I think even the most dedicated runners will admit that while they love to run, it doesn’t mean they always love the run they’re in. Sometimes we go through cycles where running just feels a little tedious.
When I start to feel this way I know it’s time to shake things up a little. So for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I’m sharing some tips to beat your running boredom.
Five Tips to Beat Running Boredom
Change your view
There’s no doubt that running the same routes over and over makes for a bored runner. Changing your view can make a run feel fresh and new, and kickstart your senses. Take the time to map out some new routes or consider driving to a new location…even running your usual route in reverse can help to make your run feel less “run-of-the-mill”.
Mix up it
Try Fartleks, speedwork, tempo runs, or hill repeats. Steady-state running probably makes up the bulk of your running, especially when you’re not following a training plan. Mixing up your pace or the terrain you run will not only help to make your runs more interesting, but it will also challenge your body in a different way, making you a better runner.
Try music or a podcast
If you usually run in silence, perhaps some motivating tunes will help. Or, try listening to a podcast or audiobook for a nice change of pace. If you already run with tunes, try making a new playlist or put your music library on shuffle and see what comes up.
Run with a friend
If you usually go it alone, make plans to meet up with a friend for some of your runs. Nothing makes the miles tick by more than running and chatting with a run buddy.
Try a challenge or sign up for a race
Having a mileage challenge or a race to train for (virtual or in-person) can help to provide some new focus and motivation for your runs.
How do you keep run boredom from creeping in?
Welcome to Fit Five Friday!
Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Please be sure to show your hosts some love and visit some of the other bloggers in the link-up. Who’s ready for some fun?
Great ideas! I love running in new places when I get bored. All winter I ran pretty much the same routes so its felt nice recently to run in some different places.
I was the same way this winter so I’m really trying to mix it up now.
These are all great tips! Changing my route/varying where I run is the one thing that keeps me from getting bored. The nice thing about trails is that they are always changing. Plus you have to pay attention to avoid tripping and falling!
I bet running trails keeps you on your toes! One of these days I need to give trails a try.
I change up my routes frequently. Even in a smallish town, there still are numerous streets I have not yet explored. I run a lot of my token routes in reverse, as well, and do many out-and-back “detours” to add-on bonus distance.
I’m still finding new streets to run in my town too – makes a difference!
I change up my routes frequently. Even in a smallish town, there still are numerous streets I have not yet explored. I run a lot of my token routes in reverse, as well, and do many out-and-back “detours” to add-on bonus distance.
I do all you mentioned. I try to run on a different route each time. But they repeat and I get bored.
Find friend isn’t easy. We have group runs starting. Looking forward to those.
Yes on the music and podcasts. Thanks for the reminder. I need new tunes.
I’m looking for some new podcasts – any suggestions?
running a new route or even running it in a new direction helps a lot. I also love to look for new things blooming this time of the year. Chatting with a friend helps too! Thanks for the link up
True – all of the spring blooms are a nice distraction!
I’m definitely struggling with this after 15 months of running from my house. I’ve modified my loops lately for a bit of variety, and it does help!
I’d been staying pretty close to home too. In the past couple of months, I’ve started venturing further and trying some new routes, and I’ve been loving the addition of the new park in my town.
Agree! Even though I can only do so many different routes at least I can change it up with a slightly different path or a different interval to keep things fresh. And while I love a good silent run, there’s a great amount of energy to be gained from an awesome running playlist!
I find a good playlist can really give me a new spark!
Great tips! Change of scenery is definitely key here and running with friends. I also listen to books and podcasts. I even through in a treadmill run here and there for something different. I tend to do better with speed play/intervals on the TM.
Interesting – I do better with intervals on the mill as well. I think it helps to be able to just set the pace and go.
Yes to all of these! Adding in some speedier intervals definitely makes the run fly by. I usually listen to music or a podcast, and lately have been switching up my routes. The only thing I don’t do is run with a friend- I’m not entirely opposed to it, but usually I like running alone.
Jenny recently posted…Freedom Friday
I tend to be a solo runner too and like it. One of the local running stores is starting up their group runs again and I’ve considered trying one out just for something different.
Right now I’m counting the wildlife. 🙂
For a variety of reasons, I ran in my neighborhood a lot in recent weeks — it definitely can get a bit boring.
Changing where I run is one of my fav ways to spice it up!
I like your latest challenge though I haven’t spied any wildlife lately. I have had lots of deer sightings in my yard lately but nothing on my runs. I’ll have to keep looking 🙂
I don’t usually get bored with running. It’s just part of my day. I get up, get it done, and move on. If things get rough, I run somewhere new. That’s a great way to jumpstart my motivation.
A change of scenery is really the game-changer for me!
I run in my neighborhood but it helps that I have a variety of workouts so I don’t get bored. Sometimes I venture out into a different neighborhood and it is mainly because I am looking for houses for sale. 🙂 I live close to the airport but haven’t run by there in a long time.