Running Unplugged
December 24th, 2007Most people who know me assume I have oodles of gadgets. While those people may be right, I still love being minimalist. I do love gadgets, however I'd rather have functionality that works very well, then lots of functionality that doesn't work very well at all (reference the iPhone, even though it doesn't do some things, what it does, it does very very well).
If you've been paying attention to the Nike+ section on the left sidebar, you'll see that I haven't run in about a week. Tonight I actually went out running, but it was completely minimalist. No ipod, no garmin, I even swapped my New Balance 1222's for my Nike Free's (which offer minimal support). I only ran a few miles, but I really enjoyed it. I could tell how I was doing by how my foot was striking the ground (I could hear it for a change), and I paid attention to how I was feeling to set my pace.
The only downside is I felt like I was really moving, and now I have no idea how fast I ran. I've also switched my running "style". Last time I was running I had a goal of doing a race (10k, half marathon, marathon). This time I am trying to incorporate it more slowly, and make it more enjoyable. I still have lofty goals of running a half marathon (and hopefully a marathon in June), but running is kind of the secondary goal. Having a good time is the first, and I think minimalist running will help out with that.
December 24th, 2007 at 6:49 am
I’ve found it much easier to run when I have music. The fact that my ipod dies from the cold every time I run doesn’t help. Maybe it’s the upbeat music that motivates, or maybe it’s just a distraction from the running.
The Nike Frees look pretty cool, but I’m probably not going to get any while there’s still snow on the ground here.
December 24th, 2007 at 9:15 am
You were really moving because you were lighter without all that techie stuff weighing you down
December 24th, 2007 at 9:22 am
I love Nike Free’s, i’ve had my pair for a year ana half. I’ve mostly used them indoors only tho. They are the most comfortable shoes i’ve ever owned period. I don’t do much running, if any, due to my knees, but lots of walking and mostly biking, and the eliptical machine.
December 24th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
All I can say is I’m disappointed Eric… I’m at a loss – I didn’t know people could run w/ out their Garmin/iPhone/iPod (yes I bring both my iPhone and iPod)/reflector light/reflector jacket
I’ll have to try it sometime ;o)
December 24th, 2007 at 4:19 pm
Eric = minimalist, on what planet!!!
Please tell me that in your minimalist state you still had a shirt and shorts on…
December 26th, 2007 at 2:34 pm
Depends on my mood. Sometimes I run with music, sometimes not. For early morning runs, I like to hear the sounds around me, especially when I hit the trail. For the tracking the miles, running at the lake runs, I like to have music as a distraction.
December 30th, 2007 at 7:51 pm
I want pictures when you get to the Zola Budd, barefoot stage of running minimalism. Now that’s gadget free.