Nike and Headspace have created the first audio-guided runs for meditation on the move

Meditation is more about the act of mindfulness and less about what you’re physically doing, which is why it’s most commonly associated with stationary or low-impact exercises like yoga, sitting still, and even taking a walk. But recently, meditation and mindfulness have become an increasingly common tool and practice for runners, so much so that Nike has embarked on a new partnership with mindfulness app Headspace to bring a thoughtful helper to its on-the-go audience.

Nike’s app Nike+ Run Club has been producing audio-guided runs (AGRs) for some time, but it’s now inching into the wellness sphere by introducing what the brand refers to as the world’s first audio-guided mindful runs. While the original AGRs are narrated by a number of experts and coaches who give tips to improve form, stamina, and speed, the new mindfulness guides aim to help the runner find inner strength and peace throughout the course of the workout.

“When we are running mindfully, we are actively creating the conditions for that sense of flow, meaning everything is enhanced, from technique and motivation to focus and recovery.” —Chris Bennett, global head coach of Nike Running

“By the end of each of these runs, the hope is the athlete has learned a little more about themselves as a runner,” Chris Bennett, global head coach of Nike Running, said in the press release. He added that he hopes mindfulness can, in essence, bridge the gap between runners and their ambitions. “When we are running mindfully, we are actively creating the conditions for that sense of flow, meaning everything is enhanced, from technique and motivation to focus and recovery.”

So the next time you need some clarity, lace up those sneakers and run on it.

Since we don’t all have time to run during daylight hours, here are the tips you need when running after dark, plus how to avoid junk running.