Running seems like an activity that should be pretty much the same for everyone. But we all have our weird rituals that make our runs special (or keep us sane). Here are some of mine:
Unless I'm somewhere super safe and by myself, I always run with one earbud in. This serves dual purpose: keeps me connected with my surroundings (ie: traffic) and also lets me chat with runner friends.
Even if it's just a mile run, I can't run without a water bottle.
Nearly every time I finish running, I have to spend at least 10 minutes sitting around in my sweaty clothes. Gross, I know, but... I just have to.
Speaking of running clothes, the brighter the sports bra, the better!
Finally, I got in the habit of finishing my runs last year by just saying "thank you" internally to myself and my body. It really is a gift that we can run as far and as often as we do. And now each time I finish, "thank you" pops into my head automatically.
What are your weird running habits?
Well, I don't know if it qualifies as a habit so much as an affectation, but I found I got so used to running with a stroller that I was kinda freaked out about running without one. I just blogged about it a couple of days ago - http://sashalosesit.com/2011/08/09/losing-it/. But I, too, do the one-ear-bud thing (and the sweaty clothes thing! shh! don't tell!).
ReplyDeleteI love that you say "thank you" at the end of your runs - that's beautiful. I think I read recently that people with a greater sense of gratitude are also happier - I think I may have to steal this one :). Thanks! Grateful for that :)
I love the idea of saying thank you. I need to do that, especially as I build back after having a stress fracture. I truly do feel such gratitude.
ReplyDeleteI've run with just one earbud for a long time, but a while ago I found out about the product "One Good Earbud" and I love it... it's just one earbud, you don't have to worry about another one flopping around! (I'm not hawking this product for them... well, I guess I am because I talk about it, but I don't get anything for mentioning it!)
ok I almost have to have orange running shoes for races a half marathon or less, been a ritual since high school! I too am gross about resting sweaty for a while, immediate showers do no good at all while the adreniline is still racing!!!
ReplyDeletemust carry water too I dehydrated during a race resulting in a pulled hammy, not on my repeat list!!!!!
No music during a race, too distracting for me......
I drink while running, took lots of practice!!!
I tthink its cool that you thank yourself!!!!!
i love the 'one good earbud' idea! usually i just tuck the loose one into my sports bra. And Russ, I love the orange shoes!
ReplyDeletegratitude :)
I thank my body too!!! I love it.
ReplyDeleteYou're the best.