Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Ramadan 17, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Why the best ideas come when you are running

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The just concluded Muscat Marathon may have separated the wheat from the chaff of professional or serious runners, but just the fact that so many people participated goes to show the popularity of physical exercise, especially as the weather cools down in Muscat.


While we all know that running is good for the body, keeping cholesterol and blood pressure in check, it is as good, or even better, for the mind.


As the body begins to run or even make quick strides, it releases hormones called endorphins. These are hormones that relieve stress by alleviating pain and giving a general sense of wellbeing.


In fact, psychologists often recommend going for a run to cure a bout of minor depression, or when trying to make a decision.


That is because running activates the hippocampus — the part of the brain associated with memory and learning and has been known to maximise memory retention, encourage multitasking and elevate mood, according to Johns Hopkins Health.


No wonder that one’s best ideas come when running on the treadmill, or outdoors.


Many writers swear by running for inspiration, guidance and routine. Bloggers compare the pain of reaching the finish line in a running race to the struggle of staring at a blank page that needs to be filled in.


Of course, there are other, more obvious ways in which running helps writers: concentrating without other distractions helps to outline a plot or jog a memory; the rhythm of the feet calms one down and helps to focus; and the beauty of the surroundings can only be further inspiration.


Many famous authors seem to agree. Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami said, “Exerting yourself to the fullest within your individual limits: that’s the essence of running, and a metaphor for life — and for me, for writing as well. Even more succinctly, Malcolm Gradwell, essayist and author says, “I free associate [while running]. I suspect a lot of useful thinking is going on on a subconscious level”.


In many ways, writing is like running: the slogging, the pages and miles to be filled up, and the great satisfaction of having done so are immeasurable.


It is also why physical exercise needs to be encouraged at every level in education. Running a marathon is about strategy, patience and endurance. These are real life skills that will help as children negotiate through their life.


There are plenty of suggestions on how to maximise the benefits of running, particularly for a writer. They include trying to run solo for focus, leaving music and other distractions behind, going on a known route to avoid having to focus on roads and, most importantly, letting go of all stressors to let the mind flow.


No matter what the reason for running, or writing for that matter, knowing that these two activities are connected will help us to engage in both, looking for inspiration through perspiration.


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