[+] Solitude – About Running Alone

The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner

[Diesen Artikel gibt es auch auf Deutsch]

"The long-distance run of an early morning makes me think that every run like this is a life – a little life, I know – but a life as full of misery and happiness and things happening as you can ever get really around yourself" ― Alan Sillitoe, The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner

At the beginning of my "running career" (what a strange phrase), I ran only by myself. I had no friends or relatives who ran, no training group, no running club, not even colleagues at work with whom I could go for a run during my lunch break. It was normal for me to be alone when I ran. This may sound sad, but there were some advantages to running alone that I still appreciate today. Which happens remarkably often.

(Photo by Stephan Wieser)

I am aware of myself.

I notice exactly what is happening to me and my body as I run. This can be the degree of fatigue, which I can assess well if I listen carefully, or noticeable hardening, shortening, inflammation or pressure points. An early warning system for impending injury. But also brilliant ideas that can come out of nowhere if the mind is not distracted.