isolation

Hi all,

trainiing is hard. Whether a newbie or regular. How do you deal with spending time running or at the bar?

Hi thanks for reply

me i;m the opposite. It's me and  the road. The next step, the look at scenery, when on the flat. West yorkshire rarely on flat. The determination to that one laststep.

The cars go by, I won't let myself down, nor those that believe in me.

Does this makes sense I some runners make sense of the isolation on the road etc?

It's my only time to get away from people, love it! Also love coming back to a house full, don't get me wrong.

Hi Kittenkat,

No I have not got you wrong.

I live alone, so when I go running, its like being part of the environment, I'm starting to notice regular people who run or or people take their dogs out for a walk etc.

sinbad113 wrote (see)

Hi Kittenkat,

No I have not got you wrong.

I live alone, so when I go running, its like being part of the environment, I'm starting to notice regular people who run or or people take their dogs out for a walk etc.

I run with my dog, but he's not much of a conversationalist. I also live rurally so only really see a couple of horse riders or a tractor when out. I love the time just to move and think.

I work in the city so, for me its a time to refresh the mind, release the stress and to see a more pleasant side of the world... I train just me and the road.

Training is what you make it,

Hi Kittenkat Trailrunner,

I wish I could have a dog, two reasons why I don't, I don't have a garden, and I'm not disciplined to look after one either.

Thats exactly how I feel trailrunner, me and the road.

I typed this post as I remember reading an article "The loneliness of the distance runner."

And its true, but what a great way to get rid of your  frustrations of the day.

Sounds like you have a full house Kittenkat?

Me, hubby, 2 kids and the dog.

I talk to people in my head when I'm running, not always but I do find myself doing it. Often I'm describing the route or prompting my imaginary companion to look at the view or mind the dog poo.

Its the only time of the week (apart from the drive to work which is not that fun) that there is just me.

Sometimes I enjoy the scenery, sometimes crunch problems in my head others I just zone out and clear my head.

I have an almost pathalogical need for external stimulation. I struggle when left alone in silence. If i get home and my gf is at work or out, I have to turn on the radio or the TV for comfort. Not sure where this comes from, a lot of time spent on my own as a kid, so I need background noise of some kind.

I like the idea of going out running without music, but whenever i've tried I found it seems much more effort. Perhaps because I live in london and most of my running is through urban landscape, it's not exactly peaceful countryside running, although we have nice parks, there are few places that are genuinely serene.

having said all that, I went away to California in the summer, and one of my favourite places (which surprised me) was in the middle of the Mojave desert. Totally serene and peaceful.

Bring on the being alone I say.  My running is one of the few times I can be on my own and just have head space for me.  So much so that depending on the time of day I will plan my run routes around where I'll meet the least people.

Morning all,

Sorry not been in, I have psyhically been feeling a little rough.

Yes AgentGinger being in a desert is a sureal yet for some people a time where you can be just there in the moment. I spent Christmas Eve in the Saraha desert Morocco some tens years ago. Also, thats ok having some form of company of your own, be it the tv or radio. You may be surprised but most people have to something on when they come back home.

Mr B that sounds like a really good idea, espcially when you don't have much time on your own.

Bex Hill nothing wrong with that.

Steve Rand 7 I sometimes do that. I'm finding that whereas I used to go out and get drunk, I'm finding that I'm naturally going out for a run instead to work through problems, no  matter what they are.

Hi Kittenkat, that sounds like they all keep you busy.

  Hi all,

  Do polar bears get lonely? I feel more or less like that when I'm running. Back in my early twenties I studied T'ai chi ch'uan for a couple of years, and now I try to bring that kind of concentration to my running. That is to say, I try to be totally focused on my technique - an endless quest for the perfect gait, the perfect footfall and the perfect breath. It may sound silly, but it works for me.

Hi all,

Perezoso does not sound silly at all. This thread is all about what we do think feel etc when we run. Nice to hear from you

Running means different things for diffrent people.

I don't know whether this is changing the thread or not, let me know? But...

Do we change before during or after a run of any kind?

Morning all,

Hi gemgemex.

There seems to be some peeople that do enjoy running alone, I do to.

I like  the way that people use running to clear their heads. I guess its like the old saying. " A change is as good as a rest." Hope that makes sense?

Happy running over the weekend all.

This is an Introvert/Extrovert thing.

By definition Introverts find constant company draining, and recharge their batteries with 'alone time', Extraverts find company energising and start to flag when on their own. It's not quite the same as being shy/loud, a very personable and friendly person may be an Introvert, for example.

I'm an Introvert, and for me my little Couch to 5k runs are part of the very valuable 'alone time' I cherish, and discovering running has therefore been one of the best things ever. Unlike my other interests (reading, chess, programming, music composition) this gets me outdoors and keeps me fit! Unlike team sports or martial arts classes I can do it whenever I wish, so I have complete freedom.

Wonderful stuff