Running can be boring. We’ve all heard it before and some of us can even admit to feeling it. Even the most consistent runners can attest to the monotonous quality of running. For most of us finding the inspiration to start running can be simple but keeping the fire burning is tough. The initial push to get outside often isn’t the greatest challenge people face when it comes to staying fit and active.
The real trouble comes with sticking to a goal and persevering through the inevitable monotony of repeating the same exercise over and over again. There are of course, so many types of exercise but when it comes to running the repetitive nature can get tiring and with that, out goes the motivation.
We’ve put together a list for our runners out there to keep in mind when your motivation starts to wane.
- Choose a new route. Often times running the opposite way can reinvigorate you and make running exciting again. Another great option for people running locally is to take an extra 10 minutes, hop in their car and drive to a new location. Look online for trails that are specified by distance. A little effort from home can go along way in your running routine.
- Pick a giant goal. Seriously. It sounds like the opposite of everything you’ve ever been told but in this case it may just do the trick. It may be a half-marathon or even a marathon but be bold and if you’re friends giggle when they hear it, then consider it a good possibility. Be sure to give yourself ample training time, be flexible and listen to your body. Make running more than just an activity to keep you in shape.
- Try out an alternate running form. As anyone who runs can tell you, you get better and better with every run. You can run longer and for some even faster. With that can come damage to your knees, back and other parts of your body. Today many runners are turning to new forms of running like Chi Running or Pose Running. Instead of just heading out and trying to increase speed and distance, focus on form.
- Spend some time at the gym. Specifically, focusing on your legs at the gym can really help to make your running routine more successful and rewarding.
- Try short distance running. If you are finding it hard to motivate yourself to get out for a long distance run, head over to the local high school track and try working on speed running. Push yourself to complete some short distance sprints on days when you can’t commit to a long run.
- Heart rate training. Rather than guessing what your threshold may be, start tracking your heart rate and focus on staying within heart rate zones that will help keep you running for longer.
- Update your playlist. Put some time into your audio fuel and you may find the motivation is right there in a couple new tracks.
- Slow down. No, seriously. If running for speed and distance has become a dull motivator then take a couple weeks and slow down your pace. Commit to a slower pace and get yourself back to simply enjoying your runs.
- Invest in your Gear. Buying some new running gear can be a great motivator for pushing yourself to get outside. All that sweating and washing can take a toll on your fitness clothing, poke around online and see all the new items that are out there and be sure to grab a pair of UPF 50+ leggings to ensure your long runs keep you protected.
There are loads of suggestions beyond what we’ve offered here for runners to shake up their running routine. Our best advice is to make sure you invest in the right running gear so that when you put it on, you feel like there is nothing else better you could be doing with your time than exactly this. And believe us, you are.
