Tips to Practice Mindful Running

This post is sponsored by ASICS®, all opinions expressed are my own. Reduce stress and get more from your running routine. Check out these Tips to Practice Mindful Running!

Last year, my daughter came home from school and told me that she was "learning to practice mindfulness" in her class. I had heard the term used before, but I had not really given it much thought until that moment. After doing a little research, I came up with a lot of information! Basically, mindfulness is being mentally present in a current situation without judgement or expectation. It can be practiced in a number of ways, such as meditation. It can also be applied to just about anything a person is doing. I found this all very interesting and thought it was wonderful that they are teaching this in my daughter's school.

Right around this time, I was struggling with my running routine. As I was learning more about mindfulness, I came across an article where an athlete had incorporated it into their workouts. So, I decided to give it a try with running. It took a little getting used to as my mind tends to wonder into a million places while I am running. However, with practice, I was able to become present and mindful while pounding the pavement. It has made a huge difference for me, so I would like to share a few of my favorite Tips to Practice Mindful Running.

Tips to Practice Mindful Running

Start with Breathing

Ok, I know this may seem silly as many of us are well aware of breathing while running. However, check in with your breathing and stress level prior to running. If you have had a hectic day and you are scrambling to get outside and run, take a few minutes to do some deep breathing.  I use the ASICS Studio App and listen to 4 minute "Deep Breaths" under Mindfulness to help guide me through a few deep breathing exercises prior to my run. This short practice will help reduce stress before starting your run and will make it easier to be present.

Ditch the Music

This can be hard for people who are used to listening to music while they run. However, it is important to leave that distraction behind to be present. One of the reasons people listen to music is to help them zone out, but the point of mindful running is to really zone in on the present moment.

Start out Slow

Start your run slowly, pay attention to your breathing and try to settle into it. Then, start to pay attention to your body. Are your legs tight? Do your feet hurt? Are you legs feeling strong? By honing in on precisely what you are feeling when enable you to stay present and may help you relax and release tension.

Finish with Focus

Once you have finished your run, take note of how you are feeling at that very moment. Are you more relaxed? Is there any soreness? Do you need extra fluids? Then, take a few minutes to do some stretching. I had been very bad at taking this time until I got the ASICS Studio App. Now, I use one of the Mindfulness classes to guide me through it. I typically do the 12 minute Post-Run Stretch class. However, if I am short on time, I do the Catch Your Breath 3 minute class. Taking this time afterward has really helped me get the most benefit mentally and physically from each run.

Where do I find the ASICS Studio App?

The ASICS Studio App can be found in the App Store by clicking here: ASICS Studio App. This app is the best fitness one I have found. I love it for the Mindfulness classes, but I also use it for a number or other things. It includes a number of different curated training programs from strength training, yoga, indoor cycling to treadmill and outdoor running! There are even starter workouts, challenges and a workout of the day. It has been extremely helpful in keeping me motivated and it makes workouts fun.

So Tell Me... 

Do you practice mindfulness? Have you ever tried mindful running? Had you heard of the ASICS Studio App? Are you interested in learning more about it? Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section below! Thank you so much for stopping by.  Have a great week and happy running!

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