Keeping my mind occupied while running....

april1779
april1779 Posts: 37 Member
edited November 13 in Fitness and Exercise
I'm doing the C25K program, am up to 25 mins, but I'm finding that even with music, it's hard to focus on anything but how much longer I have to go. Does anyone run while listening to audio books? Or maybe just silence? I think I might try without music on my next one, see if my own brain will find something to think about. I love having music to motivate, but I find sometimes I need something to keep my mind occupied.
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Replies

  • Sara1791
    Sara1791 Posts: 760 Member
    I do silence if I'm in a pretty place I'm not bored of; books and Zombies, Run! app if I'm not.
  • april1779
    april1779 Posts: 37 Member
    I listen to audio books when I run! I'm training for a marathon and there was this one time I got completely into a book and accidently ran 13 miles.

    That made me literally lol. Pretty sure I won't accidentally run too much further past the end!

    Zombie apocolypse you say....that might be something to try. I can't do anything on my phone that uses up too much data so not sure I could do podcasts, unless you can save them?
  • rsclause
    rsclause Posts: 3,103 Member
    I started running when I started playing Ingress.com I would run downtown from portal to portal and capture it. I counted my milage one day and it was 7 miles. Holy crap I am a runner now. I now only use it if I have had a long break to get back into it. Just music for me and the Runtastic app to call out my pace and time. Bluetooth headphones a must.
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    It depends very much where I'm running. I've done audio-books, podcasts, music and just getting in tune with the environment.

    If I'm trail running I don't use anything, it's nice to just enjoy the space and freedom. Watch the trees, the wildlife and the views.

    If I'm training in a built environment then I'm more likely to use something but I can download Podcasts at home and listen to them. Talk Ultra gives me about 3 hours worth of content.
  • Joanna2012B
    Joanna2012B Posts: 1,448 Member
    I can't really help you I get lost in music on my runs! Trail running...I listen to the wonderful sounds of the river, my feet on the ground ( right now the crunch of leaves under my feet ), my breath, birds....it's so peaceful!
  • peleroja
    peleroja Posts: 3,979 Member
    april1779 wrote: »
    I listen to audio books when I run! I'm training for a marathon and there was this one time I got completely into a book and accidently ran 13 miles.

    That made me literally lol. Pretty sure I won't accidentally run too much further past the end!

    Zombie apocolypse you say....that might be something to try. I can't do anything on my phone that uses up too much data so not sure I could do podcasts, unless you can save them?

    The Zombies, Run! app is nice because you can download each episode while you're on wi-fi and not stream it. However, if you use its GPS tracking it uses data, of course (however, you can turn that off and do step counting or constant pace tracking instead.) I just logged my thousandth mile using the app this week so I think it's fair to say I'm a fan.

    I have Spotify premium too so I can download playlists, audiobooks, podcasts, etc and play on my run without using data, which I've found is worth the money because if you're running multiple times a week, listening to the same stuff can be deadly dull.

    When I treadmill, I usually bring my tablet and read an ebook while I run, which turns the treadmill into a pretty enjoyable experience for me. It's great to get a big chunk of uninterrupted reading time.

  • RoxieDawn
    RoxieDawn Posts: 15,488 Member
    I have to run and race to music... I can't stand to hear my footsteps and breathing.. I can actually do some running workouts to beats of songs..

    Heck if I get bored on a Saturday's 9 mile run I am in for some deep trouble..
  • girlwithcurls2
    girlwithcurls2 Posts: 2,281 Member
    Podcasts. Sometimes I listen to something funny, sometimes inspirational. TED Talks can be good. Right now, it's Judge John Hodgeman :)
  • mgalovic01
    mgalovic01 Posts: 388 Member
    Sounds like you're not listening to the right music.
  • dewd2
    dewd2 Posts: 2,445 Member
    As you get used to running and each run isn't a 'long' run, you may find you no longer focus on how much further you have to go and you learn to just enjoy the experience. I found this to be true.

    FWIW, If I am alone, I always listen to music. I try to run with others a much as possible. Sometimes talking while running makes you forget you are running. :)
  • HeathermRVT
    HeathermRVT Posts: 79 Member
    Asher_Ethan wrote: »
    I listen to audio books when I run! I'm training for a marathon and there was this one time I got completely into a book and accidently ran 13 miles.

    I'm thinking I might have to try this. Where do you get audio books from??
  • PaytraB
    PaytraB Posts: 2,360 Member
    I enjoy listening to audio books while running. For myself, I have to find a book I enjoy but don't mind setting aside until my next run. It's a tricky balance at times.
    My library has preloaded cassettes. All I add is a battery and my ear buds. Perhaps your library also has them? Worth checking out.
  • Tacklewasher
    Tacklewasher Posts: 7,122 Member
    I'm walking on a treadmill at home at this point. I turn on a hockey game and can do 2 out of 3 periods. Hell. I'd be watching them anyway so I may as well be on the treadmill instead of the couch. Plus I can't eat a bag of chips on the treadmill.
  • CooCooPuff
    CooCooPuff Posts: 4,374 Member
    I'm able to focus more on podcasts when I run than when I'm at work or cleaning.
  • PoundChaser2
    PoundChaser2 Posts: 241 Member
    Zombies app do they have something like that for the ipod?
  • MelanieCN77
    MelanieCN77 Posts: 4,047 Member
    jessiferrrb wrote: »
    there's a 5k training app that puts you into a zombie apocalypse, you're part of the story line and when the zombies are coming after you - that's your run interval. i love it.

    I tried this ages back and it didn't work on a treadmill, it used GPS :( So sad.
  • autumnblade75
    autumnblade75 Posts: 1,661 Member
    MelanieCN77 wrote: »
    jessiferrrb wrote: »
    there's a 5k training app that puts you into a zombie apocalypse, you're part of the story line and when the zombies are coming after you - that's your run interval. i love it.

    I tried this ages back and it didn't work on a treadmill, it used GPS :( So sad.


    @MelanieCN77 Sometime between then and now they definitely added "Steady Pace" and "Accelerometer" options, in addition to the GPS.
  • trigden1991
    trigden1991 Posts: 4,658 Member
    Think about the food you will have earned
  • Livgetfit
    Livgetfit Posts: 352 Member
    Voting podcasts too.

    I used to listen to music but I found it frustrating over time. I did try an audiobook but the pace wasn't there for me. The readers vary so much, it is a bit potluck I think.

    Then I discovered podcasts. I liked Serial Season 1 (hated 2, gave up after 3 episodes), PlantMoney (not actually about finances at all), Up and Vanished is great, I loved David Baddiel Tries to Understand too but I ran out of them.

    There is really something for everyone.

    With regard to storage, I use the Podcast Republic app and you can set it to automatically delete an episode once you've listened to it. I only download mine on wifi to protect my data.

    Good luck!
  • peleroja
    peleroja Posts: 3,979 Member
    autumnblade75 wrote: »
    MelanieCN77 wrote: »
    jessiferrrb wrote: »
    there's a 5k training app that puts you into a zombie apocalypse, you're part of the story line and when the zombies are coming after you - that's your run interval. i love it.

    I tried this ages back and it didn't work on a treadmill, it used GPS :( So sad.


    @MelanieCN77 Sometime between then and now they definitely added "Steady Pace" and "Accelerometer" options, in addition to the GPS.

    Yes, I do treadmill workouts with the app all the time using the "steady pace" option (with zombie chases off) but if you wear your phone you can use the "step counting" option and do the chases if you're varying your speed.
  • Lounmoun
    Lounmoun Posts: 8,423 Member
    I listen to podcasts when I walk.
  • pondee629
    pondee629 Posts: 2,469 Member
    "am up to 25 mins, but I'm finding that even with music, it's hard to focus on anything but how much longer I have to go."

    I don't know, this seems kinda sad. Is your life so empty that there is nothing to contemplate for 25 minutes while out on a run? Is there nothing to think about for that time? Is there no imagination with which to fill this time? Have we finally come to that time where if we are not entertained by some outside influence we are hopeless and bored?

    You can't check on your form, your surroundings, your neighbors going about there daily business, your day's events and how they went, what could have gone better and how to make tomorrow better? Remember fond times gone by? Think of good times to come? How much better you've become and how much better you will yet be? Work on a mantra that the propels you forward; a poem you read once, had read to you, that you should write? Running is a time where you are free to have all and any thoughts, mull them over discard those that are less than good and hone those that are good and can be better.

    If all you can think about is how much further you have to go, perhaps running ain't for you.
  • peleroja
    peleroja Posts: 3,979 Member
    Sara1791 wrote: »
    pondee629 wrote: »
    "am up to 25 mins, but I'm finding that even with music, it's hard to focus on anything but how much longer I have to go."

    I don't know, this seems kinda sad. Is your life so empty that there is nothing to contemplate for 25 minutes while out on a run? Is there nothing to think about for that time? Is there no imagination with which to fill this time? Have we finally come to that time where if we are not entertained by some outside influence we are hopeless and bored?

    You can't check on your form, your surroundings, your neighbors going about there daily business, your day's events and how they went, what could have gone better and how to make tomorrow better? Remember fond times gone by? Think of good times to come? How much better you've become and how much better you will yet be? Work on a mantra that the propels you forward; a poem you read once, had read to you, that you should write? Running is a time where you are free to have all and any thoughts, mull them over discard those that are less than good and hone those that are good and can be better.

    If all you can think about is how much further you have to go, perhaps running ain't for you.

    Pretty *kitten* and negative. Perhaps advice giving ain't for you.

    No, you're only allowed to run if you think deep thoughts while you're doing it...haha.

    OP, it's okay if it's just exercise for you, it doesn't have to be a meditative experience. If it is, that's great, but don't let the elitist stuff discourage you. It IS hard at first, and while it will get easier both physically and mentally with practice, there's no reason not to ease it where you can.
  • CooCooPuff
    CooCooPuff Posts: 4,374 Member
    BrianSharpe wrote: »
    I don't run with music, I have the extreme good fortune to live a few hundred metres away from scenic recreational paths and when I run I listen to the rhythm of my breathing & footfalls, the sounds of nature (the river, birds etc) & oncoming bikes.
    Man, this makes me miss the park I used to run in. There were plenty of wooded areas and unpaved trails for awesome nature sounds. I would do a run a week without anything to listen to there.

  • davepete57
    davepete57 Posts: 33 Member
    I use running playlists I create on Spotify. I have the set up various length and tempo runs. It helps me maintain a good pace
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