After slipping into activewear and lacing up sneakers, the checklist generally goes as follows before heading out for a run: toss in earbuds, cue an upbeat playlist, and start the smartwatch. This digital routine is a mainstay for most runners, a ritual that's almost second nature. However, allow me to propose a slightly different approach, one that has become a nonnegotiable in my own wellness practice: "naked running."
Before you go clutching your pearls, no I'm not suggesting streaking through the streets of your neighborhood. The term "running naked" - which, by the way, has been around for at least a decade - refers to forgoing any digital devices during a run. That means no headphones blaring music, and no smartwatch to track your miles or meticulously monitor your pace - it's simply you, the outdoors, and the art of running. (It's worth noting, especially as a woman who runs solo, I do advocate for bringing a phone along for safety reasons, although you can turn on "do not disturb" to keep distractions at bay.)
If you've heard about the recent trend of spending the length of a flight without any entertainment beyond watching the flight path, it's kind of like that, only (in my opinion) significantly less masochistic. In fact, I am a strong believer that running naked is a gift to your mind and body.
"It's a sacred block of time for myself - my moving meditation."In my experience, running without music or other distractions allows me to work through any tough emotions I'm grappling with and clear my head. It also gives me the opportunity to tune into how I'm feeling physically, rather than push my body to meet a certain goal pace. It's a sacred block of time for myself - my moving meditation.
In fact, I've been a fan of naked running since I first found the sport nearly 17 years ago. During that time, as part of my high school cross-country team, we never ran with headphones - we were too busy socializing with each other during training runs. This is also before the proliferation of smartwatches, and it was a big deal when our coach broke out the GPS watch for pacing. Amid this introduction to running, I was enamored with the act of putting one foot in front of the other, feeling my body get stronger with each passing day, and taking in my surroundings. I fell in love with running itself.
To this day, I revel in a stripped-down, digital-free run - in fact, I probably appreciate it now more than ever. As someone who works in media, I'm constantly staring at screens. So I try to sneak in mini digital detoxes when possible, and running naked is just one tool in my mental health toolbelt. Without all the noise of social media or the barrage of notifications on my phone, I can actually hear myself think. Whenever I'm feeling creatively stuck or mentally blocked, going for a run is the remedy. You may have heard of "shower thoughts," when you get inspiration or a great idea pops into your head during a shower. Well, I have "running thoughts."
Of course, there's nothing wrong with tracking your pace or logging your workouts, especially if you're in the midst of training for a race. And, if cranking your running playlist or cueing up an audiobook is what motivates you to move, then by all means, do what brings you joy. Bottom line: I'm not suggesting you overhaul your entire running routine, I'm simply offering a practice that has worked for me.
Thus, I challenge you to give running naked a try, even just once, to see how it feels. Allow yourself to listen to the melody of your breath. Notice the way your feet feel as they come in contact with the Earth. Feel the breeze brush or whip against your skin. Watch how the tree branches seem to dance to the rhythm of your steps.
It's a wildly simple concept, and that's kind of the point. At a time when we're more tethered to tech than ever before, I think it's essential to seize opportunities to slow down, strip away distractions, and reconnect with the beauty of our world.
Kristine Thomason is a lifestyle writer and editor based in Southern California. Previously, she was the health and fitness director at Mindbodygreen and the fitness and wellness editor at Women's Health. Kristine's work has also appeared in PS, Travel + Leisure, Men's Health, Health, and Refinery29, among others.
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