Running for Clarity
Running is a productivity hack
Running has helped me introduce self-reflection time back into my weeks.
Miles on legs = undistracted minutes in your mind.
In other words, the more time you spend running, the more time you have to think and reflect.
Running for clarity is actually so critical to my weekly routine, that I will regularly alter from my set training schedule and plan runs simply based on a decision I’m wrestling with—something in life that is bugging me, or a gut feeling that I need time to reflect on. Typically for me, the more mental work required to gain clarity on a particular topic, the longer the run.
Running improves decision making
Near the end of 2022, I was beginning to really chew on the idea of pursuing several entrepreneurial dreams with Elizabeth. My first step was registering for a 50 mile trail run (which would be my longest race to date and require much more training than I was used to).
It really wasn’t about the race…it was about the quiet, undistracted, solitary time over the four month training block. I set two goals: (1) Gain clarity on this major life decision and (2) finish the race.
Not every single run ended with a renewed sense of clarity. For a decision this big, it was a long, gradual process. But as the miles added up, so did the undistracted minutes in my mind.
I actually only accomplished the first goal– I had a back injury the week of the race and am rescheduling for later in the summer. However, the clarity gained on a major life decision over the many many hours of running was worth all the sweat.
Dedicate races to major life decisions
Consider registering for a race and dedicating the training time to a decision in your life worth wrestling with. Allow the tough physical training to relieve the tension in your mind and create space for reflection.
Try capturing your thoughts immediately following your training sessions on paper. I find I am the most genuine and unfiltered version of myself post run…which is the best mindset to be in for decision making.