The Shoelace Loop

Today’s newsletter is written by Letty from Marathon Media. Letty hosts both, the Marathon Running Podcast and LettyRuns YouTube Channel.

This week, let’s focus on a small, deliberate act of preparation that can have a surprisingly big impact on our sense of confidence and control: the "Shoelace Loop". It’s more than just tying your shoes; it’s a commitment to a detail that can prevent a moment of frustration, a potential fall, or a break in your running rhythm. This simple, yet powerful, knot is a way of declaring that you’ve prepared for every variable, no matter how small, and that nothing will stand in the way of your focused effort.

In the midst of a run, a loose shoelace is more than a minor annoyance—it’s an abrupt interruption to our flow, a break in our concentration that can be difficult to recapture. The Shoelace Loop is a small act of preemptive preparation that eliminates this distraction entirely. It’s a quiet testament to the fact that you’ve done your due diligence, that you’ve thought through the details, and that you are ready to give your full attention to the run itself. By adopting this as a ritual, you build a foundation of confidence from the ground up, ensuring that every step you take is a secure and intentional one.

Think about the feeling of a perfectly executed plan: the gear is ready, the route is set, and your mind is clear. The Shoelace Loop is the final piece of that puzzle. It's the physical embodiment of a mental commitment to a smooth, uninterrupted run. By ensuring your laces are secure, you're not just preventing a potential tripping hazard; you're also protecting your focus and allowing yourself to fully immerse in the rhythm of your strides. It's a small detail that reinforces the big picture: every part of your preparation matters, and every part of you is ready to run.

Why Make the Shoelace Loop Your Ritual?

• Prevents Unwanted Interruptions: A secure knot means you won't have to stop and retie your shoes, preserving your rhythm and momentum for a more consistent run.

• Builds Confidence in Your Gear: Knowing that your shoes are securely fastened gives you one less thing to worry about, allowing you to focus on your form and effort.

• Enhances Safety: A loose shoelace is a tripping hazard. This simple knot can help prevent falls, especially on uneven terrain or crowded paths.

• A Final Mental Check-In: The act of intentionally tying a secure knot serves as a final mental cue that you are prepared and ready to begin your run.

How to Intentionally Incorporate the Shoelace Loop into Your Next Run:

• Tie as You Normally Would: Start with a regular overhand knot and a single bow.

• Create the "Loop": Before you tighten the bow, take the loop you've just created and fold it back on itself.

• Tie a Second Knot: Now, with the folded loop, tie a second overhand knot. This creates a double-locking mechanism that is extremely secure.

• Practice for Confidence: It might feel a little different at first, but with a few tries, this secure knot will become a natural and automatic part of your pre-run routine.