And the longer I ran, the better I felt. It seemed like I was flying through the rainy streets. Without any external cues to suggest otherwise, I became more excited about how well I was running, which only made me want to run faster.
(Source)
I found my mind wandering to thoughts about running itself. As the miles wore on, I separated myself from all my worries about pacing and marathon training and just became a person who was running simply for the sheer love of it. I reminded myself how blessed I am to even have this ability; to have the time and place to do so, and to have a body that will carry me through the miles. Running is a privilege that I am so thankful to have. A fact that is often overlooked when I’m stressed about getting in the miles and running at a certain speed.
My run unplugged became the best run I’ve had in a long time. I thought, I played in puddles, and just enjoyed the freedom of putting one foot in front of the other — running in its most basic sense. Would I have been able to do this with my watch and iPod? Maybe. I’ve had many great runs with both of those tools. But leaving them at home today gave me much needed reminder, a wake up call of sorts. That running is a joy and a blessing, and that sometimes it’s good to take a break from these tools that mute our internal cues.
While I’m not ready to give up on my 2 best running friends altogether, I plan on doing unplugged runs on a regular basis. And I challenge you to do the same. Instead of worrying about the time or focusing on the music, focus instead on the act of running, and the reasons why you fell in love with the sport in the first place.
A) I had that discman back in the day!
B) I totally agree about running unplugged… it’s not that easy for me unless I run under 5 miles- otherwise I need a distraction. Nice job on your run though and I’m looking forward to the rain stopping!
That discman was pretty cool stuff back then.
And I agree…running unplugged is a lot easier when the run is short. I’ve never done a long run without anything (and probably won’t!)
Great post! I could totally relate to all that you wrote here. I agree that timing yourself on every run makes a run less enjoyable. I used to time myself all the time (back in high school when I was running competitively). I ran according to the watch and after a while, runninng didn’t become enjoyable any more. I was constantly fretting about lowering the timings week after week, or hitting my target timings, rather than on enjoying the run. I also used to run without music, but after a two year lay off from running, I’ve started again, with an ipod. Now I find it weird to run without music. I’ll try your tip about running unplugged at least once a week. Thanks!
Thanks! The same thing happened to me. After graduating college, I went through a long period of time when I refused to time myself for that very reason. But then I got a Garmin and have gotten sucked right back into it. Which is why it’s great to get that reminder about how freeing it can be to run without a single thing to worry about.
I have never ran without music. I am completely dependent to the point that I might skip a run if my iPod dies. Maybe one of these days I should try a run without it.
As sad as it is to admit this — I’ve definitely done that!! If you do try, I’d say start off really short. Maybe it won’t seem so bad that way.
Sometimes, I enjoy running witout an iPod. I think life without a Garmin would scare me, though. I always like to know if I’m running too fast!
I feel the exact same way about my Garmin. I don’t run with an iPod, so I can’t say much about that, but I do know that runs without the Garmin are always so free and relaxing.
I love my Garmin, but when I’m wearing it I always feel a added pressure to be quicker or more consistent or something. I keep glancing at it and allow the numbers to distract me from the joy of running.
I’m glad you had a great run in the rain!
Becky´s last post ..Sweet Cinnamon Roasted Chickpeas
I love this post so much!!! I run with music when I’m on the treadmill, but I never use it when I run outside. At first I did it for safety purposes, but I soon found – like you – that running unplugged can be liberating! It’s a great way to get back in touch with the joy of running in the first place.
Katie @ Health for the Whole Self´s last post ..Thin Fantasies
Thank you! And I agree…as much as I love my music even when I’m outside, running is definitely more liberating without it. It becomes less of a thing you’re doing to workout, and more of something that you’re just doing for fun.
So do you do long runs without any music?? That’s when I’m most dependent on it…. I’m not sure if I’m ready to be THAT liberated!
YES! Granted, I’ve never run over 14 miles, but I never do more than 5 on a treadmill…so anything 6 or over is outside without music. It sounded crazy at first to me too! (Truth: I write blog posts in my head while running!)
Katie @ Health for the Whole Self´s last post ..Thin Fantasies
I am super impressed!! I think the longest I’ve gone without music is 7. When I’m running longer than that, I need it to help me zone out and stay focused. Doesn’t mean I’m always paying attention to it though. (and I write blog posts in my head while running too! Sometimes I find I’m much more eloquent when I’m running than I am when I sit down to actually write…)
While in training I do rely on my Garmin and the occassional iPod run, however when not training I do love those unplugged moments connecting with the sights, sounds and pure love of running. Btw…love the new header!
Bekah @ runtrackmind´s last post ..Lions- Tigers & Bears- Oh My
Thank you!
I figured it was time for a change.
I loved this! And I completely agree that listening to music all the time starts to lose it’s effectiveness to motivate you. I’ve left my Garmin at home before but I must say…I’m nervous to run without my ipod! I’ve done it before, but I like having songs to sing along to (in my head, not out loud hah).
Danielle (Runs on Green)´s last post ..Banana breakfast dog
Oh, I’m definitely the person running along singing out loud… (under my breath though) haha
I still say try it! I’m pretty sure you’ll have a song stuck in your head that you can sing along to if you need it
This post is too ironic! This morning at the gym I was running and watching Robin Meade, she did a story on how we should unplug more. I turned off the TV and ran the rest of my run in silence. That was amazing.
Nichole´s last post ..Two Things Tuesday
That’s really cool! I guess we were on the same wavelength with our runs.
Although going unplugged at the gym is definitely tougher. Nice job!
having my mp3 is my main technology piece when running and i definitely have relied on it. ive tried to unplug and i’ll admit that sometimes i wont notice a different but most of the time im less motivated and my time will definitely slow. i know that music has the possibility to boost endorphins since it naturally increases beta-endorphin levels as well as dopamine in the body. but i think sometimes its more of a crutch or a lucky charm that has some sort of placebo effect… hmm good post!!!
This is the perfect nudge for me at a time when I don’t want to give up my iPod-induced runs. It’s been a long time since I’ve run without those earbuds firmly plugged in. I’m ashamed to say that I’ve even stopped runs early because my iPod ran out of battery :O Yet, I’ve take a few runs in the past sans iPod, and instead of being bored like I expected, I loved it! I don’t know why I haven’t done it more. Thanks for the suggestion, Lauren!
Also, love the new layout – sleek!
Well, you have discovered something I have known for years, running with only your own thoughts is awesome. It’s therapeutic, invigorating, relaxing and a great way to learn about you. Too many in your generation (I don’t want to sound like an old man) are afraid to be without your electronics. Just watch a teenager who happens to be walking or standing alone. They will have their face buried in a text message or phone call.
Running without music helps you relax and unwind. I always did my best thinking when I ran and I rarely played music.
As for the watch, you should NEVER time yourself on every run, and you know it too. Running the way you do (race training) is part training for speed, part training for distance and part building up stamina. Timing yourself everyday takes some joy out of the experience. And for your fancy satellite tracking watch, (yes I am jealous that I never had one) who needs it every day. I could go out and run almost any distance with no watch and on my return tell you how many miles I ran and what my pace was. And, i was usually correct within seconds of the actual pace and less than 2/10 of a mile on the distance. All because Ii learned to listen to by body and not my iPod and Nike satellite watch.
As usual, I love your blogs and you are still my favorite blogger!!
Paul – AKA Dad
I know, I know about the watch. I never used to be so hooked until the Garmin (you know that)! I use it mainly to see my mileage but I can’t help but glance at the pace when I look down at it…and so how fast I’m running is always in the back of my mind, whether I want it to be or not. The watch is my best friend and worst enemy at the same time!
But…as usual, I am thankful for your advice and you are still my favorite reader!
What an awesome post. First of all, way to go! If it started raining here I’d pack it up and just run inside. I love your determination.
This is such a good idea. I can say I’ve thought about it but never actually ran without my pod. I grew up a dancer, so I like having a beat to run to. I wonder how fast I’d run if I didn’t have that beat…
And for another note, I love that your dad comments on your blog.
hbobier @ Basil Vodka´s last post ..Blue
Congrats on your unplugged run
I’ve never run with music (unless you count gym music when I’m on the treadmill); I just hate having things in my ears and much rather zone out. But I know music helps athletic performance. In spinning classes, I work so much harder when I like the music!
Now I never ran with a Garmin before January. I just used to guestimate my distance and pace. I love my Garmin now, and don’t know what I did before it. I really think it’s helped my running times. But I agree. Sometimes it’s best to run without it and just enjoy the act of running. I try to do that one run per week, but it doesn’t always work
I am so impressed by all of you who do your long runs without music! I need it to keep me focused when I’m running for hours.