W1R1 - running with full awareness / running guided meditation

[IgaT]

Hello amazing runners,

I completed my run with something totally new, just to try it out. During my run I was listening to running guided meditation:

youtu.be/Q6Lqt8Xa5Fs(Not working as expected?)

I have to say it was quite interesting experience. Being fully aware of all my running experience: breath, air not only in my respiratory tract, but also on skin, felling of different surfaces under my soles, colours around me, full weather experience (with all it stickiness and humidity), all sounds...

Have you ever tried it?

I was super stressed recently and exhausted. Even the minute before going out the door, I was so weak that I was barely standing, barely breathing. I nearly postponed it. But I decided to go, first Monday of September and my first run for a long time. It was great decision. The running wasn't easy, but it was pleasure. I was only there and then, my mind and body not wandering around, but fully enjoying each and every step, the willpower and effort to do them. After the run, 30 minutes long stretching and nice shower. Now, I feel almost like reborn. My emotions are calm, stress totally (or almost totally) gone

If you've never tried it, just give it a go. It sounds like a very nice idea for continuous 30 min run, but worked well with week 1 intervals

Happy running,

Iga

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Nike and headspace have teamed up and put a few guided runs out... I look forward to doing one in week 6, I haven’t been able to yet as they start at 25 minutes. Might try your link in my 20 minute one this week. I use headspace app a lot already.

[IgaT Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

I've downloaded it recently and I am trying it out as a free version. When you are too stressed, you are trying everything, hoping that you find something that works for you

I'll search for Nike-Headspace running combo. Is it available only on Headspace or somewhere else as well?

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to IgaT]

It’s in the Nike+ Run Club app.

Yeah, headspace got me through quitting smoking and a lot of other stress

[IgaT Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

I'll check it out. Thank you

[DorsetRunner Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Headspace is awesome - my run streak is 845 days - I don't use it while running but during my 5-10 min stretch and cool down after a run.

[Hidden]

I always thought that meditation was carried out in a quiet and peaceful environment, but why not whilst running too? I have always run 'naked' - ie without tech, phone etc, and I have always wondered at nature and the passing seasons, so I suppose I am part-way there already. Now I just need to concentrate on my breathing and how the air feels and I will be further along that path.

Thank you.

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Hidden]

According to me, you are doing great! What guidance was saying, is to concentrate on everything around you, as you would see it for the first time and concentrate on you body fully (air, touch, sweat, scent, amazing way your body moves, work on your muscles, etc).

If you run naked, just continue, as you are already one step ahead of me with awareness

[Hidden in reply to IgaT]

Thanks. I shall continue 'naked' running and feel the air, wind movement, listen to the trees and birdsong, watch the river and marvel at the ever-changing colours of the seasons...

Enjoy the fading summer and the emerging autumn in all their magnificence.

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Hidden]

It sounds amazing!

When you put it that way, I want to be out running as soon as possible

[Hidden in reply to IgaT]

It is wonderful. The Earth is a truly magnificent rock that we call all enjoy in every season. Just a pair of shorts, a tee shirt and decent shoes and socks and I'm off to enjoy the seasons and all they have to offer.

Take time to stop and look all around. The grasses, the trees, the mosses and flowers, the leaves stuck in tumbling water... the list is endless. The clouds' shadows scudding over an ever-changing landscape, the birdsong in the morning and the sweet smell of the flowers as they emerge from their nightly slumber...

It's all there for free. For all of us. Forever.

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I used to enjoy all o it during hikes, but my life situation changed a little and I don't travel so often and explore the nature. Running is great moment to appreciate the surrounding.

[Hidden in reply to IgaT]

I didn't realise that you are keen on photography. I was the photographer for the National Park Authority. A great way to get out and enjoy the moor, and be paid!

[IgaT Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Well, I like photography, but I am very beginner amateur photographer. I love to hike, travel, explore, 'get lost' in nature, forget about XXIst century rush. Running is my escape to normal life from busy workloads, to-do lists, and stress.

Your job sounds almost like a dream job, if you have good eye, as the rest can be learnt