Running and meditation

Not sure about you but when I run I do not think about anything other than

counting the beats, 1 2 3 4. I have realise that it is the only period of time that I

do not think about work, home or other life issues. This is not to say I do not look around and enjoy the places I pass but my main focus is on the beat.

My question is, is this type of running akin to meditation?

[lucyconnuk Graduate]

I tend to think about anything else to take my mind off the fact I am voluntarily doing exercise! But whichever way you do it, it's gotta be good for your mental health...

[SBG356 Graduate]

I too dont think about anything other than my running. Sometimes if I have music playing it will distract me but not for long.

Recently, as my runs have got longer, I have found myself counting 1,2,3,4 to get me through the tough bits and inclines - never thought of it as meditation though; interesting......

Sue

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Since I started concentrating on the beat my runs have got faster. Before I would think about things, work or whatever and I would start slowing down. I would look at my watch and my pace had dropped miserably.

Love those tough bits and the inclines.