Running Solo

Last month I convinced you that running with a friend is fun.  You've got someone to keep your mind off the mundane task of exercising and the miles fly effortlessly by with some lively conversation.

Running solo also has it's advantages.  First of all, there are no schedules to juggle but your own.  You can fit a 25 minute run in whenever it's most convenient for you--whether it's before the sun rises or after the sun sets.  It's your choice alone, making it much easier to get out and get it done.  If you're relying on a partner, you're no longer in control.  Running solo, the "when" and "where" are up to you.

Secondly, running by yourself gives you valuable time to do some concentrated thinking.  Your brain can focus easily when it doesn't have to keep one end of a conversation going.  When I run alone, many times I plan out the rest of my day.  Without the distractions of home, it's easy to think clearly, prioritize correctly and schedule realistically.  Once I've got my schedule set, I'm free to spend the rest of my run meditating, praying, or trying to solve the issue of the day.  It's amazing how clear things become once you detach yourself--it's like having a mini retreat out your front door.

Lastly, when you run alone, you get to set the pace.  If you're feeling chipper, you might want to speed it up.  Maybe time is short and your only option for an adequate workout is to substitute effort for time and bust out a high intensity mile.  Ten minutes at maximum speed is almost as good as twenty minutes at an easy pace.  It's WAY better than nothing!  Likewise, if you didn't get much sleep the night before and are feeling sluggish, you're probably going to be moving slow.  You won't be worrying about holding anyone back.  Fast or slow, the choice is yours.

Am or pm, fast or slow...when you're running solo, you never know.  LACE UP!