Thursday, June 25, 2009

Running or Riding

Today was a Bike Ride day. I decided to map out another section of the area that I think would be good for someone who does not feel comfortable with traffic. In choosing these routes, I am looking for wide roads or bike lanes that help to keep cars at a distance.

It was a good ride, the sky had clouded up so the heat was not as intense as it had been earlier. The course I chose met the criteria I had set so all in all in was a good day.

When I was done, I started thinking about runs and rides. A question formed in my mind...why is it that I enjoy running more than riding? The question startled me for a moment. I had never really thought about running or riding in that way before. The more I thought about it, I came to realize that I preferred running. Having answered myself...I let my mind considered what it was about running that made me enjoy it more than biking.

I came to the conclusion that running was a matter of me and the run whereas riding added the element of the bike between me and the ride. Sounds a bit strange but I realized that when I am running, I am concentrating on the run, on me, on the sensations that arise as I am in motion. I do not feel this same oneness when riding. The bike adds a mechanical element to the equation that seems to prevent me from feeling the oneness I get from running.

I guess this is also why I have never been able to carry a radio or mp3 player while running.

It would be interesting to hear what others have to say about this. If you feel like it, add to the comments.

2 comments:

HappyTrails said...

Running is definitely more of you in touch with your environment. Cycling adds the element of mechanical controls to concentrate on, as well as the uncontrollable third element of cars, other cyclists, etc. that can really cause issues beyond your personal control. I too have a hard time running with an iPod unless it is an easy, flat run or it is cold and I need some distraction. Nice post.

Ahren said...

I just wanted to leave you a thank-you for what you're doing to map trails and make them accessible. I've been running for about 12 years now, and have lived in CS for just over 4. Frustrated with a lack of good sites to find new trails, I'd begun to explore the Front Range Trail system and map runs on my own using MapMyRun or Google Earth. Today I stumbled across your site and found that you've done a lot of work already. So thanks!

I don't yet do enough biking myself to comment on that aspect, but I can say that there is something about running which prevents me, too, from wearing an mp3 player. It makes me feel like the run is less "pure." As my high XC school coach used to say about running, "man vs. self, any questions?"