I think about the people I pass heading to work and why they're getting there so early. I think about the other runners and check out their gear, wonder how they get so fast, how many miles they've gone. I think about how I should hurry up and get home because I need to get ready for work.

I run like hell to escape the zombies.

Yeah, another treadmill with tv runner. I love it. No apologies.

As a beginning runner (again!) I love this thread. Glad to know I'm not the only one who thinks about silly things like what is jiggling on my body or how much I want to stop.

I used to zone out and think about whatever popped into my head. Now I either think about when my knee is going to start hurting or that my knee is killing me. Ugh.

If I run by myself I concentrate on whatever downloaded audiobook I have on my phone. Most of the time I run with a group so I chat with the people in the group. I used to have a regular running buddy (she took a new job that has her traveling a lot) so we used to just chat our whole run.

I zone out and can't remember what I think about, but it took years before the "ugh - why am I doing this, my body wants to stop" thoughts stopped.

What has really helped me is a running partner, or running in a small group. The distraction of chatting is the best and probably safer than music. Before you know it, you're done!

There are a number of running clubs in the area - check one out!

Ugh, runnning sucks. It's too cold/windy/rainy/hot out here anyway. I'll turn around at the corner. Nah, I should keep going. I'll be glad I did.

Does my butt jingle a lot when running? I can't ever tell. Is that dude looking at me b/c of that? I really hope that dog is on a leash.

Upcoming conversations I am going to have and what I am going to say. Call sister and tell her about our recent Disney trip. Talk to first time mom friend about baby stuff.

I do math problems.

OMG, Carlton on Real Housewives is nucking futs!

Yeah, I'm on a treadmill with a tv. Yeah, I know it's not as good, but it's what works for now.

So glad to know that others thoughts are similar to mine!

First 5 minutes: Ugh, why am I doing this? Why does my ass have to jiggle so much? Oh, yeah, THAT's why I'm doing this.

Next 15-20 minutes: Listening to music, in the groove, and either working through some problem/issue with work, thinking about my running/weight loss goals, or thinking about sex.

Last 5-10 minutes: Watching the time and just trying to finish the run.

I have allergies and very minor asthma, so I have to run with music. Otherwise, I can hear myself breathing and it makes it seem so much harder. (I was diagnosed with the asthma at 40, and I'm a long-time distance runner and former marathoner, so it was a big surprise.)

I think about whatever comes to mind. I typically run at lunch time, so I might try to solve work problems. Sometimes I stress about my renter who is making me crazy. Other times I just enjoy being outside without thinking about much of anything. Sometimes my to-do list goes through my head. And sometimes I just think, "damnit, I should have worn my knee braces. I'm getting old."

I think about what I am think about as I run....i know....deep isn't it?

"Oh God, am I there yet, when is the pain going to stop?"

When I run, I don't think about anything for a while. I don't listen to music (at all). My mind goes blank.

I may eventually end up thinking about my mother, who recently passed away. I do count my steps 1-2-3-4 in some places, especially when I must run on sidewalks. I hate sidewalks.

I love running at sunrise in the summer and watching the world wake up around me. The animals scurrying around. The sky changing color. It gives me a sense of peace.

Running has become therapy for me. And it's much cheaper than paying someone (other than the local running store).

Like others, listen to music and think about how much time I have left. Sometimes I visualize whatever end goal I have in mind - I'm training for a marathon so I imagine race day, my family cheering me on, crossing the finish line, etc. this usually leads me into thinking about past goals I've had/accomplished so I think about previous races, how good I looked in the bridesmaid dress at a wedding a few years ago, training in preparation for some scuba diving rescue diver classes six years ago, etc.