Running is Boring....Or is it?

Tired of your same routine? Can't find the motivation for the miles? Well, running is as much of a mental game as it is a physical one. Keeping your head in the moment can be tough with the repetitive motions of running so we need to have some tools to help break up the monotony. Here are a few ideas to spice up your workouts and keep you fresh.

Change your pace

If you always run at the same pace you are doing yourself a disservice. Try to do some shorter runs at a quicker pace and challenge your cardiovascular limit. Time yourself for a particular distance and try to beat that time once a week. It is good to add some faster runs to your schedule to increase your fitness, but try to limit them to once or twice a week. On the flip side of that coin, run at a slower pace and increase you distance. Try for a distance a bit longer than you have done before. This is a fun way to discover some new scenery. Tempo runs are a good way to mix it up, changing your pace up and down in one workout. Example: Easy pace for one mile, then 5 minutes at a quick pace with a 2 minute easy run recoveries. Repeat 4 times, and back to one mile easy cool down.

Use music

Create play lists that match the intensity of your run. Nice and easy, down tempo songs for long runs, or even audio books. Blues, jazz, singer songwriter, and instrumentals all work great to keep you at a smooth steady pace. Bring it up for quick runs. Rock, hip hop, pop, and dance will get those feet moving and push you to you limit. Music is a great tool for running but remember to go natural every once in a while and take in all the sounds around you.

Run with a group

Having a good conversation will make a long run fly by and will keep you at a comfortable pace. You want to find a group that is friendly and that runs at your level. Not only does it make the runs go by much more quickly, but it will also hold you more accountable to show up for the workouts. It is also nice to meet people that are on the same fitness path as you, and learn tips and tricks from the more experienced runners in the group, as well as all the hottest races in your area.

These are just a few of the ways to make your runs more exciting and enjoyable. What are your some of your favorite things to do on a run? Share your thoughts.