I read an interesting article on the web sometime ago (I can't locate it, unfortunately, or I would link to it) that said there are two types of runner: 1) associators, and 2) dis-associators.
Associators stay present to their bodies during the run, paying attention to their breath, the feelings and sensations in their bodies, etc.
Dis-associators, like me, rely on distractions like music to intentionally NOT pay attention to the breath, physical sensations, etc. One is not necessarily better than the other. I think what matters is what works for you.
I have to admit, though, that I'd prefer to be an associator. It just seems more spiritual :) In fact, I have a book on my bedside table that I am struggling to get through. It's called Running with the Mind of Meditation and is written by a Buddhist teacher Heather, my wife, and I follow. The Sakyong writes about his own marathon experiences and the lessons he's learned, both physical and spiritual.I like the idea of meditating while running...in theory. But it just doesn't seem to work for me. I'd rather pound the pavement to the beat of a song, syncing my pace to the 150 beats per minute of the tune.
But as I said earlier, my play list is stale. So, if you have a minute, send me your recommendation of a fast paced song for my next long run. Write it in the comments section below.
(By the way, I am indebted to Lizzie Lowe for the idea to write this post and request your favorite running songs. She suggested it today while we were standing in Starbucks after church. Thanks Lizzie!)
Father David,
ReplyDeleteI love that this made your blog. As a fellow dis-associator I'll start you off with a few.
Two of my current favorites: 1. People Like Us by Kelly Clarkson 2. Wake Me Up by Avicii.
Being from the south, I feel an obligation to throw in a country song...So, 3. Callin' Baton Rouge by Garth Brooks.
Good luck with your runs this week. Will keep my fingers crossed for some cooler weather!
Thanks, Lizzie! I can't wait to check these out on iTunes. Also, I updated my post to give you credit for the idea. I meant to do that in the original post, but somehow it didn't make it in there. That is rectified now and, again, thanks for the idea!
DeleteI received several more playlist suggestions on my Facebook page that I am transplanting here:
ReplyDeleteR Joy Parkman suggested Glorious by BJ Putnam.
Ed Jones suggested Light It Up by Fallout Boy.
Pam Bell suggested I use Songza. She uses the Drop a Beat Workout.
LuAnne Nikelle Prevost suggested Footloose, Ji Ho from Slumdog Millionaire, and Single Ladies.
Sarah Byrne-Martelli suggested Pick Up the Pieces, House (any funk, really) and MJ (The Love You Save, Blame It on the Boogie, etc), and bluegrass/gospel (like I'll Fly Away). A few hip-hop songs she loves for running are: Who Dat, Gimme the Light, Step Into a World. She also likes to cool down with Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing by Sufjan Stevens.
Adam Constantine suggested Born to Run.
Scott Bowen suggested metal from the 80s and 90s.
Jim Siegel suggested some stuff from Huey Lewis and the News.
Christine Davies suggested I check out Spotify since they have several running playlists that coordinate with different paces/distances.
Thanks all you FB friends for these suggestions!