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Many people find running therapeutic. It’s an escape from our busy lives and a time where you are “numero uno.” Some people do their best thinking while running, while others may work out their frustrations or personal problems by pounding the pavement. No matter your laundry list of problems or reasons to run, running is more than just meaningless exercise. Running can transcend “just another workout” into something more if you try.

Here are a few things you can do to transcend your run into something more:

1.) Leave the iPod at Home: I know what you’re thinking…How can I complete my run without my Lady Gaga Mega-Mix? Believe me, you can do it. Instead of listening to Gaga, listen to the rhythm of life (Okay that was cheesy, but for real)... Listen to the sound of cars, children laughing, the wind, nature, etc. Remember what you heard on your run and write it down. Instead of logging your miles, log your surroundings.

2.) Smell That? Piggy backing on the “rhythm of life” idea, write down what you smell on your run. Really get tuned into nature and your surroundings. After reading an article about this I tried it on one of my runs. It really is amazing what you smell when you really focus on it. Running/Smelling a few miles really transcends a normal run into an entirely new sensory experience. I noticed things I’ve run passed 100 times and never knew were there just because I followed my nose.

3.) A Night Cap: My dad always says “nothing good happens after midnight” and he’s probably right, but you can get plenty of miles in before the clock strikes twelve. Remember to wear reflective clothing, a headlamp or a flashing light so cars can see you, but don’t be afraid to hit the pavement after the sun goes down. I’ve found many trails become less populated, quieter, and more enjoyable when it’s just you, the night, and the light of your headlamp. Besides a few scary shadows, I was really surprised at how quiet the city is once the hustle and bustle stops. I do some of my best thinking on night runs including thinking of future topics to blog about.

4.) Find a trail: Get off the concrete and give your joints a nice cushioned break on a trail. I've done a few trail runs and talk about a sensory experience! Instead of thinking how much further do I have to run, you're thinking "step over rock, step on log, jump over creek, was that a deer? I think it was a deer! Oh crap..jump over large rock, duck some braches." Instead of looking ahead at a never ending road, you're looking at your feet and the next 2 ft. in front of you in preparation for a winding, always changing trail. Nothing will get you back to nature than running in nature.

So save the therapy bills and hit the pavement!