Saturday, February 2, 2013

A Few Lessons from a Solo Run

I have become such a social runner that I haven't actually run solo in a long time, like over half a year at least.  It's been long enough that I have forgotten how to do it successfully.  Today was the day to relearn all that I have forgotten, because none of my potential running partners were available and it was too nice out to use that as an excuse to skip another opportunity to run.

Here are a few things I learned (or perhaps re-learned):

  • Choice of music matters.  I don't usually run with music, but since I had no-one to talk to, today I did.  I started with Ziggy Marley.  It got me all mellow and at peace with myself, but didn't motivate me to speed up to much faster than a slow jog.  I switched to Andy Grammer and picked up my pace by at least a minute per mile.
  • Remember a cell phone.  My regular running partner always carries hers, so I tend to leave mine behind.  But running solo means being self-sufficient.  I don't expect to need my phone, but definitely want it with me in case of emergency.
  • Commit to the distance.  Running with someone means being held accountable. Running solo means no accountability partner.  Today I failed to commit to the distance, and ended up running shorter than I would have if I was running with someone else.
  • Make sure the iPod is charged.  I ran solo again on Sunday and didn't check my iPod charge ahead of time. It died about a mile and a half in.  With nobody to talk to and no music, it felt really lonely out there.
Do you regularly run solo?  What would you add to the list?

9 comments:

  1. no. 3 is the key - L like to do a loop rather than an out-and-back so I can't cut corners :). One aspect of running alone for me is appreciating time by myself, but then we're at different stages of our parenting lives!

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  2. I listen to podcasts not music when I run solo. I didn't take my phone or camera today and wished I had my camera as it was gorgeous!

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  3. I listen to pod cast as well.

    Even though I rarely eat on the run, I always care at least on GU, just in case something funky happens and I need calories in me.

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  4. I listen to pod cast as well.

    Even though I rarely eat on the run, I always care at least on GU, just in case something funky happens and I need calories in me.

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  5. I listen to pod casts as well

    Even though I rarely eat on the run, I carry at least one GU, just in case something funky happens and I need emergency calories

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  6. I always run solo, since no one runs as slowly as I do.

    I have my Road ID, my phone, and $2 for a drink.

    If I'm running by my house, I don't use music, so it is more of a thought on a trail...

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  7. I like running alone. It gives me time to get away from people and decompress. And yes - you hit the nail on the head - it forces me to be accountable.

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  8. The majority of my runs are done alone and for me music is key to getting them done

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  9. I would add: make sure your Garmin is charged! :)

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