Running Isn’t Just My Muse—It Releases the Kraken
By: Tim Ebl
Tags: Self Improvement, Lifestyle, Creativity, Running, Life Lessons

Where’s the muse?

While I run I obsess over ideas and really dive deep. Things get fleshed out, considered, and added to. Twenty iterations of headlines pop up and drop out to be replaced by new ideas. Everything is shiny and fascinating, full of promise. My running mind is optimistic of how good things are, how easy it’ll be to write about.

Running is the biggest and easiest brainstorm I‘ve ever found. Nothing is off the table, all eventualities are available. Connections get made. I see under the water, past the tip, to the rest of the iceberg.

Lightning strikes multiple times in the same place, my head. Each flash is a shiny new idea. It’s a downpour, cats and dogs and idea drops. I get soaked. That’s why I want to bring a bucket and catch it all.

Siri is my running note buddy.

If I like something I see in the idea cloud, I need to grab it and give it to Siri before it’s lost. She’s running right beside me, and she can take notes on the go. Trouble is, she isn’t always that good at it. She always writes something, even if it’s just crayon scribbles. Good old Siri always puts in a solid effort.

It’s not a big deal, usually any of her dictation mistakes are easy enough to decipher. Every once in a while, she makes a note I can’t figure out. Too bad. Lost that one. Oh well, plenty more on the cutting room floor!

I have all the tools to use dictation. This still works without them, it just isn’t as convenient. Other running creatives try memorizing ideas for later use. Some stop to make notes at the midpoint of the run, and at the end.

What happens to my run quality?

When I first started taking notes on the go I was worried that it would affect my running. If anything, it makes them better. It depends on what kind of run I have planned. Ideas come hard and fast on slow runs through natural trails. The fewer buildings the better.

On hard run days, there aren’t as many ideas. My brain is focused on the task at hand, not lost in thought. That’s a good thing anyway, because when I’m really putting out it’s hard to dictate clearly to Siri. It takes air to enunciate clearly enough for her to understand me.

On slow run days, which is most of my runs, I have plenty of air and plenty of thoughts. Ideas are just lying around ready to be picked and packed up. I grab them on the way by and hand them to Siri.

Time goes fast when I think about my writing. It’s easy to get in running rhythm and maintain pace while I think. Before I know it, I’m halfway there, then almost to the end of the workout. It’s a win-win. Running goes well, and I’m loaded with writing ammunition.

Walking works too.

If you aren’t a runner, take a good stroll instead. Movement, exercise and seeing the environment does wonders for the mind. I always take a little notebook on walking jaunts. If something comes to me I write it down.

If you find yourself struggling to write, get out for a quick jog. Go for a walk. It will clear the brain fog and give you some physical activity at the same time. It’s been a game-changer for me. Maybe you’ll find it helpful too.