Running Focus

For the past two months, I have hardly been noticing my music while I run because I am so focused on my running form. Sometimes I’d become aware that one of my favorite songs had just ended, so I’d hit the back button to play it again. Then I’d forget about the music, and the song would end once more, and I’d realize that I hadn’t even paid attention to it. So, I’d back up again. I’d even repeat this cycle several times and had to make a concious effort to listen to the song!

I was doing a 5 mile fartlek run today. I had my headphones on and and I wasn’t even aware of the music, and my mp3 player was bouncing around on my waist and it was really bugging me. I finally realized that I don’t like listening to music while I run any more because it just interferes with my mental focus.

I gave my mp3 player to my teenage daughter and told her I didn’t need it to run anymore, and explained why. I ended with “I’ve reached a new level of running geekdom”. She replied “I didn’t think that was possible”. Oh, she makes me laugh so much!