When you are a frequent runner, it becomes a challenge to keep running fresh and mitigate boredom. After all, you’re out there day after day, putting one foot in front of the other and that can get tired. How do we keep running new and exciting? Let’s dive in!
Create A Power Playlist
Music is a great way to keep things fresh and new, and a good running playlist can help with that. To be honest, I don’t always listen to music on my runs, but when I need a boost, I queue up my Spotify and let it rip. Right now, the Wicked soundtrack does great things for me… the songs are powerful and long, which makes the miles go faster. Plus, I sometimes sing along.
Create A Fun Route
Any time you change your scenery, you’ll make things a little more exciting. It can be as simple as running your regular route in reverse, or you can hop in your car and travel to an entirely new location. Consider places that are visually interesting like trails, farmlands, beaches, cities, and more. I’m starting to crave a cityscape – it’s something I don’t get to run often and it would be a nice change.
Recruit Some Friends
Friends make so many things better, and running is no exception. Ask some buddies to join you on your run and get a new perspective on your miles. The conversation and support make it all worthwhile.
Mix Up Your Workouts
Do you usually run for distance? Try a shorter sprint for variety. Instead of a track workout, head for the hills to get in your speedwork. Even a little shift in your workout structure can keep running exciting.
Little differences can lead to big results. How do you keep running fresh and interesting?
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Music is a great way to hype up a run! In fact, I look forward to my Friday morning runs because that is the one day per week that I run with music!
Sometimes it’s nice, but sometimes it’s too overwhelming for me. Noise is not my friend.
All great suggestions! I’m a huge advocate for switching-up the routes and the intensity. New gear is also a great motivator: 🙂
I forgot about new gear!
These are great tips, Jenn! Even though I found running for the sake of running to be motivation enough because I loved it so much, joining friends was a great way to add to the fun!
I’m usually pretty motivated on my own, but sometimes I need a little extra push.
I love changing up my route – running it in reverse can be such a game-changer! I also like doing an extra loop just to steer away from the usual routine. Great tips, Jenn!
The extra loop is a great touch!
As much as I value my running time as my “me” time, it was such a great change to have someone running with me at my race recently! Typically my running time is also my reading time with audiobooks, which I really enjoy.
It can be nice to have a friend or a few.
I never tried audiobooks while running. I don’t focus as well when I’m listening to things so it’s hard to stay on track.
These are great tips! I also like listening to music. Now that I live in a new neighborhood, I love exploring new routes for running.