Long runs

Annadel

I am starting my half marathon training now. I usually run 5k -10k distance for which I have enough music. I have realized that last 4-6 miles I start gettin very bored. What suggestions do you have for staying distracted during long runs. Podcasts ? I need suggestions esp since I train alone.

osmium

podcasts are great and audio books can be a huge distraction too. Just don't listen to anything too sad. I had a long run interrupted by tears during one very emotional book. It's pretty hard to run while crying.

MeanderingMammal

Trail running. No need for audio.

Flabberboy

If I'm doing distance and its a regular route, I mentally break it up. Instead of the idea that I'm out to run 5k, etc. I set myself just to be running to that place/landmark which is between a half mile and a mile away. Adjust that to how interesting the views are. A longer park section is lovely and gets lengthened. A boring street section gets shortened so that I'm not fed up with that bit for too long.

I also break up hilly bits so that I'm not running up a big hill. Just bits of it at a time.

So when running, I'm thinking about the next waypoint and no further. I tend to zone out till it comes up. A bit of mental adjustment and confirming to myself when the next location is and doing another short run to there.

This way it also stops me dreading the idea that I'm running this long distance that's going to take a long time.

It's also good for pacing. i.e. did I do better this time, worse, how comfortable did I feel. All things that have me thinking and therefore not getting bored with just pounding the pavement.

JTick

Add more music. I get more excited for my long run if I know I have fresh music.

jacksonpt

I think. Running is a great time for getting lost in your own thoughts. I haven't taken music with me in years.

kristy6ward

I second the audio books. They're the only thing I listen to while running. They're quiet enough that I can hear outside noise easily to keep me alert for people coming up behind me. I tend to lean towards mysteries or a story full of drama so I'm always wanting to know what's going to happen next. Working through Gone Girl now.

_Waffle_

MeanderingMammal wrote: »

Trail running. No need for audio.

That's pretty much the way it works for me as well. I just look around at stuff, have random thoughts, and listen to birds, etc. I bring headphones and listen to music occasionally but I don't usually listen to music.

I talked to someone on the phone for 3 miles yesterday. You're supposed to be running at a conversational pace anyway. Why not?

BrianSharpe

jacksonpt wrote: »

I think. Running is a great time for getting lost in your own thoughts. I haven't taken music with me in years.

^^^^ This

If you're running anywhere near traffic you don't want to be "distracted", you want to be aware of your surroundings at all times........

jacksonpt

Additionally, the ability to run without "manufactured distractions" is great prep for race day as most races (at least IME) don't allow music on the course.

MSeel1984

I put together different playlists depending on my mood. Right now it's autumn music (folk, instrumental, indie stuff...) soon it'll be Christmas music...I never get tired of music though.
I'd try podcasts or audiobooks...RadioLab is a very interesting podcast.
I just did my first half this past weekend. I didn't have audio until the very end because I wanted some mood music for crossing the finish line...I wasn't bored and had fun just talking with fellow runners and enjoying the event. At the actual race there were some people with music but just as many who didn't have music.

SLHysell

I don't think I could run without podcasts. I personally really like "stuff you should know" (stuffyoushouldknow.com/), "Radiolab" (radiolab.org/), "this American Life" (thisamericanlife.org/), and "the Moth" (themoth.org/). And then there is always political stuff if you want to really get your blood pumping.

SueInAz

I really like the Zombies, Run! app. It has a story line that intersperses with the music on my phone. I don't use headphones while I run, just the speaker on my phone. It's loud enough that I can hear it (unless a bunch of cars are going by) but not loud enough to annoy the neighbors and it allows me to hear what's going on around me.

glevinso

Music distracts me from my pacing. I only listen to the sound of my own suffering.

hermann341

jacksonpt wrote: »

I think. Running is a great time for getting lost in your own thoughts. I haven't taken music with me in years.

I just listen to the voices in my head.

jstrun

I second audio books, when I was training for my full marathon, I listened to audio books when I was getting the bored itch coming...around 15-20 KM I would plug it in to get me past the last 10 - 15 KM.

jstrun

jacksonpt wrote: »

Additionally, the ability to run without "manufactured distractions" is great prep for race day as most races (at least IME) don't allow music on the course.

every race i've ever done allowed music, and to be honest if they didn't there are way too many people to keep track of that. Race day is always easier, because you are so pumped up and the crowd of people everywhere along the course keep you movitivated and moving IMO.

MSeel1984

SueInAz wrote: »

I really like the Zombies, Run! app. It has a story line that intersperses with the music on my phone. I don't use headphones while I run, just the speaker on my phone. It's loud enough that I can hear it (unless a bunch of cars are going by) but not loud enough to annoy the neighbors and it allows me to hear what's going on around me.

I just looked this up. I'm going to have to try this. It sounds epic.

Annadel

Thanks all. Some good ideas!!

alekth

I eventually abandoned music and podcasts in favour of audio books as well, it's great. I haven't run to anything sad enough to make me cry, but the opposite has happened, I've startled a fair amount of people just suddenly laughing out.

EmilyStopFlying

I agree with SueInAz, I love ZombiesRun. It's a game, where the basic premise is you're a runner for a settlement during the zombie apocalypse. You have to run to collect supplies and find information and that sort of thing, while running away from zombies. It's excellent

MeanderingMammal

EmilyStopFlying wrote: »

It's excellent

Sounds awful tbh...

gabbo34

Interesting thread. When I started running this summer I always listened to music. If anything it was not hear myself gasping for air. Over time I've found myself getting bored with the same playlists and streaming radio stations. Though I have to admit, hearing the right song deep into a run can give you a burst of energy.

I may give podcasts or books a try again. I still don't think I could run without listening to anyting. When I go to the gym, I usually do 10 minutes on the treadmill without headphones. It's feels like an hour.

I was also suprised to find out that some running events don't allow headphones.

DavidMartinez2

Sometimes music can interfere with my pacing, for long runs when I don't want to go to fast I listen to The Marathon Show. Joe is pretty funny and keeps your mind off your run while not distracting you so much you miss things like cars, bikes, other runners, etc.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/marathon-show-blog-talk-radio/id379076483?mt=2

dcresider

Change up your route and run for length, not distance, and see how far you can run.

girlwithcurls2

SLHysell wrote: »

I don't think I could run without podcasts. I personally really like "stuff you should know" (stuffyoushouldknow.com/), "Radiolab" (radiolab.org/), "this American Life" (thisamericanlife.org/), and "the Moth" (themoth.org/). And then there is always political stuff if you want to really get your blood pumping.

^
^
^_____This. Also, I know it's kind of trendy, but TED Radio Hour is good too. I also second the trail running. Lots to pay attention to

throoper

I definitely love podcasts!!! Radiolab, this american life, serial, wait wait don't tell me, fresh air, etc.

And like others have said, trail running is great. It keeps you fully engaged in every moment (looking at the scenery, figuring out where to put your feet, etc) so you don't get bored. However, my trails are currently under snow up at 8500 feet so not the best time of year for it...