Silent Running

For a bit of motivation each month, I sign up to some of the challenges on the Strava app. I completed a 5K run very early in the month, and passed the 100K walking challenge a few days back, along with achieving the “Fresh Start 30 Hours of Activity” goal.
But the “Run 10K” challenge had eluded me so far, due to a combination of bad weather and dodgy joints. However, with only three days of January to go, and it being warm(ish) and dry outside, I thought I should have a go at it. As you can see from the picture, I made it - albeit at quite a slow pace. But my joints survived. In fact so well did they survive that I was able to go for a walk with Mrs C this afternoon as well.
I have noticed that when I pass others out running, they invariably have earphones in. Presumably they are listening to motivating music that helps them run. But I can’t do that - I find it distracting and I don’t like the feeling of being cut off from the outside world. I like to hear the sounds of nature, snatches of conversation - even the different sound my trainers make as the terrain underfoot changes.
So, not totally silent and there is a very definite dialogue running in my head. I like to use a run or walk to process various thoughts and ideas. Some can be dismissed and filed in trash. Some are noted and filed for future use. And some are played around with to formulate future plans. I don’t think I could do this with music playing at the same time.
Admittedly, near the end of a 10K run, the only thoughts are “is it nearly over?”, “why does everything hurt?” and “why did I ever take up running as a pastime?”
But I always feel mentally refreshed after a run. Problems that seemed insurmountable before I set off have either been dismissed as irrelevant or dealt with. Vague plans for the future have become more focused.
I suppose I have to concede that the physical and mental health benefits of going for a run far exceed a few aches and pains from ageing joints. And that’s a massive plus when facing pandemics and lockdowns.