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RE: How to tap into flow state when you run
There is so much WOW in this post! I've found that it takes ~7km of running for me to get runner's high. Usually it requires a hard effort (up a trail) and then reduced effort (reaching the peak and heading downhill). I've also found that I can help with music. Certain songs trigger it. I won't suggest any because I think it's specific to each person. For me, it's songs I've run to that also have a beat that helps me get there.
This probably is an obvious question but your story makes me ask... have you read Born to Run?
Hey @dlew, thank you for stopping by and leaving a generous comment!
I never run with music, but I can see how that can trigger some flow or meditative state. I usually enjoy getting lost in the noise of the city or subtle sounds of the trail.
I am happy you asked me the question, because Born to Run inspired me to give running a fresh look. I played soccer all my life, but never really looked at running as a sport or as something I would pursue, train to get better at, or enjoy. Running was more of a means to become more fit, a homework to play better soccer. But reading Born to Run gave me a new perspective that running can be fun, and that running can be a lot more than fitness or health. I ran barefoot on grass for the first time after reading the book, and absolutely loved that experience. That experience hooked me to running, and I have been running ever since (since 2013 fall).
And I got into running so much and wanted to learn from the best. So I went to Kenya in the summer of 2015. I lived with a 2:15 marathon runner and we ran, ate, and lived together. It was a magical 5 weeks. I cherish a lot of good memories and there are so many things I've learned. I can't wait to go back there in 2019, when my military duty ends.
I love talking about running and myself... let me ask you a few questions and get to know you. How was reading Born to Run for you? How does running attract you to it?
That sounds like an incredible experience! I started running late in life and went couch to 50K in about a year. Going straight to endurance meant that I didn’t develop speed so I doubt I could keep up with your friend for more than 5 meters.
I need to write my introduction post (once I get a proof-of-life photo) that will give more details. I started running at the same time as you. I had tried a few times before but it never stuck. I hated it. In fact, it was purely accidental that I became a runner. I decided to get into shape and running was something I could do. I hated every step for 3 solid months. A friend recommended BtR so I read it and loved it.
One morning I decided to try a trail I had heard about. People joke about it in LA. I struggled on the hill. When I was ready to turn around I thought “what would the Tarahumara do?” I smiled, started running and have t stopped.
As for music, I listen to music sometimes but often listen to nature or the city around me. Lately I’ve been listening to keto or running science podcasts. I’ve never had patience for podcasts and find ones that are rich in information are interesting. We'll see how long that lasts.
"When I was ready to turn around I thought “what would the Tarahumara do?” I smiled, started running and have t stopped."
That really resonated with me! I actually had similar experience in Kenya. I was running with really fast Kenyan women (well, national marathon team runners), and I almost gave up during their 'easy run.' But they were giving me support and I asked myself, "Hack, I came all the way here just to run. What else will I do?" and I kept running, haha.
I am excited to read your introduction post. I also need to write a proper introduction post, because one I wrote I put a wrong tag and I also did not do a good job of highlighting what I will be writing about.
I also love just listening to nature and the city around me. Sounds like we could be great running buddies! If you visit Korea any time, we should go for a run together!
If you want some good podcast and interested in business, productivity, and great stories of awesome people, I recommend Tim Ferris show. Please let me know what you think when you check it out!
Exactly! On where runs I feel like stopping I tell myself “you can sit the rest of the day.” 🏃🏼♂️