Since it's been an usually warm winter, I've taken advantage and included more outdoor running to my fitness regime. I may post about my runs from time to time, but I wanted to share how I run.
My Routes
Around my house, I've planned loops which are between two and six miles. I pick the distance I'm going to run based on my last run, and how I'm feeling for that day. Two-mile loops are reserved for days when I'm adding strength training. The six-mile loops are usually after a day off, when my legs are freshest.
Additionally, there are some loops in downtown Minneapolis which are in the three-to-five-mile range. These depend on how much time I have, and how hot it is. These routes are nice because they are along the Mississippi River and are quite flat.
No Headphones
Mindfulness seems to be all the rage, and I'm generally there for it. When I'm out on my runs, I rarely use my earbuds. I take this time to focus on how I'm feeling about the run. I can also take this time to think about my career, family, relationships, or whatever else comes to mind. Without a computer, phone, or someone talking in my ear, I'm free to have my own thoughts and massage them to whatever end. At the end of my run, I tend to have a greater sense of accomplishment because I've done my run; but also have released some mental tension I didn't know that I had.
In the past, I have listened to Apple Fitness "Time to Run" and found Nike Running Club Guided Runs to be fun and interesting. If you are needing encouragement to continue a run or to push yourself to run longer. . . these are helpful. But for me, these are a distraction.
I've also listened to music. EDM or up-beat rock anthems are entertaining. Many people swear by listening to music while running. It can help you stay focused and help you keep your intended pace.
The two qualms I have with running to music is that I start too fast, because listening to music doesn't give you time to warm up. Secondly, I have a need to run to the beat of the music. Since not all songs are at exactly the same beat, I found myself fighting to keep on the beat every 2-3 minutes as a song changed.
Without headphones, I can do some thinking but also enter a nice flow state and run at my own pace.
My Watch
I have an Apple Watch SE with built-in GPS. I use this to track all my runs, walks, bikes, etc.
I have an affinity for Apple products. While some would argue that Garmin, Whoop, AmazFit are better (and they might be), I've found the Apple Watch to provide consistent metrics, which is better than 0.05% more accurate. As noted above, I run the same routes over and over, and my Apple Watch measures the distance and pace consistently, and that works for me.
I use the built-in Workout app on my watch, as it does everything I need it to do. Since I'm familiar with my routes, I don't look at my watch often, since I know the distances and landmarks. I do occasionally peek to see my heart rate, or more specifically which heart rate zone I'm in.
Conclusion
Consistent routes
No headphones
Tracking runs
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