Mind Games

Anyone who done anything monotonous and repetitive for an extended period of time (long distance cycling, running, swimming) gets asked the same question-what do you think about? The answer is pretty simple: everything. The best days are the ones where you can zone out and go onto autopilot and ‘come round’ at the end of the session. Most days you find yourself thinking about the most random of things.

I try to think out mind games-the favourite at the moment is the Pinnochio riddle: if Pinnochio walks into a room and says “I’m lying.” Does his nose grow? (N.B. There are 28 correct answers).

I play other games where you work out your favourite meals/songs/movies in loads of different catergories. I try to think out scenarios that are ahead of me on the trip. I try not to think about how far I have to go or how much pain I’m in. I try to think up jokes and at the time they’re hilarious, later they’re less so….

I had a mate e-mail on my last trip telling me about some problems he was having with his girlfriend; I e-mailed him back a five page word document with two appendices. That’s how much thinking time you have! I try and get good songs in my head but invariabley end up with some 80′s TV theme tune or old power ballad in my head. Below are three of the best in your head tunes and three of the worst.

The Best

Elbow-One Day Like This

The Verve-Bittersweet Symphony

Foo Fighters-All My Life

The Worst

THESE COME WITH AN ADVANCED WARNING-DO NOT LISTEN TO THESE! THEY WILL STAY IN YOUR HEAD FOREVER!

Theme Tune to the Family Ness

Tetris

Celine Dion-All By Myself (any Celine Dion will do really)

I told you not to listen to them! If you’ve got any suggestions for good (and bad) head songs then pop them in the comments below or here on my twitter.