— Are you one of those drivers who can change lanes while eating a taco, reading the paper, tuning the radio and talking or texting on a cell phone? I hope not, but you know we share the road with multi-taskers. The combination of technology from cell phones to automatic transmissions makes it possible, if dangerous, to do two or more things at once.
— But a lifestyle that is so demanding of every second of our time cannot be healthy for body or mind. And it’s probably not healthy for pedestrians or other drivers on the road either.
— It’s only a matter of time before we’ll be in a footrace with someone who seems to be talking to himself. It will be Bluetooth and he’ll be calling friends to brag about his running pace or perhaps telling his broker to buy Nike or New Balance stock. He could even be talking to another runner on the same course. It’s OK. None of the rest of us wanted to talk to him (or her) anyway so he’ll hear no complaints.
— Some runners have to multi-task to get time for a run. If it’s the only way they can find the time, or if they need the distraction while they run that’s their business, not mine. Still, I have to wonder if they are getting the full benefit from the effort.
— I was once the Mayor of a small town. There were constant phone calls. Surprisingly, few to none of them were glowing reports or compliments on my performance. As part time Mayor and a full time firefighter, a ringing telephone could mean only one thing: problem! To this day, even in my retirement, I shy away from answering the phone and I can guarantee you will never see me running with a phone plugged into my ear.
— One of the best reasons for a run (for me) is the escape, the change of pace or for a time-out. And for me, more than anything, the best reason is solitude. Time away from the house. Time away from the phone! Time away from anything that distracts me from thinking about….whatever I want to think about.
— Running is respite from everyday stress and stress from unusual and critical situations that we encounter in our lives. A tired and warmed up body can relax and truly rest. And what could be more important to someone living a high stress lifestyle than a good night’s sleep? But wait! Do they take that thing out of their ear when they go to bed?