How to Estimate Time Using the Sun
Dear A & H…Remember when we learned how to tell time using the sun? Doesn’t it come in handy when you least expect it? Of course, city living and buildings kind of make the method a little less useful. Wonder if recognizing bus schedules is the modern equivalent? ت
Running’s Many Benefits
Outside of the obvious benefits running provides – improving health and mood, preventing disease, weight loss or maintenance, etc. – there is the other benefit that is justifiably overlooked.
Self-reliance.
When we head out on a run, we have unwavering faith that our bodies will perform and, to help that happen without fail, we bring along water, food, salt supplements, extra clothing, first aid supplies, etc.
We prepare because we know the unexpected can happen.
Of course, should we find ourselves in a bind we can’t remedy, we can always pull out our trusty ‘ol phone to summon help.
But, outside of an emergency, we do prefer knowing we have things under control.
It’s in this spirit that telling time without a clock is helpful knowing.
Because, if you’re like me and run mostly in the afternoon or evening, you know that running at this time of day equates to racing the sun.
But, if you’re also like me and hate fishing for a phone to check the time, then being able to estimate time using one’s surroundings is quite useful.
Steps to Estimate Remaining Sunlight
This method will help you estimate how much sunlight you have left during the last two hours before sunset.
1. Pick a spot on the horizon that is directly below the sun.
2. Next, hold up your hand so your palm is facing you and your pinkie finger just touches the horizon.
3. This hand represents one hour, with each finger measuring approximately 15 minutes.
4. Placing your other hand directly over this hand, you now have a two-hour estimate of time before sunset. Again, each finger measures about 15 minutes.
That’s Pretty Much It
From what I’ve heard, this technique has Native American origins which, in itself, is a lesson. It suggests, no matter how “techy” and “modern” we become, we humans fit in well with nature. 🙂
Expanding on this latter point, it’s another good reason to run “turned off” and “tuned in. By tuning in, we become better acquainted with our bodies and, likewise, an amazing physical world that can teach us so much.
To your many happy hours of running, surviving, and learning.
Much love, O.M.
P.S. Have you found this post helpful? If “Yes!,” please consider sharing, loving your body with a few miles today, and signing up for notice of new content. Thank you!
P.P.S. No spam ever. Staying away from processed is a healthy thing to do. 🙂
