Run Smart
For your second run with Andy and Nike Coach Chris Bennett, you’ll work on changing your approach to running, by becoming more aware of your thoughts.
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Hi, and welcome to this run with Headspace. So if you haven't already started running, you can set off now at just a nice, steady pace. So we're aiming for a 15 minute run today, and we're really lucky to have back with us the global head of Running from Nike, Coach Bennett. He is the perfect companion on any run. He's gonna help us get through the next 15 minutes. So whether we're training the body or training the mind, I feel like consistency is everything. It's not really about achieving kind of goals as such. It's more about sort of showing up each day. So Coach, as we head out, as we get started today, how should we be thinking? Just like the first run, actually. It's just starting nice and easy, and that's no different than how we started that last run that we did together. And already I'm hoping that the runner with us today realizes that they've progressed because they probably remember how we started that first run and that means that they're already a smarter runner. That means they're a better runner. And that also means that they may find me a little redundant today, but that's what so much of coaching is actually about, teaching many of the same lessons in different ways and taking lessons learned and using that knowledge to end the run or the day better. So you know the deal. Start easy, start controlled, be patient, let the body and the mind warmup and ease into this 15 minute run. Let yourself adjust from not running to running, and celebrate a little bit! I should have mentioned at the start, so Coach likes to celebrate. So are we celebrating already, Coach? Oh, absolutely. We're doing another run together. We started another run, so I'm not gonna wait to celebrate. We can celebrate the finish at the finish. I want to celebrate the start at the start. Beginning of run is tough, and we did that. So we're already successful. That's a reason enough to celebrate. I love that. I couldn't agree more. So wherever you are, you're taking time for yourself, and that's gonna make a difference. How do you think about sort of setting out this idea of either being comfortable with just whatever thoughts arise in the mind, or perhaps focusing on sort of specific positive thoughts that are there in the mind? Well, I think being positive at the start of a run is a bonus. The earliest part of a run is usually about running off some sluggishness and it can often be a difficult part of the run for an athlete. So if we're able to start a run positive, that doesn't mean we won't be sluggish, or feel slow or heavy. It just means that we understand we might. And if we do, so be it. There's no pressure here early in the run. In fact, this part of the run is all...
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About your teachers
- Andy PuddicomeHeadspace Co-founderMore about Andy
A former Buddhist monk, Andy has guided people in meditation and mindfulness for 20 years. In his mission to make these practices accessible to all, he co-created the Headspace app in 2010.
- Eve Lewis PrietoHeadspace Director of MeditationMore about Eve
Eve is a mindfulness teacher, overseeing Headspace’s meditation curriculum. She is passionate about sharing meditation to help others feel less stressed and experience more compassion in their lives.
- Dora KamauMeditation TeacherMore about Dora
As a meditation teacher, Dora encourages others to live, breathe, and be with the fullness of their experiences. She loves meditation’s power to create community and bring clarity to people’s minds.
- Kessonga GiscombeMeditation TeacherMore about Kessonga
Kessonga has been an acupuncturists, therapist, and meditation teacher, working to bring mindfulness to the diverse populations of the world.
- Rosie AcostaMeditation TeacherMore about Rosie
Rosie Acosta has studied yoga and mindfulness for more than 20 years and taught for over a decade. Rosie’s mission is to help others overcome adversity and experience radical love.

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