We may receive an affiliate commission from anything you buy from this article.In his new book, "The Running Ground: A Father, a Son, and the Simplest of Sports" (to be published Oct.
28 by Random House), tech journalist and CEO of The Atlantic Nicholas Thompson explores his passion for running, the simplicity of the sport, and how it has changed his sense of self.Read an excerpt below, and don't miss Tony Dokoupil's interview with Nicholas Thompson on "CBS Sunday Morning" October 26!"The Running Ground" by Nicholas Thompson $30 at Amazon Prefer to listen? Audible has a 30-day free trial available right now.Try Audible for free Running is the simplest of sports: right foot, left foot, right foot.
There's no ball to focus on, no mat to land on, no one charging toward you with their shoulder down.But the simplicity opens up complexity.
As you run, your attention shifts inward.You're just you — right foot, left foot, and whatever goes on in your mind.
Running strips you down.The less clothing you wear, the faster you go.
The lighter your shoes, the faster you go.As you go faster, your head empties too.
At a certain point, all you can register is the sensation of each foot striking the pavement.Mind and matter briefly become one.
You may have to worry about wind and rain and heat, but you rarely have to worry about anyone else.You do it by yourself, which gives you control.
You don't need to travel to a gym or a field; you just need to open your front door.The sport's simplicity means your successes are your own, and also that there's no one else to blame when you fail.
And no sport shows the relentless decline of the aging body more clearly than running.If you can't do what you did a year or a month ago, the evidence is right there on your watch.
Sometimes, I use running as a form of meditation.I put on my shoes and go out.
I connect my watch to satellites and then try to disconnec...