Are you bored with your running routine? I know what you mean! Running is a huge part of my daily fitness routine. Running can sometimes get a bit dry. You need to have fun with your running, and keep your training on track.
These 10 ideas will make running more fun.
1. Run with friends
It’s better to have two than one! To make you’re run more enjoyable, bring a friend. You can chat with your friend or challenge one another by slowing down the pace.
You can find local running clubs if you don’t have friends who love running or people you can get out on the trails or streets with. Running clubs meet in public places. The best thing about them is that they are filled with runners who can give you endless tips and encouragement.
2. You can get out of your routine.
Break out of the routine! You can try something new, such as a new trail or local path, or add intervals to your week. Or, you could find a hill to add to your routine. You will be more excited to run and it will also make you a better runner.
These fun runs are a great way to try a new challenge.
| Hill Repeats | Fartlek Run | Track Workout |
| You can run up a moderate hill for several minutes. For 2:00, run uphill at a steady pace. As part of your recovery, walk or jog downhill. Repeat this 8-12 times. | For every 5 minutes of your normal long-run pace, increase your pace to 1:00 for your longest run. This pace should not feel too fast, but it should feel a little faster than your usual running pace. | For a fun, interval workout, head to the track. Run for 10 minutes. Next, complete 4×800 meter pickups. Between each one, do a 2-minute recovery run. End with a 10-minute run. |
3. Listen to your body
What’s the most frustrating thing about running? Running injuries! My track friends and I have been there. I’ve also seen runners running between practices and personal training sessions. They want to be successful so badly that they ignore their bodies’ signals to slow down or rest.
It’s important to listen to your body, not only for your running performance but also to make sure you have fun.
You are challenged to listen to your body and take action to meet those needs. You can choose to rest, recover, or do some foam rolling, stretching, foam rolling, or take a low-impact day on your elliptical or bike.
4. Take it slow
You don’t need to be fast in order to run. As a runner, one of the most difficult hurdles was not having to be fast or look good every time I ran. I used to be determined to set a personal record for every run I took, but I quickly learned that not running faster does not equal running harder.
Training plans that include 1-2 days of hard work per week and 3-4 days of moderate or easy days will give your body the balance it needs to grow faster and stronger. Do not be afraid to slow down. Slow down, take in the sights, and enjoy a slow pace every now and then. Slow running is about getting out of your own way and moving your body. It is an uncommon treat in today’s fast-paced world.
5. Enjoy the outdoors
Running is my favorite activity because of the unique view you gain from wherever you are. Running gives you a unique perspective on the world, whether you are looking at your own city from a different angle or taking a walk on vacation. You might miss the beauty of it all if you don’t stop to take in everything around you.
Take your mind off of your pain and your worries, and just enjoy the surroundings. Running can be a distraction and the beautiful outdoors can make you feel like you are on an adventure.
6. Train for a race
Register for a local race or 5K near you to stay on track. There’s no reason to be afraid if you have been intimidated by races before. Remember that most people who sign up for the race are simply running for fun.
Running your first race should be fun. There is no goal other than to finish. It’ll be easy for you to relax and enjoy the race.
7. Listen to music or a podcast
Listen to music while running or listen to a podcast. Music is your friend. Upbeat music can boost your mood and improve your performance. It is a good idea to prepare your playlist before you start running so that you don’t mess up your music.
8. Hill training
Hill training is a challenging, intense workout that leaves you feeling exhausted but full of accomplishment. Hill training can be a challenging and fun way to work out.
Running hills can help you increase your aerobic capacity as well as your lower body muscles to be a better runner. Hill training is a great way to gain an edge if you plan on running races. Hill training is great for building endurance and familiarity, so you are ready for any challenge when you hit a major hill during a race.
9. Use technology to keep things interesting
Although technology isn’t right for everyone, it can be a great way to improve your training. Here are some things you should look out for if stats are important to you and you want to keep a better track of your progress.
- Daily/Weekly progress – Many fitness trackers have the ability to track your daily and weekly progress as well as stats for specific workouts. It’s very helpful to be able to see your progress from week to week and how you are adapting to your training program.
- Pace– Your mile pace is an important metric for runners. You can always check back to see how your pace has changed or improved from week to week. Sometimes your pace doesn’t change as quickly. Most people notice a rapid increase in their pace when they first start running. However, as you progress through your running journey, it will be harder to see small improvements. It can be very motivating to track your pace changes and celebrate them when you see them.
- Heart rate – This is a great way of measuring the success of your workout. You need to ensure that you are working as hard as possible during a session, but that you also have enough rest between hills or intervals to get the most out of your time. You can also use your heart rate to monitor how fast you’re running or pushing yourself too hard during recovery runs.
10. Get a new running streak
Last but not least, set yourself a challenge to run a streak! What is the longest streak you can run in a row? This is a great way for you to stay motivated and not lose your routine.
One thing to remember about any kind of streak: it is important to have recovery days. You don’t have to break your streak by taking a recovery day off. All it means is that your schedule should allow for easy, low- to moderate-intensity runs to help your body recover from hard sessions.
This post was written by Darryl Johnson, Co-Owner of Apex performance. At Apex performance we are a community of highly trained experts looking to provide performance enhancement and a permanent lifestyle change for our clients in a fun and interactive environment. Members can take advantage of one of the best gym in Tampa, small group classes, and specialized courses for a wide variety of athletics, sports training, and body goals!