Whilst training for The London Marathon this year, I have started to find my love for running again. Not that I ever completely lost it, but with injuries you can often feel disheartened when it comes to lacing up and getting back out there. Here are some things we can all do to start to enjoy running again!
Run somewhere new
We all have our regular routes that take us down the same path as always. We are creatures of habit so it’s natural, but that repetitive behavior also allows us to get bored. Why don’t you take the ‘wrong turn’ and see where it leads. I have lived in the same place for 3 years and I still manage to find new trails and roads to run along. Think of it like this: when you run a lapped race, it becomes REALLY laborious and becomes pretty dull. When you run a single route run, it continues to be exciting as it’s unfounded territory. Something like that anyway.
Take it off road
A lot of us are no stranger to pounding the roads over and over again. Want to feel completely different? Take it off road! Trail running is by far my favourite form of running. Whether that’s in a forest, up a mountain or just somewhere that lacks a path; it’s a completely different experience. It’s more technical and keeps you thinking. Plus you might just get some scenery you wouldn’t find on your normal road route!
Forget the goal
May sound contradictory from someone who is always banging on about setting and having goals in mind but sometimes, when you want to change your running…just run! Some of the most enjoyable runs have been ones where I just decide to GO! Forget how far or how fast, just go!
Lose the tech
I love running with music and in essence knowing where I’m going, but on the odd occasion, taking it old school and just using you’re own personal navigational skills (or if your like me, lack there of) and set off. Nothing telling you that you are moving faster than you usually run or telling you that you’re too slow. Let the run be your ultimate thinking time. Just you, the road and the run.
Take it outside
This is the way I started liking running in the first place. Get off of the treadmill! Staring at a wall while you hammer miles on a moving belt is BORING! Mentally and physically it just doesn’t compare to being outside. We spend most of our time couped up so why spend our time being active inside aswell. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Hopefully these few tips will help you get back into running again or many even pick up a new habit all together. Running can be enjoyable and doesn’t need to be monotonous!
Do you do any of the things I mentioned in this post? What are your favourite ways to enjoy running? Do you have any races coming up soon? Let me know in the comments below and thanks for reading.
T-shirt: Saysky – Jacket: Saysky – Shoes: 361 Europe
My recommendation is listen to a Podcast or Audiobook! I used to run along listening to music, but when the going got tough I would inevitably start walking. But something about a Podcast or Audiobook makes me want to run until the end / end of chapter if it gets a bit difficult.
That is definitely something I am edging towards. There are a few books I want to read, but don’t actually want a physical copy! Perhaps my marathon can be spent listening to The Game Of Thrones!!! 🙂
Keep working ,great job!