Running

In the previous post I talked about the importance to me of taking off a day every week. In the same vein, I’d like to mention how being a runner has actually helped my writing.

In one of my earlier posts I covered the topic of how ideas about stories pop into my head. I can’t count how many times I’ve had a thought about a story I’m writing while I’m out for a run. It seems like the physical activity, the scenery, and my wandering mind, all combine to inspire clarity. Sometimes I’m not even thinking about my story when it happens.

Let me give an example. My project at the time was Assignment Day and there was a critical plot point I couldn’t resolve. About 2.5 miles into a 4-mile run the solution suddenly became clear. It was like I had to disengage my brain from the writing process to solve the writing problem.

I’ve been running for a few decades now and completed quite a few long runs. Beyond what it can do for your writing, exercise gives the obvious health benefits. I was going to say a healthy writer is a better writer, but plenty of writers proved otherwise, like Edgar Allan Poe for starters.

Running, walking, cycling, rowing - any of the common cardio exercises provide the same opportunity for your brain. I’m not sure anaerobic exercises, like lifting weights, would do the same. There’s just something about getting into the rhythm of an aerobic exercise that allows my brain to disengage. Even so, I’m not so much a running evangelist and instead have told friends and family they need to do whatever exercise they like.

Inspiration and solutions come at unexpected times. I’ve found the best forum for me is outdoors with a pair of running shoes on while I sweat in the hot summer sun.