Bordom while running?

fitoverfortymom

I have to switch it up with good tunes and different locations. I also practice fartlek drills on my runs which gives your head something to do. I do two identical runs each week, so I always try and beat my first time, which gets me pushing harder.

MobyCarp

Six years ago, I completed a 5K training plan similar to C25K. I was worried that without the plan structure, I'd lose motivation and stop running regularly. So I set myself a goal to run at least 20 minutes, at least 3 days a week. Why 20 minutes? Because I didn't think I could guarantee time for 30 minutes on a lunch hour, given the gear-up and wind-down required. Why 3 days a week? Because that's what the 5K plan called for.

Fast forward 6 years. I've had a lot of weeks where I didn't run 3 days. Every last one of them was due to injury. None were due to motivation. I fell in love with running, and boredom has never been a problem for me. So I don't really have any useful advice on how to deal with boredom if it is a problem for *you*.

The best I can do is say, maybe running isn't your thing. Maybe you need to do running to support something else you love doing - soccer, lacrosse, whatever. (Team sports aren't my thing, but I've talked to people who only ran to stay in shape for their sport of choice.) Turns out that I hate core work; but I do it, because it supports running and I love running.

So . . . either run because you love to run; or run because it supports your fitness for something else you love to do; or give it up and find some other form of exercise that you *do* love. Life is too short to spend 20 hours a week enduring boredom in the name of fitness.

DX2JX2

Saying that you need motivation to run because you will be running a 5K is answering the question with the same question. Why do you want to run a 5K if you don't like to run?

To be honest, while we all have our podcasts, or running groups, or other methods of 'distracting' ourselves during our runs, I can guarantee that most serious runners would run regardless. We get joy from the simple act of running; from the relaxation and ability to escape other stresses, from the time we get to spend outside, from the fitness it provides elsewhere in our lives, from the thrill of setting a personal best, and from the pure fun in the way it feels to use your body the way it was meant to be used.

You've gotten some great advice here already but running simply isn't for everybody. If it doesn't do it for you then absolutely try to find an activity that does. There's no need to force yourself to do anything.

The_Enginerd

I found that when I first started running, it was the same. I needed something to distract me. I always had music going. It took time for me to love running, and a change in how I approach it. Now, I do it and it's my ME time, time to contemplate, and time to just enjoy being outside and enjoy some scenery. I don't even bother listening to music while running anymore. It isn't always easy to slog myself out of the door, especially when it's dark or the weather isn't great, but I always feel better afterwards.

KarenSmith2018

I love to run. But I didn't always. I used to have to force myself out the house. Eventually I fell in love with the space the quiet the me time the sunshine the fresh air. I listen to music most of the time. But occasionally run without as most races don't allow music. I set myself goals and aims. But ultimately I run because I love to run. My OH dislikes running so he does other stuff. Keep at it but ultimately if you don't fall in love with it try something else. Life is to short to do stuff you don't like.

jgnatca

I find preparation for a race I've registered in is good motivation.

MissMaggieMuffin

The_Enginerd wrote: »

I found that when I first started running, it was the same. I needed something to distract me. I always had music going. It took time for me to love running, and a change in how I approach it. Now, I do it and it's my ME time, time to contemplate, and time to just enjoy being outside and enjoy some scenery. I don't even bother listening to music while running anymore. It isn't always easy to slog myself out of the door, especially when it's dark or the weather isn't great, but I always feel better afterwards.

Agree with this. Sometimes it isn't love at 'first try'.
Took me a while to love running. When I first started, it was simply because I wanted to say I could do it. Then I began to love it and now it is never boring for me. I listen to podcasts but also vary my run every time: different neighbourhoods, different trails, etc.

kenyonhaff

jpena412 wrote: »

abbynormalartist wrote: »

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!

So many people beat me to this! I love it. Getting the subscription (about $6/month US) will unlock all the episodes, rather than one a week.

AnnieLewandowski302

I'd go for mixing up your routes and pace. Also, I use audiobooks and my favorite rock playlist. I got so bored once in my marathon training run, I started practicing my krav maga punches while running (I'm sure I looked a little looney, lol). Just keep mixing things up.

Lynzdee18

I use Apple Music and have a couple playlists for my iPod, depending on my pace and distance for that day. I like the upbeat tempo and mindlessness of the music.... The runs are often over before I get bored....

SchweddyGirl

I rarely ever carry tunes anymore unless I am on the treadmill. I have learned to enjoy the scenery and it has helped with any boredom.

fitoverfortymom

I agree with registering for a race helping, also. Super motivating at the macro level.

MeanderingMammal

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?

Sometimes I'll get bored running, but largely not. When I was only doing short distances I'd use music, podcasts of audio books. Now that I'm running longer I find the experience quite meditative. The steady beat of my feet, or my breathing, gives a point of focus to just clear my head. Sometimes it's space to chew over work related challenges or issues, sometimes it's just about clearing my head.

As others are suggesting, trail running is great. An opportunity to connect with the environment, see things and get the headspace.

The times I do get bored would be indoors on a dreadmill, or if I have to do a long run in a couple of locations where it's unsafe to go too far due to traffic and road conditions. Ten miles round exhibition centre car parks does get dull, but those times it's a question of recognising that I need to get the miles in to make the races easier.

You have a purpose, use that purpose to help your motivation.

riffraff2112

when I need a change of scenery to prevent boredom (although I have a few decent options in my neighborhood) I drive to a different area of the city, and go for a jog through the park, trails or neighborhood.
I used to listen to music but lately I find the wind, traffic or nature sounds more appealing.

spiriteagle99

Changing up your routes definitely helps. I love running someplace new because I stay aware of my surroundings in a way I don't when I run the same routes all the time.

When I first started doing really long runs, one of the mental games I played was an alphabet game where I would look for something that started with A, then something starting with B, then something starting with C, etc. I allowed words on signs. I rarely do this any more, because I enjoy my long runs more now that they are easier. I still look around and look for animals, flowers, colorful trees, etc. Sometimes I have music, but I find I actually run better without it because I get into a nice steady rhythm when I don't have different music influencing my paces. Running hilly routes also keeps the run interesting, because I focus on getting up the hills smoothly and easily (if I can) or racing down the slope without losing control.