I Need a Distraction from My Distraction

 

Just Another Runner’s Perspective

October 2021

Written By Gale Fischer

I Need a Distraction from My Distraction

“Run like hell and get the agony over with.”

----Clarence DeMar

9/18/2021: Drops of dew sparkled in the grass along the path circling Riverside Elementary School with the sun now showing its full beauty on the eastern horizon. Brian, Michelle, Dave and I had begun our run a few hours earlier in the pitch darkness of early morning. Temperatures started out in the mid forties and had now climbed ten degrees, still comfortable for running. We were approaching eighteen miles with the end in sight for Brian, Dave and I. Michelle found herself in the middle stretch of her training cycle for her upcoming one hundred kilometer run with today’s scheduled distance being thirty miles. She was a little over halfway through and we had planned on supporting her through mile twenty-two. Our legs were beginning to feel like cinder blocks with the effort required for every stride creating physical and mental anguish. Dave, who has always been our running DJ, had his usual selection of obscure melodies playing from his handheld speaker, keeping us company. We had fallen into a pit of deep despair, clinging to survival mode when the song “Redneck Paradise '' began playing on Dave’s speaker. WIthout warning Brian jumped out of his metaphorical grave and came to life, dancing and singing the lyrics without missing a stride. The classic duo by Kid Rock and Hank Williams Junior was just the distraction that Brian needed to pull him out of the state of misery he was stuck in. Of course Brian’s poetic waltz offered a bit of distraction for Dave, Michelle and I that helped to numb the muscle soreness that had invaded us. 

There are numerous attractions that draw so many of us to the sport of running. One of the more popular magnets of our sport is the simplistic distraction that it can provide from the stress of everyday life. Work, family and financial obligations can all come together to wreak havoc on one’s mental, physical and emotional well being. A run at the end of the workday can wipe clean the nine to five mental slate, salvaging the evening hours. Waking up early before the work bell rings for a morning jog, can awaken the mind and body, giving the brain a boost to jumpstart the day. Becoming one with nature for an hour while navigating a tranquil wooded trail usually provides peace of mind to revive one’s spirit. 

It doesn’t really matter where or when the run takes place. A run on a quiet country road with a sunrise on the horizon might be just the ticket to put some in their happy place. Traversing on foot through a fresh layer of snow blanketing a residential neighborhood might be what recharges your battery. Exploring the heart of a downtown area on a run during rush hour,  while visiting a major metropolitan could be the perfect antidote to work through a mental obstacle.  The familiarity of running a favorite route, previously run hundreds of times can also turn a frown into a smile.

The harmony of one's mental, emotional and physical state is the basic element that leaves many runners craving the sport. The sensation of sweat soaking the skin is a reminder of the accomplishment associated with running long distances, creating a state of confidence. The comforting rhythm created from a steady heartbeat in rhythm with each foot strike can at times provide an out of body experience. The physical and mental resilience that is required to run for longer distances and periods of time can reassure us that we are capable of overcoming any challenge that life throws our way. At its most basic element, the act of running can for a short period of time each day relieve us of our adult commitments, bestowing upon us the carefree attitude we experienced as children. A run at any time of the day, in any conditions that nature can provide, and in any location has the potential to distract us from the chaos of life for a snippet of time each day. 

As relaxing as running can be for the human soul, there is no denying that the act of running itself can create physical stress which in turn can lead to mental stress. Sore muscles, burning blisters, chafing, labored breathing and pure exhaustion are all bi-products of our sport that can dish out physical discomfort and pain. Still we continue to run. Perhaps we deny the agony that is at times unavoidable. Maybe we just learn to ignore it.

For many who have spent a significant amount of time and miles on the roads and trails an adaptive process occurs as a way for the mind to block the messages that the body continues to send. There are countless common methods to this madness. Mental diversions such as counting down the miles or calculating average pace are all common methods used to block one’s mind. There are those who have a knack for getting lost in their own thoughts while running alone, enabling them to block the adverse physical stimulus. For others however, running alone presents a mental challenge and the conversation with friends on a run can offer a much needed diversion from muscle aches. Perhaps the most common method that runners choose to preoccupy the mind is to listen to music. 

Variety is really a common theme in the running community. Some run a six minute mile while others find twelve minute miles to fit their style. Running a distance of five kilometers is more than enough for some but others prefer the century mark. There are runners new to the sport sharing the road with veterans who have been at it for decades. It doesn’t really matter what pace we run, how far we run or how many years we have been involved with running. All who enjoy our sport can use it as a distraction from the rigors of the daily grind while experiencing physical stress as a result of this distraction. There is no greater irony in our sport than the search for a distraction from our distraction. On some levels it may seem silly and even pointless. I think a run will help me sort through this confusion.

Until next time, this has been just another runner’s perspective.