Run for your life: How running supports your writing brain

I started running in my twenties for fitness. Now in my forties, it’s more about focus. I like to find space to think through concepts, straplines, brand campaigns, whatever is on this week’s list.

Every year the distance feels harder. I’m slower, heavier. I take more shortcuts and rest often. I prepare less and fail more. But I’m still getting out there. Still lapping everyone on the couch ;-)

Here’s why I think my writer’s brain needs to run:

1.     Time away from to-dos

Like most people I have far too many tabs open in my brain. It’s not just the daily workload. It’s remembering to fill in forms for school, planning meals, caring for relatives, walking the dog, avoiding streak freezes on Duo Lingo...

It’s relentless.

Running gives me that essential pause and much-needed mental break. I love making lists, so it’s my chance to get everything in order which leaves my mind less cluttered when I sit down to write.

2.     A business coach in your ear

I’ve been a member of Nike Run Club for so long it deleted all my data last year and reset itself. Guess I have a long way to make it to Volt now. Anyway, recently I’ve started following a training plan again to provide some boundaries and discipline. Coach Bennett is a complete inspiration. His motivational talks can almost always be applied to business. He talks about how the greatest journeys begin with the smallest step and congratulates me for just showing up. Go me.

3.     Fresh air and focus

As well as the obvious health benefits, running provides the space to let your mind wander. Even the best copywriters have days when the words just aren’t free flowing. I tend to drift off a little bit when I’m pounding the pavements or navigating golfers which always seems to fuel better ideas. There’s nothing worse than staring blankly at a screen and willing the magic to happen.

4. Setting goals and sticking to them

Running a freelance copywriting business and running a race have so many parallels. They both rely on strategy, skills and dogged endurance. I’m the sort of person who needs a challenge. I’m driven to achieve. It’s just part of my nature. Training for a run gives me a personal goal that can work in tandem with my writing ambition. I may have had to reduce my target due to injury, but I’ll still give it everything I’ve got.  

5. Supporting a good cause

I like getting involved in fitness challenges and running events that support good causes. My favourite type of writing jobs also happens to be those that benefit others. Public sector, healthcare, not-for-profits. If you can find a project that has a good purpose at its heart, you're more likely to stick with it and feel rewarded. I'll be attempting the Wilmslow Festive 10k again this November in aid of Cancer Research. Wish me luck!

Victoria Green is a senior conceptual copywriter based in the UK. With over 25 years of experience supporting big brands, marketing agencies and local independents, Vicks helps healthcare, B2C and B2B clients find their voice. If you want to get results with help from a professional writer, get in touch: vicky@greencopyandco.com