Have you ever stopped to think about where your focus (or lack of focus) is during a run? How about a race? Do you listen to music? A podcast? The birds? I know, of course, what I think about and why but, yet another revelation when reading The Runner’s Brain, had me thinking about where everyone else’s head is, and how we can learn from each other.
As some of you know, I usually train with music or by listening to a great podcast, but I never race with music. Never. When I’m in a race I need to have total focus on what is happening with the crowd, other runners and my breathing. I prefer to have as little distraction as possible so I can focus on a singular goal – getting to the finish line as quickly as possible. It is in fact a race, right?
By racing without music I have:
– known what place I’m in as the crowd will scream something like “You’re the third woman! Go get her!” even if “her” is a minute ahead of me. I pick up my pace every time.
– get encouragement like “looking strong!” from the crowd and, as my elite pacer Tina once told me “take their energy, draw it in, they want to give it to you!” I now visualize the cheering crowds actually filling me with energy. It works.
– know if someone is right behind me as I’m going for the tape! In the infamous sword winning race, the top three women finished within 3 seconds of one another. As I rounded the corner to break the tape, a woman from the crowd almost whispered to me, “she’s right behind you.” That’s where she stayed.
Association and Disassociation
These are your choices. Basically you can tune into what you’re doing and feeling or you can completely tune out.
Would it surprise you to know that elites mostly choose to stay in their heads and think about exactly when things are happening and why and that beginning or mid and back of the pack runners chose to “disassociate” or think of anything but running while they’re running?
Classic disassociation. Or hallucination. Pick one.
Of course I, probably like many of you, use a combination in training.
When I’m running with friends, we talk the entire time and the miles fly by, although they are usually my slowest miles. Those runs absolutely serve a purpose in my training and are by far my favorites. However, when I’m doing speed work on the track, I’m completely in a zone and totally focused on my foot falls, breathing, pace and form.
What camp are you in?
I’m all business in a race. I know for a fact in this photo, I’m staring down the finish line!
Music and Netflix
I know plenty of people that love to watch Netflix on the treadmill. I thought this was a brilliant idea when having to do longer miles on the ‘mill in the winter…until I tried it. I found that I couldn’t really focus on the show, it didn’t help the miles go by any faster and, after about 30 minutes I needed to hear some gangster rap or Taylor Swift…or both. I have the same issue with podcasts.
For whatever reason, I can only listen to podcasts when I’m running outside. My brain needs wide open spaces to process all the additional info I guess. Either that or I can only motivate myself with music when I’m stuck on the treadmill. Does anyone else have this issue?
Why do I only get 9 seconds? Damn you Netflix!
As for reading on the treadmill or any other piece of cardio equipment, this is a phenomenon I truly do not understand. I suppose if you’re 80 and are there to just walk and are already hanging onto the bars for dear life then, what does it matter? But, if you’re reading an actual book or magazine and then complain you cannot lose weight or run faster or pretty much anything else related to fitness, the problem is you’re doing it wrong. Reading and cardio go together like Christmas shopping and happiness. It’s just not possible.
Surroundings
I love it when people tell me they want to run a race in a certain location because of the scenery. How many times has someone said they want to run Big Sur or San Francisco because “it’s so beautiful there!” (I also want to run there but I’ll admire the scenery when not racing)
I have news for you. When you’re hurting, as much as you’re likely to be in the hills of either of these locales, you will not care at all about the ‘scenery’ unless it involves a giant banner with the word “FINISH” on it!
Do you know what I wasn’t thinking about during this brutal trail race? The scenery!
However, if you’re of the “dissociative” type then maybe you really will look around with each step and take in the beauty that is the left coast.
I also know that a lot of you race for something called “joy” and love to take your time and have fun with a race and the crowds. I love you people because I am not you, but you fully entertain me when you’re racing near me so I thank you.
Here are some simple difference we have when encountering these staples out on race course:
Kids with their hands out waiting for a high five
I think: OMG there is no way I’m running three steps out of my way and exerting the energy it would take to raise my hand to meet theirs. I do love that they’re out here and they remind me of my kids but I just can’t.
You think: OMG this is so much fun. These kids are great and I will make their day with this simple act of kindness.
Fine. I would go out of my way to give Meb a high-five.
Water Stations
I think: Please be able to hand me the water swiftly and efficiently and know whether you have water or Gatorade!
You think: I need to thank these amazing volunteers and I will slow down so I don’t spill any water on them.
Obviously you are a better person then I am but you knew that already. And, I’m not a total monster, if I can breathe adequately I do thank the volunteers…if they do a proper water hand off.
So tell me – do you listen to music, podcasts or nothing on your runs? Races?
Do you slap high fives during races?
How many hours of Netflix have you watched on a treadmill this year?
I thought the only way to run was with music for years. Then after kids I had enough chatter in my head not to need it. When on the treadmill, entirely different story. Give me music! Or my guilty pleasure – Dancing with the Stars. I would never watch it otherwise but I look forward to it on the treadmill. Maybe it’s the music and people moving that keep me going?
OMG that is hilarious. I cannot believe you watch DWTS on the treadmill!! Please periscope that sometime 🙂
I think it would REALLLY help me if I could get into podcasts when I wog.
I have a few lonnger..wogs coming up and Im not a music person so I end up just looking around a lot and the DO feel interminable!!!
You mean you don’t listen to your own podcasts? LOL! I know what you mean. I did a slow hike this afternoon with nada and couldn’t really find a rhythm. And I was afraid of bears. Not good.
I have always been an associative runner. No music, no podcasts, no nothing. I love to tune into my surroundings and what’s going on in my body. I definitely feel I would lose an important part of my fun if I tuned out. And no Netflix b/c I won’t do the treadmill EVER!
This is why you are my soul sister. You are a runner in it’s purist form my friend. Rock on.
I slapped so many high fives during the marathon that I might have set a record!! It helped me so much though, like Tina said, it gave me such great energy. I know what you mean about podcasts something about listening to them outside just makes it BETTER. Also, the longer the run the more likely I am to disassociate–it’s all about getting the miles done!!
That is so fabulous Nellie and it seriously is runners like you who keep me going! And YES to getting the miles done, whatever it takes.
I have not listened to music during my runs for the past couple months. I find that I am more comfortable hearing what is going on around me when it is pitch black and freezing out. Just the other day, I ran past a high school girl, that I often run by in the morning, and she mentioned to her friend, “yeah, she is always running.” It is as to much, but it gave me an energy bump 🙂
Oh yes, it’s the little things that keep you going! And I couldn’t agree more about no music in the dark. I definitely need to TUNE IN on those runs. Keep it up!!
I am most definitely a dissociative runner, especially on longer runs. I usually run with music or podcasts. I guess when I go for a run I’m looking to get out of my own head for a bit and that helps me do that. And anything to distract me on the treadmill!
There are definitely runs when I need to do this too. It’s so great to have a variety of things to chose from! And, of course, any distraction on a treadmill is most welcome.
As you know, I’m terrified of children, but there is nothing that gives me more energy than high fiving a little kid during a race. I love it! For me, it all depends on how I am feeling that day. Normally, if someone cheers or encourages me, I’ll say “thank you!” and wave or at least acknowledge them, but there are some days where I can’t even lift my head, so I just kind of nod and hope they don’t hate me. I tend to lean towards the disassociative because, well, I’m usually in pain. If I think about it, then I want to stop running. If I think about my breathing, I literally panic that I am breathing too hard. Hearing other people’s heavy breathing even makes me panic about my own breathing! It’s ridiculous. I just like going out there and enjoying the day, and for me, that means focusing on all the fun things going on around me and not on the not-so-fun things my body is usually feeling!
It has SO much to do with how you’re feeling – for sure! I love that you are a high-five slapper and I don’t think I knew that?! Hearing my heavy breathing sometimes freaks me out too, and I know it freaks out other runners! #mouthbreather
Excellent post! In my running history, I have been several types of runners. I’ve been super competitive and laser focused like a ninja, all the way to a gal that ran a half marathon making friends and chit chatting the whole time. I guess it depends on my goal and my training. I can honestly say I have never watched Netflix on a treadmill. Lol!!
It definitely can change from run to run and race to race, which is kind of the beauty of it.
Obviously I do not recommend Netflix while on the tread but…
This might sound strange to you, but listening to music at a race helps me stay in my head. I need something to shut out all the noise and help me focus. I don’t have it on all the time, but when I’m struggling and getting distracted, I turn it up and focus on the task ahead of me.
I can’t watch TV on the treadmill either. I have to listen to music. For the same reason as above. And I can’t listen to podcasts either–too distracting!
It actually doesn’t sound strange at all. We’re basically doing the same thing – focusing – but have different ways of doing it. Sounds like we are also simpatico on the treadmill. Too bad we can’t run together!!
I definitely dissociate…..I run outside 99% of time, and I listen to music while I do it. Sometimes I listen to podcasts, but I feel like I run slower when I listen to podcasts and do not pay attention to all of it so it doesn’t work too well. Although I LOVED listening to Serial and Adnan’s story last year (I had a Serial and Syrah discussion party at my house after that….bring on the next season).
While I listen to music, I generally tune it out but I still need it.
In a race, I usually stop my music and listen to the crowds just for the last couple of miles….I can’t imagine how hard it would be to be so singularly focused as you are for 26.2 miles!! But your pictures are so badass and show that you obviously are…. (and I do find Christmas shopping fun, so we differ there as well)
You must do all your shopping online…or with a lot of wine 🙂 Tell me your secrets!!
And yes! Bring on the next season of Serial!! That was by far the best podcast ever. I ran longer every time to finish an episode.
Can I make another unrelated comment? When you start your own entire running website like Runhaven (Running in Allieland) rather than writing for 20 different sites, maybe I can be a contributor sometimes.
You are so awesome. And YES, you would be on top of my list!!
Aaaaand this is why I will never be an elite runner – ha! Well, plus the fact that I’m not talented enough for that! I definitely listen to music/podcasts during training and races, I will rarely pass up a high five (I’m a huge klutz, so if getting over there is going to cause me bodily harm, I might skip it), there is no way to tell how many hours of programming I have watched on Netflix this year on the treadmill and I have read parts of a book (on my Kindle) while doing speed work on the treadmill. 🙂
What? You can do speed work while reading on your Kindle??? I want a video of this! You are now my shero, because that is bananas!!
I’m tending to the more associative side and even wrote about associative thinking and not listening to music a few months ago. No music in races (even marathons), no music/podcasts/any audio for outdoor runs, and only music or maybe a good podcast on the treadmill. Oddly, I find the longer I run, the more I prefer silence and just tuning into my body.
I’ll have to go find that post because I think this is fascinating stuff!
I don’t find it odd that you like silence on the long runs. I never thought I could do that a few years ago but, the longer I run, the more silence I prefer. I’ve been known to just shut my iPod off mid run.
I am definitely an associative runner. I really, really do not like like the treadmill. I have run on the treadmill probably 2 times in the last year and that is a ton for me. It is so hard! I almost have a panic attack after 5 minutes and I have 5 miles to run. I realize it is mental, but I would rather avoid it if possible.
During long runs, or any run for that matter – no music, podcasts or anything. I am one of those people who love to heard the birds chirping or the silence of nature.
No high fives for me during a race (and I do love kids!!) – I’m way too focused. I can be social during an easy long run with friends, but a race is a race.
Love this Allie!!
We are so alike!! No Netflix for me, even on the boring old elliptical or biking or anything- it does not hold my attention. Music can work but I don’t use if often and NEVER in a race!
I guess it’s all what you need/want but I find it fascinating that people are so different when it comes to “entertainment” on the treadmill…or even outside! Thanks Laura.
Ok, so I will listen to music if I am outside on a run ALONE. If I’m with my running friends, no music. I won’t go out of my way for high-fives but if I’m running next to them I will oblige 🙂 And as for Netflix hours…you sure you want to ask ME that? I have a hard time listening to music when I’m on the treadmill, I need to look at something, focus on it and distract myself from the hamster wheel 🙂
I know you love your Netflix and I totally understand how it SHOULD work, it just doesn’t for me!! Oh how I wish I could run away the time with OITNB or Walking Dead!!