Bad Angel Rule #92

Refrain from Doing Running Math.

Admittedly, I’m not the biggest math wiz on the planet. And my already suspect skills diminish exponentially when I’m trying to do math while running.

Who knew calculating splits could be so hard?

Calculating splits or distance, however simple the addition or multiplication might be, can turn into a monumental task mid-run. The longer the run, the higher the degree of difficulty.

The best way to avoid running math is to plan, plan, plan. Map your route beforehand. If you’re racing for a goal time, write your desired splits on your hand or arm — or, even better, get a temporary pace tattoo.

Most importantly, don’t let running math stress you out. Sometimes we rely so heavily on the numbers — time, pace, distance — related to running that we forget to enjoy the run itself. In short: you can still be a good athlete even if you’re not a mathlete. — Mags