Laura - Found: the secret to running long distances

So until this past weekend, I've done my longer runs - all my runs, in fact - with no music.  For awhile, the first mile or so, it's nice.  I organize my thoughts, plan my day, pay attention to the neighborhood, drool over beautiful houses.  But lately, especially on longer runs, I get BORED.  And this leads to way too much watch checking.  Way too much psyching myself up for one more mile, and then one more mile, and then one more mile.

Why no music, you ask?  Over the years and my evolving love/hate relationship with the gym, I've tried various workout playlists.  After awhile, though, they just become another way to tell time.  "Great!  This is the second-to-last song!  Almost done" or "Ugh.  I've got a dozen songs to go.  At least.".  Even when I shuffle, it just stops working for me after awhile.  And as much as I wish I had the time, motivation and song library to build a custom mix for each workout to keep it fresh, I don't.

This Saturday, I was going to go out for 6 miles or so to get ready for the Turkey Trot on Thursday.  It was cold and I knew based on recent long runs I would need help in the entertainment department.  I recently rediscoved some old podcasts on my ipod and decided to give it a shot.

Best.  Decision.  Ever.


I <heart> This American Life

I listened straight through to two entire This American Life episodes and loved every second of them.  At one point I was even singing along to a clip of "Somewhere Out There" from American Tale that they played between segments in the Valentines Day show (like I said...they're old!).  Not only did I enjoy the humorous and thought-provoking content, I completely zoned out for good chunks of my run.  No more "one more mile" thoughts.

I just signed up to get all current T.A.L. podcasts and went to the archives and grabbed a bunch too.  I will never be without entertainment or stimulation on another long run!  YAY!

And the result of my run?  I ran just over 9 miles!  Mostly because I just wanted to keep listening.  I did pay for that extra distance on Sunday though.  And still a little bit today. But it was worth it :)

Take a listen here:  http://www.thisamericanlife.org/podcast  and enjoy!