Sometimes we get bored of running and our performance drops because we lack the desire and motivation to run. When this happens, a slight change can make a difference and help us get through it. If running doesn’t feel fun anymore, it’s time to find ways to feel excited about it so we can get back on track. Because we always do, right?
If you are running alone, invite a friend
Running by yourself could be fantastic. Often runners run alone simply because they have a short period of time for running and just run from their home, lacking time to meet with someone. But at some point, this routine starts to feel exhausting and boring. If you are in this situation, consider asking a friend or even a neighbor to join you! It can make a difference having another person running (or why not biking?) with you. I have experienced the best conversations ever during some of my easy or long run days with friends! It could be a priceless change, even if it may make your routine a little bit more complicated.
Switch trails or hit the road
Finding new places for running is essential if you are planning to run long. Being in a new environment sometimes makes running feel like a completely new experience. So ask around for beautiful places that are suitable for running. Or maybe try road running and explore the beauty of the city and its surroundings?
Buy new running gear
Who doesn’t get excited to try fresh pairs of running shoes or put on some new cool running clothes? I bet most people de! But in general, finding the right gear for running can change your running and even help you run faster. Thus, trying new stuff should be fun and something to look forward to. And don’t forget – look good, feel good, run fast!
Try a new challenge or virtual race
Nowadays, there are hundreds of challenges and virtual races you can find. If you want something fun, sign up for something fun!
Challenge yourself, do something out of your comfort zone and find new limits. For example, if you are running a marathon, maybe it’s time to see how fast you can run 400m with event-specific workouts for a month?
Or you can create a segment and invite other friends to see who can have the fastest time! There are so many options; go and try the one that sounds the most compelling and fun to you!
Find a podcast
Personally, listening to podcasts absolutely changed my running life! Since I run or cross-train twice daily, I can’t say that I am very excited to do it each time.
Once I figured how many great podcasts are out there, I felt like I got into a completely different world. I can now use my time to train to gain valuable information on things I am passionate about. It also makes logging miles such a fast thing – which usually is not!
Try combing the time you have to exercise with a time where you can expand your knowledge and intelligence – it’s worth it!
Create the best playlist
Good music – good mood! Good mood – good run; it’s that simple! Maybe it’s time to update your playlist and hit another run.
Reward yourself
Play the reward game. Reward yourself each time you complete a run that you generally don’t enjoy much. I do that after hard workouts, where I try to motivate myself with something I will do after if I am able to do well. It definitely works; running feels more enjoyable knowing that there is something cool coming afterward.
You might also be interested in:
- 3 Major Setbacks in Running and How to Overcome them
- 10 Key Marathon “Do’s” and “Don’ts”
- The Secret to Running a Successful Marathon
- 7 Best things to do after a run to recover faster
- 5 Big Mental Health Benefits of Running
- The Power of Visualization in Running
- Top 9 High Knees Benefits for Runners
- Recommended Dynamic Pre-run Warmup Exercises from an Olympian
