The Yoga of Running
Running is alone time that lets my brain unspool the tangles that build up over days. I run, pound it out on the pavement, channel that energy into my legs, and when I’m done with my run, I’m done with it. – Rob Haneisen
These days, running is a big part of my yoga practice. Yes, you read that right. Although it may not look like it from the outside, when I run, I am practicing yoga. Here’s how:
Moving meditation. Within the repetitive motion of putting one foot in front of the other, I often find myself in a state of flow. My mind never clears entirely, but I can escape the constant chatter. Thoughts get in, but it’s easier to disengage with them. Great ideas pop up now and then, too.
Practice, never perfect. Whether you’re an ultramarathoner or just getting started, there is always a way to be better. Just like yogis practice a challenging asana, runners often work toward a race, distance, or pace goal. Achieving a goal feels great, but there’s always something else to work on. The road never ends, so it becomes about the journey.
Every day is different. As you work toward a goal, you expect to see progress. Ideally, as you keep forging ahead, running gets easier – you go a little farther, a little faster. But some days, everything just feels hard. Some days, it feels like you’re going backwards. Recognize this, without judgment, and keep going.
Make skillful choices. Running (without injury) requires you to pay attention to your body and do what’s right for you, even if it’s not part of the plan. Do you need a rest day instead of a long run? Should you be running one more day a week? I’ve found that I need a 5-minute walk to warm up and cool down. Even on days when walking feels like a waste of time, I know it’s necessary for my body and I do it anyway.
Find your edge. In paying attention to your body, you’ll start to identify your limits. Pushing your edge (carefully!) will help you to understand your personal max. More often than not, we fall into two categories: always pushing too hard, or always playing it safe. I tend toward the latter, so I try to find ways to challenge myself on my runs. Although I run slowly most of the time, I often play with speeding up for a brief interval to see how fast I can go.
There is only this one moment. When I run outside, I am fully immersed in the beauty of the outdoors. I notice the way the sun feels on my skin. How heavy my feet feel on the pavement. The birds singing. A soft breeze. I am completely present and engaged in what I’m doing.
Yoga is more than just making some shapes with your body. How does your yoga practice extend beyond the typical asana? I’d love to hear your experience – please feel free to share in the comments below.
