I talk to myself when I run

by - Thursday, September 18, 2014

I don't know when the whole talking to myself while running started, but it's definitely something I do a lot now -- especially on long runs.

It seems like on short runs I'm content to just let my mind wander -- but on long runs, I legitimately have conversations with myself.

Sometimes it's to work out a problem that I've been mulling over or to think through solutions for something that's stressing me out. I plan a lot of work meetings in my head when I'm running and conversations that I need to have, and sometimes it just helps to hear the words out loud.

And on really long runs or during races (like this past weekend), I also yell at myself on my runs. Usually things along the lines of pick up the pace or just grind it out, the finish line is around the corner.

Now before you all start thinking I'm about two steps away from the looney bin, it's not like I'm actually talking at full volume. Usually I'm just muttering things under my breath that no one else can hear. (Wait, maybe that actually makes me crazier).

Anyone else talk to themselves on runs or is this just a weird thing I do?

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4 comments

  1. Richard Aziz Grieser4:34 AM

    I am definitely guilty. My highs and lows (chemicals in the brain I'm sure) dictate the conversation normally, and they can be influenced by so many things: good music I'm listening to, hitting an easy or tough part of the run like a hill, or focusing on something positive or negative. I find myself grinning like an idiot sometimes and occasionally laughing out loud. Good times!

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  2. Olivia Logan5:20 AM

    I totally do this and I'm not one bit ashamed. It's like having my own personal cheerleader in my head. I use these "chat sessions" to remind myself to focus on my breathing and my form; to think about what I'm eating after the run; to tell myself not to look at my watch; to make up scenarios about squirrels plotting against me (yes, this really happens). Like Richard mentioned, I find myself smiling or laughing at times, during which I probably get some weird looks from strangers, but I don't care. I think it's perfectly healthy to talk to yourself while you run. In fact, I think it's one of the perks of running. Talking to yourself in a yoga class is a little less socially acceptable. ; P

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  3. I don't think I do, but on long runs, I am usually out of it anyway, so who knows? LOL. At the Navy-Air Force Half, some guy was singing some 70s or 80s over and over. Then the song was in my head, horrible!

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  4. Ha! I do this constantly. I love my solo runs but apparently I still crave a little conversation.

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