Happy Wednesday, friends!
How about a little running talk today?
I’ve been known to run with my clip on i-pod, my phone, a belt with a water bottle and my giant GPS watch. I’ve always had a training plan and a goal race. It seemed like I kept adding more and more things to my running repertoire. It took forever to get ALL THE THINGS ready to go for a run and I even felt like I could not run without them.
I needed a running detox.
I’ve allauded to this a few times on Running in a Skirt in the past few months, but earlier this summer I decided to make a temporary change in my running. I took a few months to run without training for a race and without all of those things that were really weighing me down.
![IMG_3043[1]](https://www.runninginaskirt.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMG_30431.jpg "IMG_3043[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=")
I wanted to take the sport back to the basics and fall in love with it all over again.
I ran without my GPS watch to obsess over.
I ran without music to distract me.
I ran according to how my body felt and not according to a training plan that may have pushed me too much or not enough for the day.
I ran routinely, but without a plan.
![IMG_3042[1]](https://www.runninginaskirt.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMG_30421.jpg "IMG_3042[1]")
My running detox felt absolutely fabulous. After pushing my body through the spring to hit my 5K PR of 26:58 it felt good to take a break from constantly looking at my splits and times. It also was so nice to run without music. I thought I would be bored, but it gave me more time to take in my surroundings and think.
After leaving all my things behind for several months, I believe a running detox is good for your soul. It can make you fall in love with the sport all over again.
Now that fall is officially here and cooler weather is settling in, I finally took out my GPS watch again. I actually got excited about putting it on for a change instead of worrying about it.
I’ve learned that it is important to mix up my running. Sometimes I’ll run with electronics and sometimes I’ll leave it behind. Above all, it is nice to know that when I just want to run, as long as I have my shoes, I can go!
No GPS watch required.
My Peanut Butter Protein Bites are featured on RunHaven today! Head over and check them out!
Also, thank you to everyone who wrote nice notes about my sweet Reina yesterday. She is still limping, so it is not looking good but I know your prayers will help. I'll keep you posted on her progress.
Your turn!
What do you run with?
Have you ever done a "running detox?"
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Tracy says
I recently found myself in desperate need of a running detox. I've been training my little heart out for way longer than is probably healthy! I don't think I'll ever go quite so fas as to leave all my electronics at home, but backing down from a full to half marathon this fall is helping me get back on track.
Susanna @Zealous Mom says
So very true! I do run with music, but that's it. I'm always scared I won't be motivated enough without it, but I'll never know until I try!
JulieWunder says
I was shocked that I wasn't bored out of my mind! I might feel differently if I was running really long runs though. I've only been doing 3-5 miles at a time.
Heather @Fit N Cookies says
I have taken time to do this too and it makes me fall in love with running again. It's hard to let go of all the electronics, and the numbers telling you distance and time, but that also sometimes makes me not even want to start running. Glad you are getting your running mojo back!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Heather. Sometimes it's nice to let my type-a self go!
Nancy says
I run here in Asheville too and I'm always looking for new places to run. My standards are Fletcher Park, Mills River Park and Biltmore Park (for a more hilly run). Where do you run? And can you suggest some alternatives. I don't usually run Bent Creek because I am by myself a lot of the time.
JulieWunder says
Try the Carrier Park/Dog Park/French Broad river park. They all connect and you can get in 6 miles without looping. It is off Amboy road. E-mail me at runninginaskirt@gmail.com if you don't know where that is. I also enjoy parking downtown and doing a loop through the neighborhoods north of town. There is also Jackson Park in Hendersonville if you are out that way.
Dan Steadman says
I don't run with anything except a $9 stopwatch I got from Academy when and that is only when doing track work or tempo runs...otherwise it just stresses me out
JulieWunder says
That's amazing actually!! Do you just know how far your loops are?
Dan Steadman says
yes, there are a couple marked race routes/tempo routes and the Rail Trail I use on my tempo/long runs. mapmyrun.com is also useful as is just driving it
JulieWunder says
Very cool!
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
I've tried to lesson the times I bring my phone (which has my GPS and music) running with me. I basically just bring it on my long runs now to make sure I go as far as I'm supposed to : )
JulieWunder says
Yeah, I know how far 3 and 5 miles is at a couple of places I run, but if I was training for a longer distance I would have to know.
Blane Sherer says
It is nice to return to a more grass roots motivation at times to be more free and enjoyable. I will continue to hold Reina and you in my thoughts.
Lynn says
I never took up running, but I do take brisk walks... This time of year is especially fun! I can't say I ever took any gadgets along... But then again, the most I walked was two miles round trip... You go girl!!
JulieWunder says
That is great Lynn! Walking is such good exercise too!