Traffic Lights and Cycles
When you stop, should you reset the cycle?
When you stop, should you reset the cycle?
Common Question
“During the ‘run 15 minutes, walk 5 minutes’ cycle, what should I do when stopped at a traffic light?”
- Reset the cycle?
- Stop the timer?
- Count traffic light wait as walking time?
This is a question many Reset Running practitioners have.
Conclusion
Short traffic light waits (1-2 minutes) can be included in the cycle without issue.
For longer waits, judge flexibly based on the situation.
What matters isn’t “following rules” but “listening to your body.”
Specific Cases
Case 1: Traffic Light During Running (About 1 minute)
Recommended: Keep the timer running
- About 1 minute can be included in running time without issue
- Do light foot tapping or knee bends while waiting
- Start running again when the light changes
Case 2: Long Traffic Light During Running (3+ minutes)
Recommended: Judge flexibly
- If you feel sufficiently recovered during the wait, shorten walking time afterward
- If the wait feels stressful, pause the timer
- Prioritize “body sensation” over “rules”
Case 3: Traffic Light During Walking
Recommended: Include in walking time as-is
- Walking time is for “recovery” and “savoring”
- Standing still at a traffic light is, in a sense, “savoring time”
- Look around at scenery, breathe deep, etc.
Case 4: Routes with Many Traffic Lights
Recommended: Choose different routes or adjust cycles
- Choose routes with fewer lights (riverbanks, parks, etc.)
- On routes with many lights, don’t worry too much about cycles
- Create your own pace “including traffic light waits”
Why “Strict Isn’t Necessary”
The Purpose of Reset Running
The purpose of Reset Running isn’t strictly following “run 15 minutes, walk 5 minutes.”
The purpose is:
- Minimize physical strain
- Savor connections, weave stories
- Finish with margin
This purpose is achieved even if traffic lights throw off the cycle.
Remember the Six Principles
The Reset Method Six Principles include:
Prioritize your body’s voice — Your physical condition over rules
Stay flexible — Be kind to yourself, allow for change
Traffic lights are one type of “change.” Just respond flexibly.
Practical Advice
Make Traffic Light Waits “Savoring Time”
Instead of feeling stressed by traffic lights, try using them as “savoring time.”
- Look around at the scenery
- Breathe deep
- Do light stretches
- Think about what to find in the next 15 minutes
Timer Usage
Timers are “guidelines,” not “absolute rules.”
- Strict approach: Pause timer during traffic light waits
- Flexible approach: Keep timer running including waits
- Sensation approach: Timer is just reference, prioritize body sensation
There’s no right answer. Find what works for you.
During Races
Races rarely have traffic lights (traffic is controlled).
If traffic lights bother you during TabiRUN or training:
- Choose routes with fewer lights (riverbanks, parks)
- Choose times with less traffic (early morning, weekends)
FAQ
Q: Cycles getting thrown off by traffic lights bothers me
A: It’s okay to not see cycle disruption as “failure.” Reset Running’s purpose isn’t “perfectly following cycles.” Listening to your body and adjusting flexibly achieves the purpose (minimize strain, savor connections).
Q: My legs feel stiff when stopped at lights
A: For 1-2 minute stops, light foot tapping or knee bends helps. For longer waits, keep moving lightly in place.
Q: Can I include traffic light waits in walking time?
A: Yes, no problem. Especially if you feel sufficiently recovered during the wait, shortening subsequent walking time is fine.
Summary
Traffic lights are one factor that makes “strict cycle following” difficult.
But what matters in Reset Running isn’t “following rules” but “listening to your body.”
- Don’t worry about short traffic light waits
- Respond flexibly to longer waits
- Use traffic light waits as “savoring time”
When you can enjoy traffic light waits, it might be proof that Reset Running has become second nature.