Run to think

I previously wrote about the calming as well as the thought-generating properties of running. In conversation during a recent trail run, a friend of mine spoke of the obviously creativity-enhancing effects of running – which led me to think of this again. So, I want to note some updated, practical perspective on that in this post. As a practice, running to think can be astonishingly valuable. Let’s take a look at one method that I have found useful and how to approach it before, during and afterwards. To start, focus. During the hour or so before running, immerse yourself in the subject you are exploring or the problem you are investigating. Be single-minded and pay attention to it very closely. Whether that means slowly reading a difficult paper, taking notes while perusing a textbook or slowly, deliberately working through an intricate problem. The point is to invest mental energy and to be very deliberate in focusing, in giving your attention to the intellectual challenge in front…