There is nothing like the rush I get from completing a long and challenging run. Many runners experience a “runner’s high” after a run that keeps them coming back for more. There is one problem: running can be very boring if not done right. Here are some fun tips and tricks I have found to keep running exhilarating and get you to your goal.
Try running intervals
Interval training is a great way to increase your stamina and speed. It also breaks up your run and provides variety. When I first began running I could barely go a mile without stopping and it was torture. A friend told me about 60-120’s to break up my run and make it easier to finish strong. I started out with 120 seconds of walking and 60 seconds of running for 30 minutes. After a week of this I transitioned to 120 seconds of running and 60 seconds of walking. Then I slowly whittled away the time I was walking until I was running the whole time. If you are already able to run for at least 30 minutes then you can try 60 seconds of sprinting and 120 seconds of jogging for your whole run. This will increase your speed and decrease your mile time.
Sign up for a race
One of the best ways I have found to keep me motivated is to sign up for a race. This gives me a goal to train for. Beginners will usually start with a 5K race which is 3.1 miles, which is what I started with. I signed up for a race that was about four months away which gave me plenty of time to get in shape. A great resource for training that I used is the Couch to 5K program. If you are already a runner or need more of a challenge, there are also 10K’s, 15K’s, half marathons, and marathons to try. I am signing up for a 10K this time! Just be sure you are gradually increasing your mileage, no more than 10 percent each week. This will help you prevent injury and stay healthy. Other fun options for races include mud runs or obstacle courses. Active.com is a good website to look on for races in your area.
Find a running buddy
Running with someone else makes the time go by faster and keeps me entertained. Get friends and coworkers involved in your running challenge and you can all sign up for the same race. I run with my boyfriend and we train together and run the race together. Be sure to stick with people who are close to your exercise level. If you strike out with people you know, there are plenty of local running groups. Ask at a running store or search online for running clubs. They usually have running clubs for different levels to fit your needs.
Vary your running routes
Finding new and interesting places to run will keep your it from becoming monotonous. I enjoy running at the local parks and also going trail running on local hiking and biking trails. I find trails on the internet in my local and national parks to run. Many maps will tell you what the difficulty is rated and how long the trail is. My favorite is running to a waterfall or scenic overlook. If you live in the city, you can map out new neighborhoods and routes to run on Google maps. The website will show you what your mileage is and you can print out your route. Running a loop is my favorite option because you can start and end in the same place.
Invest in cool tech gadgets
There are tons of cool gadgets out there for fitness and running. Many fitness websites and sporting goods stores sell heart rate monitors and gps watches for runners. These monitors let you set goals for yourself and the watches even have programs to map out your run and see what your mileage is per minute. I own a gps watch and enjoy setting goals for myself and trying to break my previous records. If you are running alone, you may want to check out an mp3 player. If I have to run without my boyfriend, I listen to music to make my run less boring and keep my pace up.
The key for me to making running fun is variety and distraction. By mixing up my routes and setting goals for myself, I am able to keep running week after week without boredom. Have fun with it and be creative!
