Need a Change of Perspective? Go for a Run. Maybe in the Opposite Direction.

For me, running has always had the ability to change my mood for the positive. Going out for an easy run has even helped me turn from an exhausted version of myself to a newly invigorated one. There’s something transformative that happens on a run. It’s almost like traveling—being in a different time and space seems to always offer new perspective.

Since I started running in my late teens, I was aware of the power of a run. Since those early days, I’ve tried to avoid making big decisions without going for a run. Being in rhythmic motion is meditative and mindful. Even when I’m not trying to solve a problem—an indecision, a storyline, a personal or work issue of any sort—the answer usually comes to me partway through a run. It’s a gift to be outside and moving and gaining perspective in the process.

I’ve recently realized the value in gaining new perspective even about running by running a regular route in the opposite direction than I’m used to. I think as runners, we are creatures of habit. You find a route you like and you repeat that route once a week or more. But the next time your routes feel stale to you, or if you just want to change up your perspective on running—or on anything—try this: run your regular route in the opposite direction.

What I’ve found happens is that the views are completely different. The climbs and descents are different. The footing—if I’m on a trail—is different going in one direction than it is going in the other. And what happens when running a route in the opposite direction is that my perspective on that running route changes. It’s like I’ve given myself a whole new route to enjoy, even if it’s the exact same route, only backwards.

What also happens when running a route differently than what I’m accustomed to is that my mind works differently. I engage with my surroundings in a new way, and that triggers different patterns of thinking. I get a new perspective. It’s refreshing.

Sometimes, as runners, we can feel burnt out on running. And sometimes, as humans, we can feel burnt out on the day to day. Switching up a run can solve both feelings of blah. Aside from running a route backwards than what you regularly do, there are other ways to switch up your running to reinvigorate the activity and also reinvigorate everything else you may have going on.

If you regularly run roads, try running on a dirt path, easy trail, or around a park. If trails are your thing, try a road or track run.

If you regularly run in the morning, try running in the middle of the day if possible, or the evening (yay for longer days!).

If you regularly run with music in your ears, try unplugging and paying close attention to the sights and sounds of your surroundings. If you run unplugged, try a run with music.

If you regularly run solo, find a friend or join a running club. If you always run with people, try running with just yourself as company.

Trying new things—even just once—can provide a different perspective on running, and on life. So the next time you feel stuck in any way, go for a run and see how you feel afterward. And pay special attention to the differences in the way you think after a run. I’m betting that at least one thing that was bothering you beforehand might feel a little bit smaller afterward. And if simply going for a run doesn’t help, trying running your route in the opposite direction the next time you head out.