A long solo run, ride or swim is where your mind finally stops performing and starts sorting.

Steady movement over a long stretch does something a chair cannot. The performing part of your mind runs out of material, the running commentary quiets down, and whatever was unsorted starts arranging itself without being forced into order. That is why a problem you could not think your way through can come apart somewhere in the second half of a long effort.

Go out for a long one this week with no music, no company and no particular target. Let the first twenty minutes be noisy in your head. Write down whatever is clearer at the end, before you shower.