How to make running less boring?

JoseLoCR

Hello,

I am new to exercise so started off with 'couch to 5k' that builds up to 30 mins running, as I heard it was good way to do it (it is!). the earlier part of the program is short bursts of running with also walking. But as it progresses it is only running. Of course this is a good challenge, but I find one more problem: I get bored running 25-30 mins no stop. At least the change of pace kept it interesting in the early days. I tried running outside instead of treadmill to make more interest and it helps a bit but still no so much. I try music, sometimes this helps a bit. Sorry if this is a very stupid question, just wondering how people keep their mind busy to not get too bored in the run! Or is it just something we must put up with?
Thank you, Joselito

cwolfman13

Maybe it's just not your thing...I loath running, so I don't run. I cycle my butt off though.

JoseLoCR

I did wonder. But I am not a big fan of other cardio machines such as cross trainer, I fear nothing is my natural thing, maybe I am just to endure it! Maybe I can ask at the gym for other ideas how to get this exercise.

LazSommer

Music, and run a route that forces you to keep going because walking back would be too slow.

kellyship17

It was boring for me when I started. After a while, I got used to it, and learned to enjoy how wonderful running felt and how peaceful it made me feel. Give it time, and if you end up still not enjoying it, try something else.

jimmmer

Sounds like you're a fan of interval type training.

Maybe run some intervals or do a fartlek if that's the style of running you enjoy. You'll stick with it for longer, do it more consistently and ultimately derive more benefit from it if you enjoy it.

The other way to tackle it is to view a longer steady-state run as a kind of meditation. You can let your body go on autopilot and use the rhythmic nature to calm your mind and pair it with breath-control. Another approach is a more active mental approach, use the time constructively to think about and find solutions to problems you may be encountering in life, work, at home, school, etc...

amusedmonkey

You don't have to run if you don't like running. If you still want to run you can listen to an interesting audiobook or podcast while running and let your mind wander. I look forward to my running sessions just because I have "exercise only" audiobooks that I only listen to while running or walking. I sometimes find myself extending my workout beyond what I originally planned because I want to finish a particularly exciting part and know what happened.

_Waffle_

You stick with it and get better at it. Then it becomes very fulfilling. You'll always have days when you don't feel like it but that always changes after you start. Real truth. It takes me about 3 miles to warm up and start having fun.

denversillygoose

Ride a bike?

not_a_runner

You could definitely keep doing intervals, nothing wrong with that!
I'm not a huge fan of cardio machines either, but if I find a good show or a youtube series, I just watch and get in a rhythm. Before I know it 20-30 minutes have passed and I usually have to drag myself away from the show! I also like listening to music. Sometimes changing up the incline and resistance keeps me interested.
The rowing machine is something that I have been working at too, it's very different and I enjoy trying to set new records for myself.
I also got a "WOD" book that has hundreds of different workouts that could basically double as cardio. Some are with weights, others are body weight and running/rowing mixed in. (I am almost too out of shape to complete most of them right now though, so until then my goal is just to work up to it haha.)

20yearsyounger

I think running inside on a treadmill is boring. Intervals help me pass the time but still boring. I like running outside to places and I run to music (if the tune changes pace, so do I).

creativecritters77

I always run with a playlist of music that really gets me pumped, plus I use my run as a type of moving meditation, just letting my mind relax and wander and my legs keep moving.

jaynee7283

I HAVE to have music playing when I go out for my walks/jogs. If I'm at the gym, I can watch the TVs and be occupied. But out and about the neighborhood, I need music because I've seen the houses I walk by thousands of times - nothing new to see (and yes, I take different routes).

lisalewis7588

While I run, I ponder the meaning of life, the universe, and everything.

Just kidding. I listen to music. I have playlists of songs that I LOVE and keep me upbeat. I also tend to plan the rest of my day/week/weekend while I run.

My husband gets too bored with music, so he does podcasts or audiobooks. Sometimes, when we run together, he'll burst out laughing at the podcast, which is always entertaining for me.

We also take our dog, who keeps pushing us to run more/farther/faster. She's SUPER athletic and would seriously run for days. It's extremely motivational to do an extra loop or go a little further just to make my sweet pup happy.

wonko221

I'm on c25k myself, and looking forward to the near future, when i can just go for a run!

I've been reading about the Zombies, Run! app. From what i gather, it will periodically throw a bit of a zombie-survival story into your run, challenging you to do certain things to stay alive. I haven't tried it yet, but once i'm able to just hit the trail and sustain a run, i'll be looking forward to flee from zombies!

For now:

I pick one thing to do, and focus on it for awhile; and then i pick something else. I have been training myself to belly-breath, and focus on doing it right. And at first i was breathing in for four steps, and out for four steps. This morning, i focused on breathing in for three steps and out, forcibly, for two. seemed to work better for me.

When i'm focused on breathing, i feel my hands creep up and i start to draw them across my body. This is bad form, so i start focusing on keeping them low and parallel to my body. Once i get those under control, i check in on my breathing to see if i'm keeping to my intended pattern... where did that duck come from? Breathing is good... hmm.. not too many bicyclists out here, i wonder what....

After a while of trying to focus on things, my mind just starts wandering. The moment it stops wondering because i'm aware of my running again, i start to focus once more on my breathing, or arms, or stride, or posture... and pretty soon i'm noticing the trees again.

mbaker566

inside, i watch netflicks
outside, i listen to nikki sixx and maroon 5 and redlight kings and in this moment

MonkeyMel21

I always listen to music that really pumps me up. It's my favorite part of the day/week. I did try running 6 miles straight for the first time since high school last month and that last mile got extremely boring. So....music that pumps you up if you're outside. And if you're on a treadmill and have Netflix or something on your phone, watch that! My coworker watches kung fu movies while he runs, lmao. When I run on the treadmill I listen to my music and watch the news on the gym TV's.

ClubSilencio

Try running at a park or trail where there are other people out exercising.

If there's not many people out that day, I get kinda bored. But if I see other runners it's GAME ON, SON!

cwolfman13

JoseLoCR wrote: »

I did wonder. But I am not a big fan of other cardio machines such as cross trainer, I fear nothing is my natural thing, maybe I am just to endure it! Maybe I can ask at the gym for other ideas how to get this exercise.

cardio machines are boring...go outside...do something you enjoy doing recreationally and do it at a higher intensity.

MeanderingMammal

Get off the treadmill and go and run trails. Running helps me clear my head and just meditate, and seeing the odd deer is a bit of a bonus.

If I'm in cities I sometimes use audiobooks.

NorthCascades

Go outside. Choose a varied route with stuff to look at.

lemurcat12

I find running relaxing, and it often helps me work through problems or some work-related task, if I just let my mind wander. Sometimes that part of it takes a mile or so to kick in, so as you run more it might get easier.

I frequently distract myself, though -- I like running through neighborhoods I want to check out or in places with scenery, and even for just my typical route will find that one incentive for going is a nice chunk of time to listen to a podcast or my newest music playlist.

kjm3579

lemurcat12 wrote: »

I find running relaxing, and it often helps me work through problems or some work-related task, if I just let my mind wander. Sometimes that part of it takes a mile or so to kick in, so as you run more it might get easier.

I frequently distract myself, though -- I like running through neighborhoods I want to check out or in places with scenery, and even for just my typical route will find that one incentive for going is a nice chunk of time to listen to a podcast or my newest music playlist.

This is basically what I was planning to say -- my last long run was 9 miles -- I had seen a road on my last run that turned off from where I usually go so I planned to take it and explore -- found out I have another great place to run now -- I try to run past large construction sites and look at whats being done and I also run past a local university so I can see what's happening there as well.

pansamanchada

On the treadmill I watch TV. I set my tablet on the console and watch Sling or youtube music videos.

Outside I listen to music or audiobooks.

Now if you have graduated from C25k and want to move to more challenging running workouts try running negative splits. There's no way you'll feel bored doing this.

Start Running a distance as fast as you can and then walk the next stretch.
Here's a sample:
Run 800 meters as fast as you can for all the running
Walk 200 meters
Run 600 meters
Walk 200 meters
Run 400 meters
Walk 200 meters
Run 200 meters

This is a lot of fun and will help you develop speed.
If you don't have a track available there are apps that can help you measure a distance in meters and you just have to make a mental or visual note of the landmark on your running path. I used mapmyrun.com and the satelite view to mark where each distance was on the trail. I know this is not the easiest of answers but once you do it, it will for sure be fun.

JoseLoCR

Thanks for the advice everyone! I think I need to find some good podcasts or youtube series for in the gym! I am interested to hear also maybe alternating of run and walk can be as good? Maybe this is a question for another thread but I suppose if it adds to the same running, it is nearly as good, even if slightly less helpful to build stamina? I suppose if I end up having a little walk break it is better than to give up! I hope one day it can become at least habitual so I always do it, if not completely 'fun'! I just wish I get this buzz people talk of, maybe one day!

LKArgh

JoseLoCR wrote: »

Hello,

I am new to exercise so started off with 'couch to 5k' that builds up to 30 mins running, as I heard it was good way to do it (it is!). the earlier part of the program is short bursts of running with also walking. But as it progresses it is only running. Of course this is a good challenge, but I find one more problem: I get bored running 25-30 mins no stop. At least the change of pace kept it interesting in the early days. I tried running outside instead of treadmill to make more interest and it helps a bit but still no so much. I try music, sometimes this helps a bit. Sorry if this is a very stupid question, just wondering how people keep their mind busy to not get too bored in the run! Or is it just something we must put up with?
Thank you, Joselito

Find something else? Get a bike, go swimming, go for long walks, join a cardio class, find a sport, try martial arts?

Djproulx

"I am interested to hear also maybe alternating of run and walk can be as good? Maybe this is a question for another thread but I suppose if it adds to the same running, it is nearly as good, even if slightly less helpful to build stamina? I suppose if I end up having a little walk break it is better than to give up! I hope one day it can become at least habitual so I always do it, if not completely 'fun'! I just wish I get this buzz people talk of, maybe one day! "

No worries at all if you have to walk occasionally. I know of several athletes who employ a run/walk strategy to complete the marathon run segment of a full distance IronMan race. So just keep going!

One thing that may help make this a habit and also more fun for you is to find a running partner. That forces you to keep your running appointments if someone else is there and also provides a bit of socializing as you log the miles.

fitmom4lifemfp

JoseLoCR wrote: »

Hello,

I am new to exercise so started off with 'couch to 5k' that builds up to 30 mins running, as I heard it was good way to do it (it is!). the earlier part of the program is short bursts of running with also walking. But as it progresses it is only running. Of course this is a good challenge, but I find one more problem: I get bored running 25-30 mins no stop. At least the change of pace kept it interesting in the early days. I tried running outside instead of treadmill to make more interest and it helps a bit but still no so much. I try music, sometimes this helps a bit. Sorry if this is a very stupid question, just wondering how people keep their mind busy to not get too bored in the run! Or is it just something we must put up with?
Thank you, Joselito

I don't ever feel bored. I always have music, and frankly, for me it is very much a stress-buster. Never ever "boring". Maybe it's just not your thing...as someone else suggested.

20yearsyounger

Djproulx wrote: »

"I am interested to hear also maybe alternating of run and walk can be as good? Maybe this is a question for another thread but I suppose if it adds to the same running, it is nearly as good, even if slightly less helpful to build stamina? I suppose if I end up having a little walk break it is better than to give up! I hope one day it can become at least habitual so I always do it, if not completely 'fun'! I just wish I get this buzz people talk of, maybe one day! "

No worries at all if you have to walk occasionally. I know of several athletes who employ a run/walk strategy to complete the marathon run segment of a full distance IronMan race. So just keep going!

One thing that may help make this a habit and also more fun for you is to find a running partner. That forces you to keep your running appointments if someone else is there and also provides a bit of socializing as you log the miles.

I found that run/walk, even though less than a full out run, still gives me a pretty good burn and exercise for my levels. If I feel like I am overdoing it, I use that strategy until the body feels fully ready to go again. So I wouldn't down play it.

ROBOTFOOD

Run up mtns.

kaaaayla

Okay this might be weird, but I just look at myself. Lol. I run on a treadmill in front of a mirror, so I just zone out on my own face or legs or something. Start thinking about the music or my pants or whatever, just zone out.