Friday Five: Running Unplugged

DC_linkupI’m joining Courtney, Mar and Cynthia again for the Friday Five, and this week’s theme is “5 Things I Love about….”

So I want to highlight some benefits of running tech-free – aka running “naked.”  During  the past coupe of weeks I have been really struggling with my pacing. I’ve been getting most of my mileage in, but every time I look down at my Garmin during a run I’ve been feeling very defeated as the number staring back at me has not been close to what I was aiming for – cue the negative self-talk!

So at Coach Bennett’s suggestion, I’ve put the watch away for a bit and am running by effort. I’ve actually taken it a step further this week and left the headphones behind as well – no devices of any kind (except my phone in my belt in case my kids needed me!).

unplugged

Travel Light — There’s definitely something to be said for feeling lighter without all the tech stuff. No cords to manage, no satellites to find.

Less Anxiety — Knowing that I wasn’t going to have my pace reflected back at me, immediately took the pressure out of the run. I don’t think I realized how much having a number (pace) hanging over my head was upping my anxiety level.

Letting My Body Lead — There are lots of variables that can affect a run on any given day (sleep, nutrition, the previous day’s workout, etc.). Running by feel vs. my watch gives my body a better chance to adjust to those variables.

Listening to My Feet — No music means I can tune into my footfall. Is it soft and light? Am I scuffing my feet? When I hear scuffing, I know my form’s starting to fall apart.

Enjoy My Surroundings — Running tech-free not only gives me the chance to tune into my body, but to tune into my surroundings as well.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not ready to give up my running gadgets – they do provide a lot of useful feedback and motivation. But more and more I’m seeing the importance of taking a tech-break.

Do you ever run naked?

 

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Comments

  1. I don’t think I could ever go for a run without any music. The only time would be if I am running with someone.
    Lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…The Shoe Guide For RunnersMy Profile

  2. I only run with my watch (unless I want pictures or am running alone, then I take my phone) but I try not to look at it except to make sure I started it. I’ve been trying to focus on running by feel and then seeing what that looks like for my pace.

    Happy Friday!
    AmyC recently posted…Packing Fitness Fun in NewportMy Profile

  3. Way to go Michelle! In addition to all the benefits you’ve mentioned, you are strengthening your mind body connection,

  4. I rarely run naked but you make it sound appealing!

  5. I’ve been running naked a LOT lately because of my tendinitis so it’s defintiely something I look forward to!

  6. I ran without music for a long time. I still do not have it for marathons. I left the Garmin home today because we’re in a “ring of fire” and the heat/humidity are ridiculous. Nothing good come from knowing how slow I was today!
    Marcia recently posted…#FoodieFridays: Grilled Sesame ShrimpMy Profile

  7. These are such good points! I don’t listen to music when I’m at the track, and I don’t care what my Garmin says when I’m doing hill repeats, but I rarely run without both.
    Coco recently posted…Five Reasons To Like My Facebook PageMy Profile

    • Thanks Coco! I never worried about pace on hill repeats either but I find I really want music when I’m on the track — trying to not hear just how hard I’m breathing!

  8. I don’t typically run without music but do often run naked (or sans Garmin) from time to time. I also find oddly enough that using MapMyRun paces me better b/c it announces it through the phone instead of me slowing down to look at my watch!
    Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Friday Five: Blogging Conference LoveMy Profile

  9. My friend and I ran w/o our watches (by accident – we both did not charge our garmins) and it was quite nice not looking down every few seconds.
    Jennifer recently posted…Friday Five – Things I Love About J&A RacesMy Profile

  10. Unless it’s a long long run and I’m running by myself I always run naked. Oh wait! You’re not talking about music. You mean my beloved Garmin. I never run without it. The benefits don’t outweigh my comfort of having it on. And, I become to focused on the ambiguous distance.

    Great post!
    jill conyers recently posted…Fitness Friday {8-22-14}My Profile

  11. i love running unplugged. so much freer. less stress.
    jen recently posted…Friday FavoritesMy Profile

  12. Well, it helps a lot to relax a bit. Lessen the pressure and just enjoy the run. Chiropractic may also help improve your running form.

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