bridge to 10k boredom and how do i conquer it... ?

[womblejogger]

currently in the process of increasing my weekly distance to get to 10k, i don't run with headphones and i am finding that i am getting bored towards the latter part of my jogs. I know i am not fast so i am out jogging for longer than most at the distance i currently am at. jogging is enjoyable and i try to vary my routes given the dark, wet, windy nights. I might try the local running club, as i run on my own and that might alleviate the boredom creeping in ... what do others do?

[misswobble Graduate10]

I just got used to it. I can just get lost in my own thoughts for miles on end. I try and run a different route every time I go out though, and vary the distances. I run on the trails in better weather, running on the roads can get tedious if you run the same routes too often

[womblejogger Graduate10 in reply to misswobble]

want to do the trails in the summer, but at the moment due to where i live there isn't much (safe) variation in the routes, hopefully as you say i'll get used to it :/

[Lordi Graduate10]

I run without headphones/music too.

I've found all the 1km split time/pace notifications, heart rate upper an lower zone alarms, pace alarms and all the other goodies I've programmed into my new running watch help break-up the time by giving me something else to ponder all the while other than the next 30m of surface to cover. May lose interest in that level of metrics after a while though so may well begin thinking of trying some music finally...

[womblejogger Graduate10 in reply to Lordi]

i'm tempted with the headphones again as i know people run whilst listening to audio books that would be great for me as i never find enough time to read at the moment either...

[SC1472 Graduate10 in reply to womblejogger]

I listen to audiobooks, although sometimes I zone out then have to play catch up to work out what is happening in the book!

[Polly2810 in reply to womblejogger]

I listen to my audiobooks...I just lose myself in them!!

[mrrun Graduate10]

Run with headphones.

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10]

I've made a playlist of my favourite music. I'm training for a HM so my long run has gotten quite long. To help pass the time, I've made a new playlist of all my favourites from my youth, many I haven't listened to in 20+ years. I have many more songs on there than I can listen to in one run and place it on shuffle so I never know what's going to come on. More often than not, the running gods of shuffle come through with the right song when I need it most!

[pinkaardvark Graduate10]

I have always run with headphones, but as I listen to the nhs podcasts still, I find I zone the sound out so that it's just background noise. I have run without and it was a revelation in that my breathing was so loud but after a few minutes worrying I couldn't cope without the music it became normal and I went back to daydreaming.

I think the audiobooks is definitely one to try as you get more comfortable in your runs.

[Biddy62 Graduate10]

I download podcasts. Various depending on my mood. Drama (radio 4). Comedy (same place or Russell Brand's podcast 😬) searched for some running ones - they vary but if you don't like them just ditch them). Give it a go and good luck getting to 10k 😊

[womblejogger Graduate10 in reply to Biddy62]

thanks, didn't think of other podcasts duh

[Beccym Graduate10]

Running without music is very medative I quite enjoy it. Try mixing up your routes. Run with others I struggle to run more then 5 miles on my own. There are lots of running clubs around and they are generally not expensive or free.

[Jonesycat Graduate10]

Yes, podcasts are a great option - it doesn't matter if you zone out for a while (unlike with an audiobook), and there are so many to choose from you're bound to find something you like. I tend to go for music/chatty ones, Desert Island Discs for example, or Private Passions and My Essential Classics from R3, but will give anything a go if it sounds interesting. To get going, just Google 'Best Podcasts' or something similar and you'll get a good idea of the sort of stuff that's out there. And all for free!

Good luck!

[womblejogger Graduate10 in reply to Jonesycat]

didn't think of audio podcasts etc will get onto that over the weekend

[PamJ58 Graduate10]

I listen to an audiobook. I find it easier to keep my breathing to a steady rhythm than listening to music. It helps the time to pass on the longer runs (trying to build up to a half marathon)

[Gillma]

I use the bbc iPlayer radio app.

[ju-ju- Graduate10 in reply to Gillma]

I do too. I download Pete tong on a Friday night and listen Sat morning. I got a shoutout once and it certainly put a spring in my step!

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

Get some headphones and some funky tunes...

[womblejogger Graduate10 in reply to ju-ju-]

thanks ju-ju, got some bluetooth headphones i used to run with and will upload a load of podcasts and funky tunage to my phone this weekend, also looking to change my route as well , mix it up a little

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

I haven't got time to be bored 🙂

healthunlocked.com/bridgeto...

although I did try a local running club last night and loved it so perhaps you should give it a go.

[HeleneCorsa Graduate10]

There are lots of apps for runners now on the lines of the Zombies app, which might be worth a look.

[Hidden]

Audiobooks, podcasts and occasionally music. Nothing like a good book and sometimes its the prospect of the book (rather than the run) that's get me out there!

Audible have some amazing books/narrators

[Lablove 60minGraduate]

Love my audio books. Bit of ABBA dancing queen if I need a bit of a boost😂