Running Rituals / Habits etc...

[Donald Duck]

What are your nonsense rituals / habits / or superstitions when running?

I always keep the D-tag on my shoe from races until my next race.

Have to tie my left shoe before the right.

I have to turn my socks inside out when I take them off, and use that same pair again the next day, even if they stink to hell.

I freak out if I get an even race number. I prefer odd numbers.

I eat the same thing the night before a race.

There are more rediculous ones I have, but let's hear yours...

 

[joel_maxwell]

LOL

Im a left sock, then right sock, then left shoe then right shoe. I cant do it backwards for anything.

I wear me shorts twice before washing them even if they stink to high heavens. Just have too. :lookaroun

I take the smallest amount of A/D the night before a big run and run it inside my ears where my earbuds sit. It tends to help them stay in place after I start sweating.

I cross myself before starting.

I start each race off with the same song on my Running playlist but mix the others according to how I feel or the course. Certain songs for certain parts (hills, flats etc)

Lastly, I have to take 2 safety pins and pin the earbuds cord to the collar of my shirt as it runs inside my shirt to my water belt. It holds exactly 1 inch of slack so gravity doesn't constantly yank on the cords and create an annoyance.

 

[JillC LI]

I have to turn my socks inside out when I take them off, and use that same pair again the next day, even if they stink to hell.

Really????? Ewwww! LOL

I eat the same thing before all my long runs and long races (an apple with peanut butter). But it's less of a superstition/ritual and more just that I know it works to give me energy and it sits well in my stomach.

Can't think of any real rituals other than that I am compulsive about having everything laid out and prepared to go the night before a race.

 

[Donald Duck]

I do not talk at all before a race except to my wife. At the venue I will not say a word...I feel like it jinxes me.

I always wear black (even when I'm not running). Socks, shorts, head buff, shirt, compression shorts, Road ID strap, sweat band, everything.

Laces have to be black, or red.

 

[joel_maxwell]

I do not talk at all before a race except to my wife. At the venue I will not say a word...I feel like it jinxes me.

I always wear black (even when I'm not running). Socks, shorts, head buff, shirt, compression shorts, Road ID strap, sweat band, everything.

Laces have to be black, or red.

Are you running the W&D? I wont mess with the mojo if you try and get in the group photo.

Ill get like that about 30 minutes till. I have a pre-race music set and a race music setlist. Last race I played PotC At World's End score.

 

[Donald Duck]

Are you running the W&D? I wont mess with the mojo if you try and get in the group photo.

Ill get like that about 30 minutes till. I have a pre-race music set and a race music setlist. Last race I played PotC At World's End score.

I wish I was running the W&D! Only the 1/2 marathon in January.

I also never listen to music when I run, but your PotC At Word's End score is top notch my friend!

If I did listen to music while running, I'm sure it would be the Duck Tales Theme looped...which I actually do have on my iPod, with hundreds of other WDW tracks.

 

[Phonedave]

It's not a ritual because it varies from run to run, but I spend a bit of time getting my socks and shoes 'just right'. I'll put them on, then go 'nope, don't like that" take the shoe off, and move the sock around, then put the shoe back on. Then I adjust the laces as well. Too tight, now too loose, now just right.

I am pretty low key before a race. I do some stretching and warm-ups, but not some of these half mile runs and 20 minutes of yoga I see some people doing. I am not sure if thats a ritual or just how I am.


-dave

 

[joel_maxwell]

I wish I was running the W&D! Only the 1/2 marathon in January.

I also never listen to music when I run, but your PotC At Word's End score is top notch my friend!

If I did listen to music while running, I'm sure it would be the Duck Tales Theme looped...which I actually do have on my iPod, with hundreds of other WDW tracks.

I train with and without music in the event that on race day, I don't have it. That way it wouldn't be foreign. I just have to have the motivation of certain tracks... especially that last push of mile 9ish through 13.1

I will say that 2 weeks ago, it was so hot outside that after 6 miles of 8, I didnt even want the music. It was that hot outside. Weird.

It's not a ritual because it varies from run to run, but I spend a bit of time getting my socks and shoes 'just right'. I'll put them on, then go 'nope, don't like that" take the shoe off, and move the sock around, then put the shoe back on. Then I adjust the laces as well. Too tight, now too loose, now just right.

I am pretty low key before a race. I do some stretching and warm-ups, but not some of these half mile runs and 20 minutes of yoga I see some people doing. I am not sure if thats a ritual or just how I am.


-dave

OMG, Dave Im the same way. I forgot to mention this. It drives my wife crazy. She will see my fidget with my shoes for 10 minutes. :lol:

Like I said above, I like to sit and chill before a race. Visualize the course, focus on the hard parts and how Im going to get through them... and yes, PotC AWE soundtrack seems to be a perfect build up for that 45 minutes prior.

QUESTION: I wonder what the percentage is of runners that listen to music and not during races is?

 

[Phonedave]

I train with and without music in the event that on race day, I don't have it. That way it wouldn't be foreign. I just have to have the motivation of certain tracks... especially that last push of mile 9ish through 13.1

I will say that 2 weeks ago, it was so hot outside that after 6 miles of 8, I didnt even want the music. It was that hot outside. Weird.

OMG, Dave Im the same way. I forgot to mention this. It drives my wife crazy. She will see my fidget with my shoes for 10 minutes. :lol:

Like I said above, I like to sit and chill before a race. Visualize the course, focus on the hard parts and how Im going to get through them... and yes, PotC AWE soundtrack seems to be a perfect build up for that 45 minutes prior.

QUESTION: I wonder what the percentage is of runners that listen to music and not during races is?

I am a convert. I used to. Then I read Zen and the Art of Running. Now I don't. Depending on where I am running (clear, smooth, empty trails) I somtimes run with my eyes closed. Not far - maybe 50 to 100 yards, just enough so I don't smack into a light post. Or I sort of squint, just I can just barely see. I can't get into flow with music. With no music I can zone out, and then I don't even think when I run. It's kind of hard to explain. the miles just slide by. There is no beginning or end of the run, just the now, and the now is running. It's kind of wacky, maybe I have read too many books on Zen Meditation, but it works for me.


-dave

 

[joel_maxwell]

I am a convert. I used to. Then I read Zen and the Art of Running. Now I don't. Depending on where I am running (clear, smooth, empty trails) I somtimes run with my eyes closed. Not far - maybe 50 to 100 yards, just enough so I don't smack into a light post. Or I sort of squint, just I can just barely see. I can't get into flow with music. With no music I can zone out, and then I don't even think when I run. It's kind of hard to explain. the miles just slide by. There is no beginning or end of the run, just the now, and the now is running. It's kind of wacky, maybe I have read too many books on Zen Meditation, but it works for me.


-dave

I might try and migrate over to something like this very soon.

Ill not use my ipod today on my 4 mile run and see if I can mentally keep myself pushing like I would if I had my Ozzy, Guns or (Insert band here) in the background.

Do you have a particular book that you have read that was far superior to other Zen and Meditation books. I would like to accomplish this if I try the 26.2 in February.

 

[Donald Duck]

I am a convert. I used to. Then I read Zen and the Art of Running. Now I don't. Depending on where I am running (clear, smooth, empty trails) I somtimes run with my eyes closed. Not far - maybe 50 to 100 yards, just enough so I don't smack into a light post. Or I sort of squint, just I can just barely see. I can't get into flow with music. With no music I can zone out, and then I don't even think when I run. It's kind of hard to explain. the miles just slide by. There is no beginning or end of the run, just the now, and the now is running. It's kind of wacky, maybe I have read too many books on Zen Meditation, but it works for me.


-dave

Ditto on the Zen meditation...I just zone out and run in the now.

 

[Phonedave]

I might try and migrate over to something like this very soon.

Ill not use my ipod today on my 4 mile run and see if I can mentally keep myself pushing like I would if I had my Ozzy, Guns or (Insert band here) in the background.

Do you have a particular book that you have read that was far superior to other Zen and Meditation books. I would like to accomplish this if I try the 26.2 in February.

Well there are a lot of good Zen books out there. But for running purposes, Zen and the Art of Running is where I would go, because it specificaly related Zen to Running, like how to deal with pain or discomfort. You don't ignore it. You acknowledge it, realize it for what it is, and once you have done that, you shuffle that thought off to the side because you have now dealt with it. You start to apply mindfullness to running and remove lables - if you have done any Zen that should make sense.

For example we all complain about the heat and humidity. Heat and humidity are not bad (or good) - they just are. We all apply those lables to heat and humidity. By removing those lables, you strip away the thought process that goes "It's hot, thats bad, this is going to be a bad run" and instead you think "It's hot - thats all"


http://www.amazon.com/Zen-Art-Running-Making-Peace/dp/1598699601/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
Product Description

All that I am, I am because of my mind.
~ Paavo Nurmi, Olympic runner with nine gold medals in track & field
All runners strive to get in the "zone," but here they'll learn to enter the ZEN "zone"! By adopting Buddha's mindful approach, you will discover you can run longer, faster, and harder. This book shows how to align body and mind for success on--and off--the track! Iron Man triathlete and philosophy professor Larry Shapiro coaches you to:

• Walk the talk: Get out and run
• Practice mindfulness: Train harder
• Visualize success: Race the Zen way
• Accept and let go: Cope peacefully with injuries and aging

Complete with case studies, testimonials, and training techniques, this guide inspires seasoned runners and first timers alike to pound the path to enlightenment--one stride at a time!

About the Author

Larry Shapiro, PhD (Madison, WI), has run six marathons and, most recently, competed in an Iron Man triathlon (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run). He has souvenir shirts from at least a dozen 10k races and six 20 mile races. When not in training, he'll run between 20 and 25 miles per week. When training, this number can balloon to about 40 miles per week. He has his MA and PhD in philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania and is currently a philosophy professor at the University of Wisconsin. He is widely published in philosophy and has an international reputation. His area

 

[joel_maxwell]

Well there are a lot of good Zen books out there. But for running purposes, Zen and the Art of Running is where I would go, because it specificaly related Zen to Running, like how to deal with pain or discomfort. You don't ignore it. You acknowledge it, realize it for what it is, and once you have done that, you shuffle that thought off to the side because you have now dealt with it. You start to apply mindfullness to running and remove lables - if you have done any Zen that should make sense.

For example we all complain about the heat and humidity. Heat and humidity are not bad (or good) - they just are. We all apply those lables to heat and humidity. By removing those lables, you strip away the thought process that goes "It's hot, thats bad, this is going to be a bad run" and instead you think "It's hot - thats all"


http://www.amazon.com/Zen-Art-Running-Making-Peace/dp/1598699601/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
Product Description

All that I am, I am because of my mind.
~ Paavo Nurmi, Olympic runner with nine gold medals in track & field
All runners strive to get in the "zone," but here they'll learn to enter the ZEN "zone"! By adopting Buddha's mindful approach, you will discover you can run longer, faster, and harder. This book shows how to align body and mind for success on--and off--the track! Iron Man triathlete and philosophy professor Larry Shapiro coaches you to:

• Walk the talk: Get out and run
• Practice mindfulness: Train harder
• Visualize success: Race the Zen way
• Accept and let go: Cope peacefully with injuries and aging

Complete with case studies, testimonials, and training techniques, this guide inspires seasoned runners and first timers alike to pound the path to enlightenment--one stride at a time!

About the Author

Larry Shapiro, PhD (Madison, WI), has run six marathons and, most recently, competed in an Iron Man triathlon (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run). He has souvenir shirts from at least a dozen 10k races and six 20 mile races. When not in training, he'll run between 20 and 25 miles per week. When training, this number can balloon to about 40 miles per week. He has his MA and PhD in philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania and is currently a philosophy professor at the University of Wisconsin. He is widely published in philosophy and has an international reputation. His area

I definitely exercise that mentality (pun intended). I have never shied away from a run due to extreme cold or heat. I know that today we are currently at 95, feels like 106 and im cool with that. Like you said, it is what it is. I will say or acknowledge it was brutal or not easy to fight through said temperature or condition. Im not sure if that is good to do or not.

I will say that I talk to my pain sometimes. :lookaroun My right shin is hit or miss on tightening up for about 1 mile at the beginning. I have stretched it, not stretched it and a lot of other things. Nothing seems to matter. It is random when it happens. Anyway, I say to it, "Well, I know that you are going to settle down eventually. Anytime you are ready. Im still running"

Thanks for the link. Ill probably get this book.

 

[Phonedave]

I will say that I talk to my pain sometimes. :lookaroun My right shin is hit or miss on tightening up for about 1 mile at the beginning. I have stretched it, not stretched it and a lot of other things. Nothing seems to matter. It is random when it happens. Anyway, I say to it, "Well, I know that you are going to settle down eventually. Anytime you are ready. Im still running"

He talks about that as well. You get to know your 'normal' pains. Then when something abnormal happens you know it, and then can perhaps prevent further injury

-dave

 

[joel_maxwell]

He talks about that as well. You get to know your 'normal' pains. Then when something abnormal happens you know it, and then can perhaps prevent further injury

-dave

I had a rain/ lightning delay last night. Ran this am with no ipod at 5:30. It was nice and a cool 75.

I am a little disappointed with the time. Everything felt much better and more enjoyable but came in at 8:30 pace over 4 miles. I have had 8:15 or even 8 minute paces in 95 and sunny. I wonder if a few things factored into this. 1) it was 5:30 and I really wasnt awake. TBH, I was running but kind of cruising. 2) I didnt have that drive home that I usually do to get mentally hyped up 3) there was no urgency. It was nice outside so there was no hurry to get out of the sun so I might not have pushed myself like usual.

Ill give the no ipod thing some more time. Im going to get that book this weekend. Thanks for the link again.

Sorry for the mild thread drift. I guess we were actually discussing a habit ritual breaking.

 

[WishIwasThere]

Really????? Ewwww! LOL

I eat the same thing before all my long runs and long races (an apple with peanut butter). But it's less of a superstition/ritual and more just that I know it works to give me energy and it sits well in my stomach.

Can't think of any real rituals other than that I am compulsive about having everything laid out and prepared to go the night before a race.

The apples and PB is the same for my wife. She got in a tiff at the airport in Sept on our last trip to WDW. She was in training for the Hartford Marathon and had a couple long runs to do in WDW. She packed a brand new (unopened) container of PB in her carry-on (had to lighten the checked bag or pay the $50). Security made her toss the PB. She said "PB is not a liquid or a gel". I tossed it lest we miss our flight and she steamed about it the whole rest of the trip...a $2 container of PB.

We are driving down in January...and my kids first response to that is "at least mommy will be able to bring her PB".

My wife also lays out stuff the night before.

 

[joel_maxwell]

The apples and PB is the same for my wife. She got in a tiff at the airport in Sept on our last trip to WDW. She was in training for the Hartford Marathon and had a couple long runs to do in WDW. She packed a brand new (unopened) container of PB in her carry-on (had to lighten the checked bag or pay the $50). Security made her toss the PB. She said "PB is not a liquid or a gel". I tossed it lest we miss our flight and she steamed about it the whole rest of the trip...a $2 container of PB.

We are driving down in January...and my kids first response to that is "at least mommy will be able to bring her PB".

My wife also lays out stuff the night before.

:lol:

Classic!

 

[Donald Duck]

I never reuse pins that I use for my race number...fresh pins for every race.

Wow, I have too many habits.

 

[joel_maxwell]

I never reuse pins that I use for my race number...fresh pins for every race.

Wow, I have too many habits.

Once you start listing them, you start seeing yourself from the outside and how funny we all are.

 

[JillC LI]

The apples and PB is the same for my wife. She got in a tiff at the airport in Sept on our last trip to WDW. She was in training for the Hartford Marathon and had a couple long runs to do in WDW. She packed a brand new (unopened) container of PB in her carry-on (had to lighten the checked bag or pay the $50). Security made her toss the PB. She said "PB is not a liquid or a gel". I tossed it lest we miss our flight and she steamed about it the whole rest of the trip...a $2 container of PB.

We are driving down in January...and my kids first response to that is "at least mommy will be able to bring her PB".

My wife also lays out stuff the night before.

That is a very funny story! :ROFLOL:
I can understand being peeved about the loss of her PB - what if she couldn't find the brand she was used to in WDW?! LOL. Love the comment by your kids!