When I run with friends I like to chat.  Well, to be totally truthful, I like to ask questions.  Short questions.  They talk, I’m entertained and don’t get out of breath.  (I know I’ll get a few choice emails from my running pals on this one).

The days that I run alone I will run with music or without, depending on my mood and tolerance level of electronics for the day.  Regardless of whether I’m wired to my Shuffle or not, running alone provides me a continuous stream of commentary in my head.

It usually starts out with my thinking about how my run is going.  Which is normally bad because it takes me at least 2 miles to “feel” like a runner.  I know this so I don’t dwell on how off I feel at first.  Then I stream to what I need to do for the day and after that it’s just one thought after another linking (or not) together.

One minute I’m planning a birthday party for one of my kids then think about buying new shoes, what to make for dinner, a person at the bus stop, what I’d like to say to the idiot who didn’t let me cross at the light, problems with work, family, friends, etc.  It just keeps going and going and going as long as I run.

Running alone gives me a certain clarity.   I feel like I’ve solved problems and have clearer focus on well, everything.  It’s my meditation. And much  more fun that sitting cross-legged on a cushion in the corner of my bedroom chanting.

Now go run!

Keli 🙂