Bordom while running?
remmus102
Posts: 24 Member
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
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Try new routes, run beautiful places, find a running group in your area, listen to music/podcasts.3
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I listen to podcasts and audio books. My library has audio books online.5
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janejellyroll wrote: »Try new routes, run beautiful places, find a running group in your area, listen to music/podcasts.
/thread4 -
Audio books!3
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I have my favorite Pandora station and rock out to 80s music.1
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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.4 -
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.1
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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.....3 -
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.8
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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!1 -
I've got nothing... if i found running boring I just wouldn't do it... life's too short, do something you love!16
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Pokémon Go/Ingress can also make running more interesting.0
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I switched to an elliptical in my basement with a TV. No more boredom or dealing with the weather.2
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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 x1
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I really HATE running but have to do it for the Sprint-Tri's I train for. What I found out is I LOVE complaining about running even more than I hate it - so it all works out :-)
Seriously though - I agree with the earlier suggestions to try some new routes. The only thing I hate about new routes is they seem to be longer than they actually are because of my unfamiliarity with them.5 -
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.3 -
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.3
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Try trail running3
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Try an app called rock my run. The reggae channel is my fave.2
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Listen to music or podcasts, vary your route, or run with a friend or group.1
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I go on the treadmill I either have music on or I have the tv on0
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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?0 -
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!2 -
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!:)0
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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!0 -
Checkout Zombies Run!
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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).1
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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.0
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TavistockToad wrote: »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.2 -
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!2
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