Running With a Notebook
A tiny notebook series on notebook uses in daily life
I try to do a long run every weekend. Some run coaching programs consider a long run to last 90 minutes or more. These days, I try to run for at least two hours on one day of the weekend. The brisk mornings this time of year make for particularly pleasant running weather. But my long runs are early, always competing for time with my early morning writing sessions. To keep my writing at the forefront of my mind and my notes accessible at a moment’s notice, I run with a tiny notebook.
For my long runs, I pack my phone, notebook, pen, and folding keyboard in a thin, waterproof sleeve. The sleeve keeps the sweat away from my writing materials. All very light, my writing pack weighs in at less than two pounds (at least that is my estimate).
I alternate between “hydropacks” and fanny packs, but the waterproof sleeve always comes with me when I bring my writing materials. Of course, I bring running fuel with me too.
Because my long runs start early, I often see the sun start to rise. Sometimes I run for an hour, and other times, I run for two or more hours. My long run distance is based on feel and my weekly running goals. If I’ve run for 18 miles during the week, my long run will probably be around 12 miles if I want to hit a 30-mile running week.
Sometimes I feel very focused during my run. If I am in a good flow and don’t feel any fatigue, I run with no writing break and just return to my writing later in the morning. But, if I am having a very relaxed day and just enjoying the running route, I might find a picnic table or bench to use as a temporary writing desk.
During these brief writing breaks, I use a tiny notebook to take outlining notes and scribble ideas to guide my writing as I type. Many of my writing ideas start on paper and then get typed in Obsidian. I edit and revise the text in the Ulysses writing app.
I started running with a notebook because, as someone who runs ultra-long distances, I can run quite far in one direction. I like to spend most mornings on focused writing, especially on the weekends, and almost always on Sundays. Writing is a lovely way for me to recharge. It can make for a pleasant break during a long run. Then, when I feel ready again, I run more and maybe think through the writing, giving me something specific to deliberate on during the rest of my run.
This is one way I meld writing into my running habit because sometimes it is hard to choose. This way, I just don’t have to.
Notes
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