A challenge of running is being alone with your thoughts. No distractibility. A lot of runners wear headphones, but I choose not to. I like the meditative quality of running in silence.
I began to notice that while running, most of my thoughts were negative. They were of pain and weakness. I think this is in part what the headphones guard against: that droning negative voice.
But when I stopped listening to my brain and began asking my body how I felt , the answer was usually “doing ok.” My body’s happy to be pushed, to work out kinks and to rejoice in its abilities.
It’s a gorgeous day, the sun is warm on my face and my clothing’s just right and comfortable. My lungs feel refreshed, both mind and body feel clear. Sometimes the struggle’s all in the mind.
