I have an idea why I can’t get the song “Making Love Out of Nothing At All” out of my mind. It’s this article I’m writing. And that’s why I’m writing this article now and not later. Because I’ve got to get this song out of my head. If you’re wondering who sings this song… it’s Air Supply. If you’re wondering who Air Supply is then you’re either way younger than me… way older than me… or you hate extraordinarily cheesy songs that are so extraordinarily cheesy that they are dangerously close to simply being extraordinary.
Another great read, Coach. Three weeks ago, this 61 year old (me), went for a run without a watch! I've been a steady runner since college and this was the first run without some kind of gadget. It was weird at first because I've been so rigid about pace/time but eventually I got into a relaxed I can do whatever I want headspace. I haven't run with a device since. I've even stopped a few times to sit on a bench to look at the ships in the bay. It may not make me a better runner but I feel more at peace with myself and have found a new enjoyment during my runs. You can teach an old dog new tricks...
Great piece! It was about running, but totally not about running. I plan to apply this philosophy to my continued pursuit of higher education (and my running game 😉). Thank you, Coach!
Wow, I loved this article. Thank you for creating this and sharing it with the world. Now let's all run free and go crazy for purple bananas! 😄 🤣 🏃♀️ 🏃♂️ 🌎
I can hear you in my head, "This is about running. This is also not about running." And I really needed this right now. To let go of the end result and just indulge in the process...saving this one!! Thanks Coach!!
I’ve just started again. In 2021 went from running for fun, to training for a marathon. Massive challenge and I did it. But fell flat immediately afterwards. What are I running for now? Before the marathon I loved what I did. I didn’t follow a plan and I just went out with a vague idea of how long I would be out and which direction I would head.
I was a far better runner for it.
I’ve done the marathon now and after almost 18 months of not wearing my running shoes, I’ve started again.
Those shoes were brand new. I treated myself to them after the marathon and they have done almost no miles.
But I’m back out there and this newsletter subject is a reminder of why I’m running without a specific goal in mind.
It’s also given me a little kick up the backside about a work related decision I’ve been dithering over. I don’t need to change jobs for a specific reason either. I can just say yes to an opportunity because it is fun or stretches me or because it’s different.
I needed to hear this. I have been finding it hard to get myself out since my last race. I miss the structure and the purpose. Remembering to run for the enjoyment of the run itself.
Exactly what I need post-Flying Pig! After weeks of dedicated training, I’ve felt a bit lost. Today, I’ll head out and just loose myself in the run. Thanks Coach! You rock!
Thank you so much for this article, Coach Bennett! I’ve been running for nothing for 23 years now, after being an elite athlete in high school and quitting competitions in college. I realized that I loved running, but I could not love the Skinny-Girl-College-Athlete box university athletics wanted me to climb into. Ever since then, I’ve tried to explain to people how/why I run, and your post did it better than I ever have.
Im on the start line of Stoic Running, my Substack, because after a total of 33 years of running, I’m finally ready to try to show people what I do and how I do it, that is, how to run for nothing; I love it so much and I want others to know they can do it, too, if they want. So thanks, Coach. Thanks for expressing how great running for nothing can be.
Another great read, Coach. Three weeks ago, this 61 year old (me), went for a run without a watch! I've been a steady runner since college and this was the first run without some kind of gadget. It was weird at first because I've been so rigid about pace/time but eventually I got into a relaxed I can do whatever I want headspace. I haven't run with a device since. I've even stopped a few times to sit on a bench to look at the ships in the bay. It may not make me a better runner but I feel more at peace with myself and have found a new enjoyment during my runs. You can teach an old dog new tricks...
Great piece! It was about running, but totally not about running. I plan to apply this philosophy to my continued pursuit of higher education (and my running game 😉). Thank you, Coach!
Wow, I loved this article. Thank you for creating this and sharing it with the world. Now let's all run free and go crazy for purple bananas! 😄 🤣 🏃♀️ 🏃♂️ 🌎
Got goosebumps there at the end Coach!! Thanks for another good read 👍
I can hear you in my head, "This is about running. This is also not about running." And I really needed this right now. To let go of the end result and just indulge in the process...saving this one!! Thanks Coach!!
I’ve just started again. In 2021 went from running for fun, to training for a marathon. Massive challenge and I did it. But fell flat immediately afterwards. What are I running for now? Before the marathon I loved what I did. I didn’t follow a plan and I just went out with a vague idea of how long I would be out and which direction I would head.
I was a far better runner for it.
I’ve done the marathon now and after almost 18 months of not wearing my running shoes, I’ve started again.
Those shoes were brand new. I treated myself to them after the marathon and they have done almost no miles.
But I’m back out there and this newsletter subject is a reminder of why I’m running without a specific goal in mind.
It’s also given me a little kick up the backside about a work related decision I’ve been dithering over. I don’t need to change jobs for a specific reason either. I can just say yes to an opportunity because it is fun or stretches me or because it’s different.
Thank you!
Just what I needed to read! Been struggling to have consistency while taking a break from race training. Thank you for the good perspective!!
Ah Air Supply & the days of big hair and high school dances .... thanks for the memories!!
I needed to hear this. I have been finding it hard to get myself out since my last race. I miss the structure and the purpose. Remembering to run for the enjoyment of the run itself.
Exactly what I need post-Flying Pig! After weeks of dedicated training, I’ve felt a bit lost. Today, I’ll head out and just loose myself in the run. Thanks Coach! You rock!
Ooh yeah I've got a piece coming tomorrow about the creativity that stems from running. Hopefully it's great. I'll find out!
Thank you so much for this article, Coach Bennett! I’ve been running for nothing for 23 years now, after being an elite athlete in high school and quitting competitions in college. I realized that I loved running, but I could not love the Skinny-Girl-College-Athlete box university athletics wanted me to climb into. Ever since then, I’ve tried to explain to people how/why I run, and your post did it better than I ever have.
Im on the start line of Stoic Running, my Substack, because after a total of 33 years of running, I’m finally ready to try to show people what I do and how I do it, that is, how to run for nothing; I love it so much and I want others to know they can do it, too, if they want. So thanks, Coach. Thanks for expressing how great running for nothing can be.