Ideas on the Run

I find that I get my best ideas when I am out for a run. Ideas for things I have to do at home, things I want to do during the day or week, ways to handle issues for partners at work, and ideas for stories that I want to write. Maybe it’s the endorphins – something clicks when I’m out there away from my computer, my housework, and my responsibilities, and the ideas flow as fast as the blood pumps through my veins.

But I’m my own worst enemy in a way – I don’t like to stop when I go running. I will stop for a drink, to retie my shoe, or to pop a squat if the need arises (I don’t make a habit of that…). But I really hate to stop for things like taking photos or answering texts.

I wear my phone when I run on a janky armband held together with two safety pins. I’m super cheap, so I don’t entertain buying new stuff until my old stuff officially kicks the bucket.

I’m also sort of impatient. It’s a pain to stop, wrestle a sweaty band off my arm, slide my phone out, and text myself a note. Plus, I usually forget to restart my Nike+, and that pisses me off even more.

Some friends on LinkedIn suggested I use Siri to take notes for me while I run. That’s a great idea – I really ought to try it sometime when I’m out on the trail… away from people who may see whack myself in the face as I yank off my sweaty armband.

But the ideas… they just effervesce when I’m out on the trail with nothing to distract me but the occasional pedestrian or cyclist. So, I’m at a crossroads. Running and writing are both important to me, so maybe it’s time to cough up a few bucks to upgrade my stuff.

I feel good about leaving my sweat and stress on the trail, but I can’t keep leaving my great ideas out there, too.