Minimalism of Running

All of us in some way or the other and at some level, understand that wanting and desiring more material objects is a never ending and vicious cycle. The cycle never ends and no one ever goes six feet under with contentment and smugness of having amassed all that could be possibly amassed.

Minimalism is a concept which has been in existence ever since mankind realized and understood the deleterious effect of excesses and the benefits of simplicity and meagreness.

Minimalism is simply a guiding star to be followed in order to allow yourself to synchronize your possessions with your real needs. Procuring bigger, shinier, more expensive or simply more of objects is ultimately unnecessary physical and mental clutter.

The short term happiness of amassing outweighs the long term costs of hauling those possessions with you. It is like a mule which is being constantly being loaded and eventually its legs will buckle.

Running is an everyday lesson in Minimalism. It is the simplest of sports which requires the least amount of equipment and clothing. It cannot be practiced while indulging in excesses.

To run with the least effort; body weight has to be minimal; food intake has to be limited; clothes have to be minimal; shoes have to be minimal. Don’t mistake minimal shoes for the minimalistic shoe trend since here the pair of shoes in question is any pair of shoes which is suitable for running; we wouldn’t run a marathon in combat boots.

Even during a race- body movement, breathing, calorie intake and hydration has to be minimal and just right- no less, no more. Excess in any of these race facets can jeopardize a race or hamper performance.

During training we practice the least required- vertical movement of legs, arm swing and neck movement. The idea behind this is to conserve as much energy as possible i.e. to be as minimalistic as possible.

One of the primary reasons for running races is the desire and goal to reduce your previous timing. This constant endeavor to shave of minutes and seconds is an extension of Minimalism. Minimizing timing is directly related to how much you have minimized your body and the running gear adorning it. Even negative self talk during a race has to be minimized in order to maximize the results.

Companies are selling running gear which are designed to be the smallest and lightest possible, yet strong and reliable since minimalistic is the requirement of a runner and that is what takes him further and beyond.

Maybe the minimalist shoe trend was more of an emotional rather than scientific path.

Knowing fully well about, and after continuously practicing the basic tenet of Minimalism in running, we end up forgetting it when we stop running.

Other than the general tendency that we practice in life to amass objects, if we talk about running specifically, then there is a mad craze to hoard equipment, event t-shirts, running gear and finisher medals. People scrimmage for free event t-shirts and free food at events. It is simply contradictory to the simplicity of the sport of running.

I admire with envy some of the runners who have just a couple of pairs of shorts, singlets and shoes because I know that their running is clearer and more purposeful. Their running is not motivated by possession. They do not require the temporary motivation of a new wardrobe or equipment or a finisher medal in order to step out and run. I can imagine such a runner opening his wardrobe and pick up his minimal attire. There is no chaos of possession and usage allotment; there is complete purpose.

In fact, I would dare to imagine that a minimal wardrobe would increase the training regularity since the effort in maintaining its cleanliness and usability would connect a runner more with himself and his running.

I hark back to my regimen which was supplemented in summers by just two singlets, two shorts, one pair of shoes and a watch. It felt spartan, clean, tidy and purposeful. It used to be bare and strong with the only motivation coming from the anticipated effort and the results.

I look at my running wardrobe now and there is confusion. Event t-shirts that I don’t need, and apparel which I have never used and never intend to use. Fortunately, I don’t have medals since I either don’t take them, or I throw them away, or I give them to my niece to bang and bash.

I’ll put the house in order soon. Less is more.