Running is fun. Get in a groove (with or without tunes), focus on your breath, and move freely.
When you’re groovin’ you’re movin’. Running ceases to be mechanical; it changes into dance. There’s a pep in your step, a glide in your stride, and a slight swagger. I recommend ‘Paradise by the Dashboard Light’ or The Doors.
Breath and be calm; belly breathing, deep and full. It soothes the soul and melds the mind and body into a unity with the surroundings.
You have the power to do whatever you want. Your choices dictate where you go, how fast you get there, and how enjoyable the experience is. Movement is an expression of you. How you move says a lot about you and you are wonderful. So do your thing how you want to do it.
If the goal is sustainability then happiness must be present – does anyone do something that they don’t enjoy repeatedly unless forced? No. People do things to be happy.
I find my happy running slowly, at a low heart rate, with nothing on my feet…sometimes listening to Meatloaf or the Doors.
Slow is easier on the body and recovery is quicker. Slow runs mean more runs. Build your mitochondrial density at a low heart rate and get faster and healthier sustainably. Barefoot is great, it emphasizes good form and forces you to pay attention to every step. But it isn’t an all the time thing. It’s a tool to help improve overall health: stronger feet and ankles, plus a connection to the earth. No one loses – unless of course you are going fast. Sandals make small rocks more forgiving, and shoes level that up again.
Do your thing. Have fun. Run.