Running is a great form of exercise that practically anyone can pick up. All you need to start is a good pair of running shoes, some workout clothes, and a treadmill or a place to run. However, many casual runners run more out of necessity than because they enjoy that form of exercise, and some avid runners will even admit that they occasionally dread going on runs. If this sounds suspiciously like a description of yourself, learn how to make a run more exciting with one of these ideas.
Ditch the Treadmill When You Can
When you go for a run, do you immediately gravitate toward the treadmill or do you head outdoors? If the answer is the treadmill, or if you run the same route outdoors every day, maybe it’s time to switch things up. Especially if you run in winter, it can be tempting to run indoors to avoid the cold, but by doing that all the time, you’ll miss out on the benefits that outdoor running has to offer. Running outdoors allows you to run to a destination and experience the views along the way—a great way to make things interesting if you easily get bored while running.
Play Some Tunes
Jazz up your jog with a great running playlist. Listening to music while you run can help you to stay motivated, even when you’re tired. It will also help you distract yourself from any negative thoughts or physical aches that can so easily turn your run into a negative experience. Keeping your mind distracted will make it easier for your body to continue the act of running.
Find a Running Buddy
Speaking of keeping yourself motivated and distracted, why not try running with a friend? Making conversation with your running buddy will help the miles to pass more quickly and be more enjoyable. Even when you become too out of breath to carry on a conversation, the presence of your friend will motivate you to keep going until you’ve completed the run. If you want, your running buddy could even be your dog!
Running doesn’t have to be unpleasant or boring. Even if you haven’t liked running when you’ve tried it in the past, learning how to make a run more exciting can be a game-changer. Find a running habit that you love and apply it to make your runs more enjoyable. If you try everything and still despise running, no worries! There are plenty of other great types of exercise out there — find one that you enjoy and commit to that instead.
