The art of running effortlessly

We all think we know how to run. After all, it’s as simple as putting one foot in front of the other.

For many of us, though, an activity which should be fun and fulfilling leads only to frustration and injury. Instead of reaping the benefits of improved fitness and well-being, physical and mental barriers mean we fail to realise our potential.

Every year the London Marathon and other running events serve as inspiration to get us off the couch and into our running shoes. Yet once the initial enthusiasm wears off, poor technique can prevent us finding our flow and discovering the feeling of free and easy movement. Just as importantly, treating running as a task – another item to be ticked off a daily to-do list – is a likely route to boredom and bad habits.

Running effortlessly means that as one runs, and becomes aware of each step the foot makes to the pavement…concentrating on where the foot is stepping…the breath during the run…the response of the body as it runs, your mind can become focused, and thereby centered. As the mind stays centered, you might begin to feel less tied to the stress in life as well as your relationship to that stress. In other words, you might feel less emotionally tied to the effects of stress. This is the benefit to meditation. The mind steps into center and we have an opportunity to release the attachments of the way we think about our lives.

If you’ve ever felt a sense of deep calm and connection to the present moment while running, you may have already practiced running meditation. And this is how I approach my races. The rhythmic nature of running may allow you to quiet your mind and fully connect to the present while leaving your worries behind.

Running meditation is meditation in action. It’s about connecting with your body, quieting your mind, and letting yourself genuinely live in the moment while you exercise.

Whether training or racing, we've all experienced moments of internal chatter racing around our minds. Sometimes these thoughts are anxieties about the future or worries about the past. Other times they are self-doubts about ability level. No one is immune to occasionally thinking "I'm not good enough", "I'm not capable", and "I didn't prepare enough".

When we see running solely as exercise and focus on improving our times, covering a certain number of miles, or losing weight, we miss the deeper implications of this art. We miss the opportunity to take up running as a practice that bridges the apparent gap between stillness and movement, meditation and activity.

My first small victory 🏆

This weekend my mind was at ease. I didn't expect to come 2nd in my age category by running a casual 10km race on a lovely sunny day at Latsia Running Festival. And I'm super proud because I run effortlessly. I run because I enjoy it!!!

My only advice is to stay humble and just take it as it comes. When you run you have to be smart about it. Don’t kill yourself because you want to show off or fit in. Run at your own pace. If you feel like you’re going to throw up, break a bone, pull a muscle, pass out, etc., slow down. The beauty of running is that it’s for you. It benefits you and not anyone else. So, take care of yourself and don’t worry if someone’s pace is too fast for you. Run at your own pace…3…2…1…GO!