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?
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!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteI listen to pod cast as well.
ReplyDeleteEven 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.
I listen to pod cast as well.
ReplyDeleteEven 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.
I listen to pod casts as well
ReplyDeleteEven though I rarely eat on the run, I carry at least one GU, just in case something funky happens and I need emergency calories
I always run solo, since no one runs as slowly as I do.
ReplyDeleteI 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...
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.
ReplyDeleteThe majority of my runs are done alone and for me music is key to getting them done
ReplyDeleteI would add: make sure your Garmin is charged! :)
ReplyDelete