Mindful Running: How Trail Running Clears the Mind

I’m not entirely sure how many runners I’ve spoken to over the years, but I’ve come to learn that the mental challenge of heading out for a run is something that gets everyone through the worst of days — and the best of days.

Some time ago, I discovered the phrase mindful running and took it upon myself to learn a little about it. Lo and behold, I connected with the term and realised I was already a mindful runner.

When I first got into the sport, I loved listening to music. I’d block out the world, sing along in my head and search for tunes with the right BPM for my pace — anything to pump me up and get the adrenaline flowing.

But music quickly lost its shine after hearing the same songs on repeat, so I started heading out the door without headphones, hoping I’d get through my training just fine.

As it turns out, running without the distraction of a beat, rhythm or a singer’s voice became a kind of muse. I began to feel more present in the world around me. I heard birds calling to one another in all sorts of tunes. The whistle of the wind became a haunting soundtrack on solo trail runs, sparking my imagination. The rustling of trees and crunch of gravel underfoot echoed softly with each step.

There was also one more crucial element I came to understand better.

Maths.

Having failed maths in high school over a couple of semesters, I was never a confident counter. But without music, I suddenly found myself counting numbers on my Garmin. I’d check my pace and calculate how long it would take me to reach the next kilometre. During races, thoughts about whether I’d reach the next checkpoint in time could make or break me. My estimates started determining how mentally tough I felt. If I believed I wouldn’t make a cut-off, my brain would shut down before I even got there. I’d keep moving, but mentally I had already checked out.

Over time, though, I became stronger in the mental game. I was still running in the moment and still calculating my times, but whatever the outcome of my predictions, I learned to accept them and carry on.

I began appreciating the fact that I was a runner who lived in the present—focusing on course markers, reading the terrain and taking in the natural surroundings, while gradually improving my pace and comfort running trails solo.

I’m not someone who goes out for a run to think through everything happening in my life or search for solutions. My brain has never really worked that way. But running mindfully has helped me through rough days and made good days even better—I think because, in those moments, I’m fully present.

Everyone is different. Some runners love music, podcasts or audiobooks on every run, while others prefer to absorb the natural harmonies of the world around them.

Find your therapy and stick with it.

As the saying goes — if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

This is the Ed’s Word from Issue 45 in 2022. If you loved this, you can buy it here.