I’ve been running for almost as long as I’ve been a creative professional and I can’t help but notice ways that running fuels the creative side of me. Here are a five ways I think running is good for the creative spirit.

Have a finish line.

I don’t like running on the treadmill or running laps. It’s too easy to quit early. That’s why I like to run out and back or in a big loop. Once you’re miles from the finish line, there is only one way to get back, and there is no copping out.

I find the creative process parallels that desire to bail before the finish line. I get tired of tweaking, changing, refining, etc. To avoid that “good enough” mindset, I set myself clear goals – as clear as I can make them. It gives me something to aim for. Goals keeps me accountable.

It’s not always pleasant, but push through.

When you put that running gear on and head out the door you’re making an agreement with yourself. You’re acknowledging there is a good chance this could suck, and you’re OK with that possibility. When I set out to run I know I’m going to have a bit of knee pain, maybe some blisters, it might be bloody hot outside, and the list goes on.

In the same way, when I sit down to create something new, I’m making the same sort of agreement with myself; this process may be ugly, painful, and down right taxing.

Developing the discipline to PUSH THROUGH the unpleasantries is vital to both running and the creative process.

Feel something different.

I run in Vibram Five Fingers for several reasons, but one of them is because I love the feeling of earth beneath my feet. Feeling something different or out of the ordinary engages me as a runner. I often take notice of what is “different” from my everyday routine while I’m out running. I notice the slight pain in my knee, my elevated heart rate, the heat of the sun, or the bitter cold chill of winter. I notice the sights, sounds, and smells that are different than spending most of my days indoors – behind a computer. I try and take note of these differences, and I let them drawl out thoughts or emotions that might otherwise be trapped by they everyday routine of life.

Engaging the different or new has a direct impact on my creative process. The “different” brings new aspects or elements into the process that might not otherwise have been there.

Discipline the mind.

I swear, running is 90% mind games. Sure, it takes a bit of effort to get your body to comply with what you’re asking of it, but that’s such a small part of the process. It’s a mind game convincing yourself that today is a good day to run, that it’s going to be worth the effort, that you really can do this. Shutting up all the little voices that tell you otherwise is THE name of the game.

I’ve been a full-time creative for almost 15 years, and I still have to fight off those little voices that tell me I can’t bring something new and innovative to the table. The discipline of controlling those thoughts and looking for solutions is vital.

Finding reasons to keep on task, pressing forward, and finishing is a powerful way to combat all the reasons not to.

Consistency matters

While in Tampa I joined a running group that started their daily miles at 4:30am. During one of our morning jogs one of my fellow runners asked me what the difference is between taking 3 weeks off of running and 3 months. His answer: not a damn thing.

Consistency counts in running, just like it counts in the creative process. Sure, runners need time for recovery and creatives need time to decompress, but checking out of either disciplines for months at a time can really throw your rhythm off.

When I need time to recover after a race or injury I find other ways to keep my cardio up and my body active (swimming, cycling, weight training). When I need time to decompress from the design process I’ll often take on a project in the wood shop or throw my creative energy behind the lens of a camera.

Diversifying ways of staying creative can help avoid burning out.

Amelia picked up the running shoes where I had left them. She’s gone from anti running to hardcore runner within the last year. She’s been accompanied by a good friend and running partner, and together they banged out several races last summer – one of which was a half marathon. They are both training for a 25k this spring, and I would be surprised if they didn’t run a full marathon by the time summer is over.

Historically, I was the runner in our family, which isn’t saying much. The longest road race I’ve ever been in was a 5k, and that was last summer (which hurt far more than I care to admit). I ran a 10k as part of a triathlon, but that’s the extent of it.

Amelia and Jen have been a bit of an inspiration over the past year. They ran through the cold winter months, and they are both in great shape for a rockin racing season. So, a few weeks ago I picked up the running shoes again in hopes to tag along for their 25k. So far, no real knee pain to speak of, and my heart is playing nicely again. Two thumbs up.

Amelia and Jen just started a running blog. Be sure to check it out: www.torunisfun.com

Their first half marathon

I tried all sorts of therapy to try and address the pain; strength training, stretching, icing, etc. Nothing seemed to work. I couldn’t get past 2 miles without knee pain – for days.

At the beginning of summer I asked a friend who is the epitome of fitness if she had any recommendations. She asked around to a few of her fellow athletes and came back suggesting Vibram’s Fivefingers. I had never seen or heard of them, but I was willing to look into it. I had read several articles about runners getting closer to nature (or pavement) by opting for either no shoe at all or a very low shoe as a cure for knee pain (along with a host of other reasons).

I didn’t pull the trigger until a month ago, and regret waiting so long. I’ve been running in Fivefingers for a couple of weeks now and so far, no sign of knee pain.

Speaking from my own experience, here is why I think they are solving my problem: Because the shoe has NO soul my instinct is to not run the traditional heel-toe stride – and because of that, I have a LOT less impact on my knees and other joints. I’m landing on the fronts of my feet and my ankles are absorbing the initial contact.

I’ll admit, the first couple of weeks my legs were KILLING me. My stride was working muscles I didn’t know existed and on top of that I gained a couple of blisters (no socks). Blisters and muscle soreness go away though – and they did. I ran six miles the other day and everything felt wonderful!

For the first time in over a year, I am enjoying running again!

Thank you Fivefingers!

Over the years I’ve added several more reasons to run and keep running. I still run for the therapeutic reasons – the runner’s high is addicting, but now I run for a variety of health reasons, to stay fit, to stay disciplined, and to become a better designer.

I know, running to become a better designer sounds like a stretch at best, but here’s what I’ve been able to take away from running and apply to being a creative.

1. The fresh air, heart rate thumping, and the body moving in unison creates an phycological environment to focus. The elevated levels of oxygen running threw my brain are just the boost I need to stay sharp.
2. Being surrounded by out of the ordinary smells, textures, sounds and sights, I’m exposing myself to new input I can build on in other ways. If I block out the endless conversations running threw my mind I’m able to see a world of elements that grow me as a creative.
3. Running offers a very physical and tangible situation to push through adversity. The practice of “pushing through” is a 99% mental game, and it has paid off countless times when faced with a creative dilemma. There is something to be said for building mental stamina, will and a determinedness to push through – despite the pain or frustration I’m facing.
4. I often run with headphones on – sometimes it’s just a musical piece and sometimes it’s a favorite signer. I’m the type that would have music on 24/7 if my wife could sleep with a piano in the background. Running and listen to music is a unique experience though. It’s often the only time I’m able to fully engage in what I’m listening to, and listening and exposing yourself to great art can only make you a stronger creative.
5. Lastly, the runner’s high is irreplaceable. After a good long run, I can’t even begin to tell you how much more clear my thought patterns are. I’m able to focus easier, solve problems quicker, and have a sharper mind overall. Irreplaceable.

These are some of the benefits I’m able to take from running and apply to being a creative, and the beauty of these perks is that they apply to pretty much every profession under the sun.

If you’re not a runner I would suggest giving it a try. It wont come easy though, and it will take you several weeks before you experience the full benefits of the sport – I think you’ll find that it’s worth it though.