Relax by running sounds like a contradiction, but for me it’s not. When I focus on how I place my feet on the path, lift my chest and push a little extra towards the hill I feel my tensions unripple. Before I have warmed up to the rhythm of my own feet, my breath is constricted, but experience have told me that I need to get over a small barrier and just run. When sweat trickles from my back, I feel how tensions dissipate, and I imagine I could run forever.
You might think that it has be beautiful nature around me, but often this way of relaxing works better if there is a weight of fog on my shoulders. If there is a drizzle in my face, I feel how the warmth of my own body soothes and how my muscles carry me forward. Afterwards I feel empty and ready to tackle any problems or maybe even better read a book.
runner’s feet —
syncopating a woodpecker’s
teasing rhythm
The silent runner by Nathan Oliviera
A second contribution on how to relax for Haibun Monday at dVerse with Toni.
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May 23, 2016
Björn Rudbergs writings 
I often hear of runner’s high, the natural endorphins coursing through the body and brain. And sometimes, you do have to just exhaust yourself before you can relax. I like this take on defing your own way to relax.
I like the weight of fog on your shoulders. Is it comforting, or does it weigh you down? It sounds like a comfort.
I love how endorphins kick in and push the reset button. I, too, feel both relaxed and empowered after a good workout (though I don’t do a lot of running). Excellent.
Relaxing vicariously through your harried pace since my knees are shot, Bjorn. Thanks for the run!
Though I’m not a runner, I really understood that focus of the foot hitting the pavement or dirt. One of the ways I can still my busy mind is to home in on a certain sensation and just stay with it. So grateful you reminded me of that.
Awesome – ‘syncopated with a woodpecker’
Lately i walk lots, unless I have something to be in shape for I find it tough to motivate myself to run.
I totally agree… its like a meditation for me…
I admire runners when I do my walking, smiles ~ I specially love how it resembles a woodpecker’s teasing rhythm ~
I love to walk, and also love the rhythm of the elliptical, so I get this. Especially when you add the fog, and the rain. Love it.
Lovely piece.
“weight of fog on my shoulders” I love foggy mornings. The silence, the mystery, the coolness is so relaxing.
Oh, I just love the phrase “weight of fog on my shoulders”! Especially followed by “I feel how the warmth of my own body soothes and how my muscles carry me forward.” There’s a joy of pure physicality in this piece — how the mind is soothed by losing oneself in the rhythms of the body.
And the haiku is wonderful too 🙂
I prefer walking fast but you make running sound amazing… how good to move the body in a rhythmic way.
I don’t run but sometimes (too seldom) do yoga and the process you described is somewhat the same. Including the off-loading, an emerging at the end of it.
I suppose tension sometimes makes its way into our bodies rather than our minds and being physical is one way to “dislodge” it.
Nice to read this response to add to all of those so nature inspired.There is a zone I think we get into when we push ourselves physically…almost surreal. A great release of stress.
Thank you for giving me vicariously an experience I don’t choose to have – but was glad to share and feel through your words.
A superb haibun: visceral, authentic, cathartic and rather jubilant, I thought.