Bordom while running?

Hello, I’m a beginner runner and I run about 3 times a week with bad runs being about 2 miles long at a 8:30 per mile pace to about 4.6 miles at a 9:30 per mile pace. I’ve noticed that one of the reasons I don’t run very far is boredom. Any tips?
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Replies

  • janejellyroll
    janejellyroll Posts: 25,763 Member
    Try new routes, run beautiful places, find a running group in your area, listen to music/podcasts.
  • stanmann571
    stanmann571 Posts: 5,727 Member
    Try new routes, run beautiful places, find a running group in your area, listen to music/podcasts.

    /thread
  • iamthemotherofdogs
    iamthemotherofdogs Posts: 562 Member
    Audio books!
  • sandy_taylor13
    sandy_taylor13 Posts: 194 Member
    I have my favorite Pandora station and rock out to 80s music. :wink:
  • DX2JX2
    DX2JX2 Posts: 1,921 Member
    remmus102 wrote: »
    Hello, I’m a beginner runner and I run about 3 times a week with bad runs being about 2 miles long at a 8:30 per mile pace to about 4.6 miles at a 9:30 per mile pace. I’ve noticed that one of the reasons I don’t run very far is boredom. Any tips?

    No need for any answers other than the above. That said, why do you need to run longer? What are you goals? 10-15 miles per week is more than adequate for somebody who just wants to run for fitness.
  • richardgavel
    richardgavel Posts: 1,001 Member
    I tend towards music over audiobooks or podcasts because then I can tune in or out mentally of what is coming thru the headphones as I want. Unless I decide I need an extended walk break, then I hit the podcasts.
  • LiftHeavyThings27105
    LiftHeavyThings27105 Posts: 2,086 Member
    edited October 2017
    I used to run along the river along the Greenway in Roanoke, VA. I just listened to all of the "silence". Early morning or late afternoon.....there is a ton of "silence".....frogs, birds, wind, water running, crickets, et al. It was so peaceful.

    EDIT: about mile five or so my breathing would become a little bit labored....amazing how the "silence" did not go away. I would hear between breathes all of the "silence". I could never get bored.....
  • jpena412
    jpena412 Posts: 42 Member
    I have fun with the zombie run app. It's a (free) interactive podcast where you play a character in the story, running to get supplies, ect. Occasionally zombies get close and you've got to outrun them. In between the narrative your music will come on.

    Thanks for this suggestion! I totally struggle with boredom while running, this app sounds like so much fun. Downloading it now to try this evening!
  • stanmann571
    stanmann571 Posts: 5,727 Member
    Pokémon Go/Ingress can also make running more interesting.
  • Calichusetts
    Calichusetts Posts: 100 Member
    I switched to an elliptical in my basement with a TV. No more boredom or dealing with the weather.
  • Christine_2017
    Christine_2017 Posts: 60 Member
    I sometimes watch a tv show, mobile propped up on the treadmill and headphones in - not sure if that helps or you have access but time definitely flies x
  • GiddyupTim
    GiddyupTim Posts: 2,819 Member
    You could run intervals, mixing up your pace. That gives your mind something to pay attention to.
    I often leap garbage cans and run stepping only on a painted line and run along curbs or anything I can balance on. Or run hills.
    Anything to mix it up. It helps to keep it interesting.
  • RoxieDawn
    RoxieDawn Posts: 15,488 Member
    Running and boredom are just not 2 things I have ever encountered. I get lost in my own thoughts, music and scenerey.. it my ME time. Sorry no help at all.
  • 7lenny7
    7lenny7 Posts: 3,498 Member
    Try trail running
  • Biker_SuzCO
    Biker_SuzCO Posts: 54 Member
    Try an app called rock my run. The reggae channel is my fave.
  • pomegranatecloud
    pomegranatecloud Posts: 812 Member
    Listen to music or podcasts, vary your route, or run with a friend or group.
  • cynthiabickham
    cynthiabickham Posts: 1,009 Member
    I go on the treadmill I either have music on or I have the tv on
  • Djproulx
    Djproulx Posts: 3,084 Member
    DX2JX2 wrote: »
    remmus102 wrote: »
    Hello, I’m a beginner runner and I run about 3 times a week with bad runs being about 2 miles long at a 8:30 per mile pace to about 4.6 miles at a 9:30 per mile pace. I’ve noticed that one of the reasons I don’t run very far is boredom. Any tips?

    No need for any answers other than the above. That said, why do you need to run longer? What are you goals? 10-15 miles per week is more than adequate for somebody who just wants to run for fitness.

    ^^ I have the same questions. If you're a new runner going at the paces listed, that's a pretty solid start. Are you running outside or indoors now? Are you hoping to run longer distances to build endurance? Perhaps you'd like to enter a race? Is boredom the only reason you don't run longer?
  • Jthanmyfitnesspal
    Jthanmyfitnesspal Posts: 3,522 Member
    Many great suggestion here. I just add that podcasts and audiobooks are good because they don't interfere with your cadence. I'd like to try rock my run sometime.

    Tonight, I ran for an hour in a dark park with my headlamp listening to the last furtive mating calls of the insects. Fantastic!
  • remmus102
    remmus102 Posts: 24 Member
    Im running outdoors and I’m hoping to build my endurance and distance. I’m planning on doing my first 5k later this month. Thanks for the tips!:)
  • Djproulx
    Djproulx Posts: 3,084 Member
    remmus102 wrote: »
    Im running outdoors and I’m hoping to build my endurance and distance. I’m planning on doing my first 5k later this month. Thanks for the tips!:)

    Sounds like you're on track to run a 5k. You've received lots of good tips here.

    Like others have said, running with a friend or small group at an easy pace is a great way to build endurance. You may find that your weekly long run becomes an enjoyable social activity as much as a training session.

    Good luck in your race!
  • FatWithFatness
    FatWithFatness Posts: 315 Member
    Checkout Zombies Run!
  • guacamole17
    guacamole17 Posts: 109 Member
    Fourth vote for Zombies, Run! I listen to audio books and that app/game while running. They are right in the middle of a virtual race right now too! (well two of the training runs have come out at least).
  • midlomel1971
    midlomel1971 Posts: 1,283 Member
    I get so bored running outside. Listening to podcasts has been a game-changer for me. I normally run inside on the treadmill because I can watch Netflix on my Kindle or some watch the TV. I never ran outside because of boredom, but I bought an exercise fanny pack kind of thing I can put my iPhone in. I listen to podcasts now and I'll run twice as far as before because I'm so engaged in my podcasts.
  • MegaMooseEsq
    MegaMooseEsq Posts: 3,118 Member
    I've got nothing... if i found running boring I just wouldn't do it... life's too short, do something you love!

    Indeed. When people hear I’ve started running, I often get comments like “ugh, you must be so motivated, running is such a drag.” This baffles me, because there really are so many fitness options out there besides running. And if you have access to the internet and some sort of screen, many of them are free!

    I’m afraid I don’t have any advice for the OP - I run with my two terriers, and making sure that I don’t trip over them and they don’t run into the street keeps me on my toes plenty! I’d love to work up to an eight minute mile, but I’m taking it slow. And I need new shoes, speaking of ugh.
  • H_Ock12
    H_Ock12 Posts: 1,152 Member
    When I trail run, I enjoy just being in nature...watching for spider webs and snakes is a necessary pastime, too! When I road run I tend to get lost in my head, unless I have my dog and teaching him to pace/not chase squirrels requires my full attention. At the gym track, I people watch as the track is the third floor and open to the gym floor below it. I just won't run on a treadmill....life is too short to be a bored hamster on a wheel!