“An active mind cannot exist in an inactive body.” – General George S. Patton
Today I’m linking up with Jill Conyers and Jessica at The Fit Switch for The Fit Dish. I love their theme for this week: Does your mind wander? What do you think about when you run or workout? As a runner, a question I am often asked by non-runners is, “What do you think about when you’re out running for such a long time?” (This is asked in an incredulous, almost annoyed tone if I’ve already mentioned I rarely run with music). I never really know how to answer, but since it’s such a popular question, I figured I’d give it a shot today.
So here it is: What I think about when I’m working out.
When I run…
The first ten minutes or so are spent mainly thinking about my physical body – how do I feel today? Are there any niggles anywhere? How am I settling in to this pace, does it feel right? Once I’m feeling comfortable in the run, my body has warmed up and I’ve (hopefully) stopped even noticing its efforts, my mind begins to wander. Usually it’s a few random, odd thoughts at first: What should I make for dinner? If I had to wear the same color for the rest of my life, what would I pick? I wonder if I’ll see a chipmunk today? Why do those people have to walk five abreast on a running path??
Then come the deep, thoughtful thoughts. Ha! Just kidding. Then comes whatever has been weighing on my mind or that I’ve been wrapped up in, for me to mull over while I’m moving. Sometimes it’s an argument I’ve had with someone – thinking about why I’m right and they’re wrong (then, much more uncomfortably, wondering if they could be right and I could be wrong). If I’ve been writing before I headed out, or plan to write when I get back, I might start thinking about the topic I’m working on, different ways to approach it, maybe even think of a full sentence or two to include in a piece. A lot of the time this kind of thinking is also problem-solving for me. For example, now that our family is expanding, but moving apartments seems so monumental, I’ve spent some time while running thinking about ways I can organize our space better, or make it work for a family of four. In a perfect run, this type of running-thinking results in lightning bolt moments, where a solution suddenly pops into my mind and all is right with the world.
“There are two distinct classes of what are called thoughts: those that we produce in ourselves by reflection and the act of thinking, and those that bolt into the mind of their own accord.” – Thomas Paine
If my run is going well still and I’ve hashed out whatever big thing I wanted to think about, this is when the strange mind games might begin. Like an alphabet memory game – think of an animal starting with each letter of the alphabet, repeating them as you go. Or making up little rhymes to the rhythm of my feet. Or, since I’ve been pregnant, thinking of baby names. (We’re totally decided on first names for both a boy or a girl now, but middle names are proving tricky. And no, I’m not going to tell you.)
If my run is not going well, if I’m feeling like I want to die/stop/never run again, this is where the math begins. Yes, math. Like, How many more minutes? If I’m doing a 9 minute mile, how long will it take to get home from here? If I did run/walk breaks, could I knock 20 seconds off each mile? And bargaining starts up, as well. If I take the short cut, I’ll have that horrible monster hill, but it takes half a mile off the route – is it worth it? If I stop for water and give myself a two-minute break at the next fountain, I could make myself run much faster for the last mile and make up for the time. Then, acceptance and gritting of the mental teeth. Just keep going. One step after another. Get over this hill and it will all seem better.
When I’m practicing yoga…
The thoughts of my yoga mind are vastly different from my runner-thinks. I think it’s because I’m so much more comfortable running than on the mat (even though I LOVE yoga, it’s certainly not my comfort zone). Usually the moments right before class, when I’ve arranged my mat and props, are my most zen, because I am checking in with my body, which is also my routine for the first minutes of my running. What feels tight? What needs warming up? Just doing some downward dogs and easy flows and thinking about how my joints are moving – these are easy, comfortable thoughts.
Then class starts and I start worrying I’m thinking too much. I think my breathing is off, so I try to focus on that, but I get distracted. For some odd reason, a yoga class is when I do a rundown of to-do lists in my head, interspersed with thoughts of, ‘Seriously, how much longer do we have to hold this lunge?’ ‘Why does this pose look way easier for everyone in my line of sight?’
“Drag your thoughts away from your troubles…by the ears, by the heels, or any other way you can manage it.” – Mark Twain
Shavasana? Forget it. The moment I’m told to let go of my thoughts and focus on the moment, my mind decides to do the opposite. Or I start thinking about how long we’ve been lying there and anticipating the teacher speaking again to rouse us back to the land of the living (because I worry that I’ll be startled if I don’t prepare for the interruption). I’m actually working on this by taking a few minutes after running or working out in the gym to lie in shavasana and just focus on breathing and that’s actually helping me sink more into the pose when I’m in a class.
When I’m strength training…
It’s as close to an empty mind as I get when working out. If I could combine my focus and thoughts while lifting weights with my yoga practice, I’d be one super-enlightened yogini. There’s something about the routine of lifting – of setting up the plates on a barbell, the concentration it takes to keep my form under a heavy weight, the way I need to use my breath to help me lift or push or pull that last repetition…it’s meditative for me. Even when I’m resting between sets, the most I’m thinking about is usually how many sets I have left, what my next exercise is, or how much time I have before I begin again.
“That’s the place to get to—nowhere. One wants to wander away from the world’s somewheres, into our own nowhere.” – D.H. Lawrence
I should point out that this only happens if I have a plan set in place for my workout. If I’m just making it up as I go along, I tend to get caught up thinking about what I should do next, what I feel like doing (or what I don’t feel like doing). Even if you just take a minute to write down the exercises you want to do right before your workout, it helps you focus on what you’re doing then and there, rather than your mind wandering to what you will be or should be doing next.
What about you? Does your mind wander when you’re working out?
Am I the only one who has trouble focusing during yoga?
When do you feel your most zen & centered when exercising?
Totally agree… my mind wanders in yoga for sure. When I lift, I pretty much think about what I am doing. When I run, I think about how happy I will be when it is over 🙂
Sarah (Shh…Fit Happens) recently posted…Tips for Balance and Flexibility Training
Yup! And then after the run is over and i feel good, I think, oh I totally could have run longer! Ha!
Haha me too!!
Sarah (Shh…Fit Happens) recently posted…What do you think about when you run? {#DISHTHEFIT link-up}
I have trouble focusing in yoga too. I do love my runs and my strength training and that’s where I feel the most at home. nice post. #dishthefit
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Celadon Spa-Relaxation & Recovery
I definitely think it has a lot to do with your comfort level with a workout – if it’s something you’re at ease with, it’s easier to zone and out get into your happy place.
Most zen when I’m running and I get into THAT zone. Especially on trails. I used yoga to teach myself how focus on the moment. To be fully present. Love the 2 types of thoughts quote.
Thanks for sharing with the #fitfam!
jill conyers recently posted…Thoughts During A Half Marathon
That’s why i want to try trail running! I think it would suit me to bits and pieces.
I actually do t thibk of much while I run. It is my time to just zone out. I just listen to a playlist and enjoy my run. Of course I do think about hoe much run is going during that time.
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…How to have the BEST Massage
I listen to music so rarely when I run that when I do it’s an awesome way to take my mind off it. I usually use music when I’m doing long training runs for the marathon, or if I’m relegated to a treadmill with no TV.
Believe it or not I think I am the most zen while spinning! I feel so comfortable on the steady bike with the music. It’s my happy place. With running like you it takes me a while, but usually I am thinking about mom stuff…did I sign that permission slip? What are the plans for the weekend? Do I need to get the boys a new coat? ha
Nellie @ Brooklyn Active Mama recently posted…Build A Bear Workshop Opens Pop Up Shop in Times Square!
I love spinning because the instructor keeps you focused on the workout. I have to admit, though, thoughts of “How does a minute last so long?” and “Only 15 minutes in to this class? I thought we were nearly done!” are common for me during spinning!! Ha ha! But that’s because it’s such a killer workout.
I love your running math LOL I do that math too 🙂
I also over worry that I’m not relaxing enough during a yoga class “am I focusing on my breath? Is that me breathing or the person next to me? Does that person think I’m weird because I use blocks? What?! How’d she do that???” It’s a never ending stream of commentary when I’m in a class. I do much better with my at home yoga when the only people joining me are my dogs.
Pragati // Simple Medicine recently posted…The Wanderer
Sometimes i wonder if my breathing is annoying the person next to me! Ha ha. I have to say when I get intona routine with yoga I feel less stressed about it all!
your yoga thoughts are really funny, because i can relate. i am fairly new to yoga, but i recently went to a new studio, and the instructor said something that i needed to hear. it was my first time taking a hot yoga class and she told me, “Just have fun and enjoy exploring the poses and your body.” ‘i had never thought of it that way. have fun? I thought everyone took yoga so seriously, but the idea of having fun with it, and just enjoying it, instead of overnanalyzing everything, changed my mentality. i loved it. i did the best i could, and focused on the good, the fun, the peaceful moment. i am going back this week! Thanks for linking up. I loved reading this!
Jessica Joy recently posted…Does Your Mind Wander? Thoughts While Running or Working Out. The Fit Dish #9
I think the fun aspect of yoga often gets overlooked – that was a great reminder to get in a class! Thanks for hosting! 🙂
I brainstorm ideas a lot when I run. I wish I could bring a notepad and paper, because a lot of the time I think of awesome things but forget them by the time I’m home lol
Alysia @ Slim Sanity recently posted…Cakey Chocolate Chip Brownies
Oh that happens to me too! So many times I’ve racked my brain for what was the *amazing* blog post idea I had while running and … Nothing!!
I also cannot focus during yoga – it is soooo tough! I also get paranoid that I will jump if I don’t prepare to hear a voice lol! Great post!
Erin recently posted…I Get My Best Ideas …While I’m Sweaty: Fit Dish Link-up
I’ve never actually been startled by the teacher’s voice, but it doesnt stop me worrying about it! Ha ha
I’ve definitely found if I have a post in my head, I will think of sentences while I’m out running! I use the time to think of things I could do at home, too, like rearrange something, especially if I’m on the treadmill looking at the room 😉 haha
Heather @Fit n Cookies recently posted…Calorie Crusher Workout
That’s a plus for having a treadmill at home! There’s been a couple of times recently I’ve gotten home from a run, grabbed a tape measure and started measurig spaces and furniture! My husband thinks I’m crazy. 😉
Fun to read all about where your mind goes during your workouts!! I used to stay focused when I was working out – Insanity, Turbo Fire….lately though I catch my mind wandering all over and don’t feel like I’m working as hard.
Kim recently posted…16 Wonderful Years!!
Maybe you need some new workout dvds to shake it up a bit! Although I can’t imagine you not working hard!!
In my yoga class I feel like i am concentrating a whole lot more I am sure as I get better it will get a lot more relaxed! While I am running my thoughts are all over the place! Much simpler!
Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…Thinking, thinking, thinking……
Concentration has so much to do with it, for sure! Once you feel comfortable and your body just knows what to do, your min is free to go crazy, ha ha.
Sharing thoughts in different aspects and exercises. How wonderful. 🙂 I absolutely love this post!
Tiffany @ The Chi-Athlete recently posted…It’s Coming…! And So Much Random.
Thanks Tiffany! 🙂 It was really fun to write as well!
I have the ramblings of a mental patient when I’m racing, and when I’m running it’s not much better! Although I do listen to music, it’s more like background music for my thoughts. It’s truly amazing everything that can run-through my mind when I’m out there.
Yes, I absolutely struggle with ‘centering’ in yoga but, my teacher once said to just acknowledge that as well and try to refocus on your breath. It usually works, if only for a few minutes.
During the little strength training that I do, I tend to think about my form A LOT and then I’m usually counting so not a whole lot of wandering going on!
Allie recently posted…The Rundown – Pushing My Buttons
My thoughts when racing are WAY more crazy than when I’m just out running. And when the math starts in a race I’m trying to work out what pace I need to be hitting for a PR and my brain has always TOTALLY shut down (I blame lack of glycogen so I don’t have to question my math skills, ha!)
haha I do math too on long runs. I try to calculate my splits based on my total and average time on my nike run app.
Calculating splits in your head is SO hard! I do that towards the end of races when I’m trying to work out if I can still hit a PR and I’m always woefully wrong with my conclusions!!
Love the mind games and math you do on runs! 🙂 My mind can be all over the place when I run, or sometimes I don’t think about anything and I’m in a zone.
Sharon recently posted…Does Your Mind Wander? Things I think About While Running.
I’m always chasing that elusive zone!! Definitely going to try the tip you shared today.
Shavasana!!! So funny, I swear I spend our minute, or whatever it is, just waiting until we can move again. Relaxing and mind emptying is easier said than done! I enjoyed your entire post a lot and love how you covered all types of workouts! Thanks for sharing!
Diane recently posted…Racing Thoughts
Thanks Diane! 🙂 I’m glad it’s just not me who has trouble with shavasana – I always just assume that everyone else in the class is perfectly relaxed!
I also tend to get caught on what I am doing next. I do come with a plan but I rarely stick to it and try to experiment with it. I need to work on that! I also feel that the harder the workout the less my mind can wander but I guess that is just normal! If it challenges me I need to concentrate but I also like that! 🙂
Elsie @ Sharing Healthiness recently posted…It’s a YES but a NO with Fitness – Achieving Balance
I definitely like having the focus that a challenging workout forces you into, but sometimes if I have something I want to think about, there’s nothing like going for a run and working through it.
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