What do you think about while running/exercising?

SparkPoints: (157,933)
Fitness Minutes: (173,172)
Posts: 53,934
3/16/13 9:11 A

Finishing.

current weight: 178.0

201 192 183 174

165

Posts: 210
3/16/13 9:10 A

It really depends. When I'm angry (which also happenns to be when I go the farthest in less time), I'm mentally ranting. On the days I really don't feel like training, it's all about pushing myself and watching the clock. "Okay, the first 5 minutes is done", or "You're half way there". Other times I'm thinking about a problem I'm stuck on with writing or planning on the rest of the day or week.

16 Days until:  Boston Irish Festival 5K

50 37 25 12

0

Posts: 995
3/16/13 4:28 A

I plan out my goals for the day..the things I need to complete. It clears my brain.

Pounds lost: 21.0

0 9.25 18.5 27.75

37

SparkPoints: (5,898)
Fitness Minutes: (6,122)
Posts: 288
3/16/13 12:35 A

I pick out a spot on the horizon and make that my goal. See if I can run that far. Most of the time I can do it. I am just starting out so my goals are kind of short compared to half marathoners!

May Minutes: 259

0 225 450 675

900

Posts: 4,316
3/16/13 12:34 A

I listen to upbeat tunes... can't imagine sticking with any exercise program if I didn't have music to keep me moving. I have a friend that actually has NEVER listened to music while exercising. I find that pretty odd as it so enhances the experience. When I am on the treadmill I sometimes watch TV. I would like to get something set up so I could watch movies on my computer. Maybe my hubby will help me out with that if I ask!

Pounds lost: 79.0

0 20.75 41.5 62.25

83

SparkPoints: (18,349)
Fitness Minutes: (17,024)
Posts: 210
3/16/13 12:08 A

This is a great topic! Some of the funnier answers made me laugh out loud!
I guess I've never really thought about it until now. Most of the time I think about how I can better my time or performance over my last workout. I love to challenge myself.
I absolutely love listening to music that makes you want to move and sing out loud. I think about how awesome it would be to be as talented as the artist I'm listening to. The music keeps my mind distracted from any negative thoughts about not completing my workout.
I too have a treadmill in my basement, so I'll often sing like no one is listening and sometimes after a great workout, I'll dance like no one is watching. Those positive endorphins just make you feel SO good after!

current weight: 127.0

145 140 135 130

125

SparkPoints: (4,435)
Fitness Minutes: (3,555)
Posts: 5
3/15/13 10:10 P

when on the tread mill at home, i just watch sports...if outside, i wonder why im not on the tread mill watching sports

May Minutes: 1,535

0 37.5 75 112.5

150

SparkPoints: (27,147)
Fitness Minutes: (11,629)
Posts: 735
3/15/13 9:37 P

Everything! Family, friends, stresses, joys, whatever I see along my running path, bills, sing songs in my head.. yeah, everything ha!

current weight: 144.4

159 153 147 141

135

SparkPoints: (23,984)
Fitness Minutes: (19,366)
Posts: 895
3/15/13 8:52 P

Sounds very silly and great fun! I am going to look up the Zombie app too. Thanks for sharing.

current weight: 140.0

141 138.25 135.5 132.75

130

SparkPoints: (23,984)
Fitness Minutes: (19,366)
Posts: 895
3/15/13 8:50 P

Oh yeah if I am bored or tired during a run I do a lot of counting too.

current weight: 140.0

141 138.25 135.5 132.75

130

SparkPoints: (23,984)
Fitness Minutes: (19,366)
Posts: 895
3/15/13 8:49 P

When I run outside I appreciate my surroundings and often my mind wanders off and I get thinking about work, sorting out problems or things I hope to do etc. Sometimes this 'day dreaming' works so well that I even forget that I am running for a while, I must be on 'auto pilot'.

I also run on a treadmill, then I need music and I watch You Tube vids or a movie on my computer at the same time.

current weight: 140.0

141 138.25 135.5 132.75

130

SparkPoints: (7,456)
Fitness Minutes: (9,741)
Posts: 53
3/15/13 6:12 P

It depends on the day. For the most part I have noticed I think about all the important things I need to think about. I have some of my most profound thoughts/breakthroughs while I run.

101 Days until:  30th Birthday Vacation!!

150 112 75 37

0

SparkPoints: (34,936)
Fitness Minutes: (31,084)
Posts: 1,343
3/15/13 5:49 P

I like to put all my issues into perspective, think about all my blessings, pray and other forms of meditation.

Pounds lost: 27.2

0 7.5 15 22.5

30

SparkPoints: (24,292)
Fitness Minutes: (28,987)
Posts: 602
3/15/13 5:38 P

i do a lot of counting

current weight: 134.0

154 145.75 137.5 129.25

121

Posts: 798
3/15/13 5:35 P

I end up counting things: steps, dogs, people, cars.

59 Maintenance Weeks

0 15 30 45

60

Posts: 79
3/15/13 4:34 P

I think about a memorized quote:

‘ Don’t Sit And Wait.

Get Out There. Feel Life.

Touch The Sun, and Immerse In The Sea.’

Rumi

Pounds lost: 3.0

0 32.25 64.5 96.75

129

SparkPoints: (33,441)
Fitness Minutes: (30,087)
Posts: 696
3/15/13 4:26 P

I'm with JayGray - Math!

How long have I been running? What's my mile time? How much do I need to shave from the last mile to get under my time. If I walk for 2 minutes at half my running pace how much faster do I need to run for the next 2 minutes to make up for it?

Or I get annoying songs in my head and just repeat the chorus..the best two are the song that never ends (it just goes on and on my friends) and the gloria estefan song - 1, 2, 3, 4 come on baby say you love me, 5, 6 7, time. I don't even know if those are the right words!

Anything that makes me zone out and not think about what I am really doing.

current weight: 160.0

167 159.5 152 144.5

137

Posts: 2
3/15/13 3:32 P

Freedom!! This is my "me time" so I listen to music, my mind wander, I enjoy the scenery whether I'm in DC or running by the lake or just in my community. I feel sexy and strong, just love it!

current weight: 145.0

145 141.25 137.5 133.75

130

Posts: 215
3/15/13 2:19 P

I usually let my mind wander, cause I have music on, but I do like to focus my thoughts on my next vacation or getting into some clothes that don't fit as well as they used to. Anything motivational will help the workout fly by!

Pounds lost: 7.6

0 6.25 12.5 18.75

25

Posts: 3,063
3/15/13 2:19 P

I got an app for my android phone called Zombies Run, it plays music on your phone, but interrupts every few min with updates on where the zombies are, the scouts are either in jeeps or helicopters, and you might be told to RUN faster, they're behind you. You use headphones. It was I think a dollar or two, but it is fun and motivating because you kind of get into it and it does play my music randomly, which I like. FUN....it is very popular app.
I really like this app. I have to take my phone with me on my walk/runs anyhow. So now I don't always take iPod. I did have a hard time figuring out how to get my itunes songs onto my phone. I couldn't tell you today how to do it, I would have to research it again to put more songs on my phone. Which I NEED to do for more variety.

May SparkPoints: 964

0 300 600 900

1200

SparkPoints: (1,161)
Fitness Minutes: (3,394)
Posts: 4
3/15/13 1:31 P

I just completed my 2nd half marathon. During those 13.1 miles, I think about crazy stuff. By about mile 12 I was running with this 75 year old who had a knee brace and I couldn't help but think he might be Lance Armstrong in disguise...haha. He just had to have been doping to be running that fast! Anyway, you see where my mind goes when I'm running..

SparkPoints: (41,736)
Fitness Minutes: (42,521)
Posts: 640
3/15/13 1:16 P

I let all my thoughts go. I try to think about pushing my body and being in tune to do what I'm doing. I love the release of all the stress and thoughts!

Posts: 304
3/15/13 12:58 P

I think about the future skinny me, if I'm not rocking out to some music!

Pounds lost: 25.0

0 13.75 27.5 41.25

55

SparkPoints: (17,467)
Fitness Minutes: (11,751)
Posts: 228
3/15/13 12:51 P

dog walking/jogging, I tend to think about what their Lordships are getting up to, and when I need to put them back on the leash. They disgraced me recently, attacking a dog who was minding his own business following his master's cart. I don't think they did any damage. The dog;s owner didn't seem at all worried. The cart appeared suddenly round a blind corner (of my garden wall), so now they go on the lead well before then, or if there are people around they might bounce up to and frighten (they only attack other dogs and chase chickens, so I also need to watch them if there are chickens around). I rejoice at being out, and at the beauty of the countryside. I love watching the dogs rushing around like wild things. I also have to remind them not to go on ground that has been sown. Fortunately they understand the command: Not there!

current weight: 121.0

143 137.5 132 126.5

121

Posts: 1,451
3/15/13 10:47 A

sometimes i zone out and it's a nice break from all the thoughts in my head! other times i focus on my goals and how i will look and feel and how fast i'll be when i make more progress!

Pounds lost: 15.4

0 10 20 30

40

SparkPoints: (17,682)
Fitness Minutes: (21,453)
Posts: 25
3/15/13 10:25 A

I lip sing to my ipod and daydream about something fun and lively.

May Minutes: 2,064

0 360 720 1080

1440

Posts: 220
3/15/13 8:43 A

Gentlesimon, I love your answer! I do something similar. Most of my exercise is from walking, and I love to walk outdoors. I am a birder, so I notice the birds and other creatures that are always around, even in the city. I pay attention to the weather, the beauty that surrounds me, the feelings in my body as I can gradually feel it getting stronger.
Recently I joined a challenge where the goal is to get to 10000 steps per day. Even though it is sort of arbitrary, I have found it motivating. Several times lately I've gotten my last 2000 or so steps in by walking up and down the driveway in front of my apartment, late at night. For this, my focus is just to keep moving, not worrying about pace. I count my steps as I go along, not to be sure I've counted them all (That's what the pedometer is for), but to help focus my mind into a more meditative space.
I've found I really enjoy this quiet time with me at the end of the day.

current weight: 211.4

214 193 172 151

130

Posts: 14
3/15/13 8:17 A

I try to delete all issue from my time while I run, it is my time. Music is on my playlist "running", Cinderella, Crew, Kid Rock type tunes. Short runs I try to think about time to get it done. Long runs 6 or more, everything leaves my mind but picking them up and putting them down . I find that if my mind stays on the issues of the day, I can't focus on running.
Biking is my real love. I honestly think about how lucky I am to be able to be out riding. I call it more smiles per miles riding.
Treadmill, ugh I just want it over so I keep the music blaring to clear my mind.
Dog Walking, I think about the issues of the day and solving world problems


Edited by: CTG492 at: 3/15/2013 (08:18)

SparkPoints: (23,600)
Fitness Minutes: (13,575)
Posts: 628
3/15/13 8:03 A

music or if I am at te gym there are t.v.s all over

SparkPoints: (78,513)
Fitness Minutes: (90,935)
Posts: 517
3/15/13 7:46 A

Usually, work, unless I am listening to a book.

SparkPoints: (9,870)
Fitness Minutes: (5,933)
Posts: 396
3/15/13 7:28 A

It totally depends on mood/activity/location. I could watch TV, listen to music or audiobook, read magazine, develop plotlines, think about my current workout or my goal, etc.

Pounds lost: 5.0

0 15 30 45

60

Posts: 12
3/15/13 12:53 A

I try to fool myself into thinking, "this is fun, I really like it. Look how much I can run! I'll be ok if I have to run for my survival in a post apocalyptic world. This is fun..." And I cycle through those thoughts. Sometimes it works, and my steps get lighter.

Sometimes I will also think about the different leg muscles I use to run.. like, I will think about my quads for awhile. When they get tired, I think about my hamstrings. Then i think about using my calves and toes.. That makes it more fun and I can see how focusing on each muscle changes my stride just a little.

current weight: 176.0

218 204.75 191.5 178.25

165

SparkPoints: (2,841)
Fitness Minutes: (1,967)
Posts: 4
3/14/13 11:04 P

I listen to music and watch the morning news.

Posts: 111
3/14/13 10:54 P

These ideas are AMAZING! Last time I ran I pretended I was at the finish line and what it will feel like to see my daughters and husband there. I even created the whole scene in my head. It was motivating beyond belief. I really struggle when running a 'route' and I'm worried because the race I'm signed up for is 2--6 mile laps. I'm going to think of this discussion the next time I'm playing mind games with myself because it'll remind me that everyone wants to quit at some point but it's what a person does with those feelings that makes the difference.

current weight: 138.8

183 168.5 154 139.5

125

Posts: 1,165
3/14/13 10:42 P

"when will it end?"

May Minutes: 1,259

0 300 600 900

1200

Posts: 24
3/14/13 10:31 P

I loved reading what everyone had to say...what a fascinating topic!

I am a graduate student, so I actually try to use my time on the elliptical to process and digest some of the things I read the night before and think through some of my own ideas.

But when I find my mind wandering or I find myself in the "blah" mind frame, I start counting my rhythm (1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4...) and that usually re-energizes me and helps me re-focus, but not on the amount of time that I have spent (or have left!) working out.

I use my time strength training and doing yoga to clear my mind because these things take all of my focus. I find these activities really valuable for disrupting the busy-ness inside my head :-)

Thanks everyone for sharing!

Pounds lost: 59.8

0 14.95 29.9 44.85

59.8

SparkPoints: (5,894)
Fitness Minutes: (3,019)
Posts: 38
3/14/13 9:51 P

my shower afterwards

current weight: 227.0

276 259.5 243 226.5

210

SparkPoints: (5,741)
Fitness Minutes: (3,914)
Posts: 134
3/14/13 9:28 P

I listen to music and think about what I will blog about next as I usually blog shortly after my run.

Pounds lost: 17.2

0 9.5 19 28.5

38

SparkPoints: (653)
Fitness Minutes: (210)
Posts: 1
3/14/13 9:18 P

I mainly day dream and listen to music.... I try to get lost in my thoughts or music because I feel like I lose my breath faster when I actually think about running.

Pounds lost: 0.0

0 3 6 9

12

SparkPoints: (12,186)
Fitness Minutes: (5,210)
Posts: 343
3/14/13 9:05 P

I usually start off thinking about work. As it relaxes me I either focus on a solution to something or my mind wanders to something else more relaxing.

May Minutes: 1,937

0 300 600 900

1200

Posts: 850
3/14/13 8:20 P

I listen to music and I daydream about my make believe life :)

current weight: 167.9

171 165.75 160.5 155.25

150

Posts: 2
3/14/13 8:11 P

I like to walk with a friend or read.

current weight: 245.0

248 231 214 197

180

SparkPoints: (23,749)
Fitness Minutes: (12,318)
Posts: 1,539
3/14/13 7:30 P

I listen to my ipod & daydream.

current weight: 147.5

150 143.75 137.5 131.25

125

SparkPoints: (1,767)
Fitness Minutes: (2,928)
Posts: 38
3/14/13 6:58 P

I usually bounce back and forth between pushing myself to run to the next tree, next split in the trail ect. to imagining how much easier running will get if I continue to do it. And maybe if I push myself a bit farther, I'll be able to run the whole way instead of running and walking. I think about how I want to look and that I want to be able to go running with my friends and NOT be the first one to stop!

57 Days until:  Annual Gallop

100 75 50 25

0

SparkPoints: (150,070)
Fitness Minutes: (129,816)
Posts: 5,577
3/14/13 5:48 P

sometimes I think that I really like to stop and so something else

current weight: 168.0

225 202.5 180 157.5

135

Posts: 1,954
3/14/13 5:40 P

My mind kind of wanders to various things.Usually I start off thinking about my grandson's wedding in April. Then I think about going to Pittsburgh to pick up my grandma's rocking chair if my brother will give it to me. Then it's how many more minutes do I have left on this darn thing.

current weight: 128.0

242 213.5 185 156.5

128

SparkPoints: (18,273)
Fitness Minutes: (14,227)
Posts: 399
3/14/13 4:39 P

I say a few prayers then enjoy the beautiful scenery around me

SparkPoints: (99)
Fitness Minutes: (0)
Posts: 85
3/14/13 4:20 P

How I want to look!!

current weight: 136.0

136 130.75 125.5 120.25

115

Posts: 37
3/14/13 3:56 P

Food. Usually food.

60 Days until:  Baby!!!

100 75 50 25

0

SparkPoints: (977)
Fitness Minutes: (1,515)
Posts: 1
3/14/13 3:49 P

I am usually listening to music, so my mind wanders all over the place. Sometimes I really get into the music, other times I am checking out the cars passing. In fact today I was so focused on a hill I completely missed the four deer I startled as I ran by.