I know I should be grateful that the distance isn't a problem for me but boredom is. All the plodding until the blessed relief of the last km and the freedom to actually RUN! I searched here for suggestions and came up with listening to podcasts (already doing that) and running different routes (I can't really as my dog runs with me* so we need somewhere away from traffic. I suppose I could drive somewhere and then run but that doesn't seem right when I have the perfect solution so close to home).
I'm beginning to think I'm not cut out for distance running and might get the benefits from shorter, faster runs. I'll persevere to 10K simply because I want that achievement and I'm hoping it will improve my Parkrun time so I can get closer to the experienced runners in my age group (Competitive? Moi?)
If you haven't given up reading all my moaning, thank you. I'll probably change my mind after the next run (though as that's the 3.5K with sprints 🤩 that's not a proper test!)
*well, somewhere within 100 yards of me. She's a very independent spirit and goes her own way at her own pace.
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Now-runner_NeedsAttn
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I can only suggest mixing it up somehow - speed intervals, hills sessions etc, listening to different music, try Headspace guided runs (yet to try them myself but they sound good!), different time of day maybe? I used to always run with my dog but when the heat of summer got too much for him I went solo, then got into Park Runs and joined a running group. The variety keeps things fresh for me.
Good ideas, thanks. I've done 5 Parkruns so there is a lot of potential there but that's only once a week. My one run with a group didn't go well as the organiser didn't like dogs. Something will have to give, maybe I'll leave her behind for some runs.
I "bridged" with the intention of keeping my pace at no slower than 6'00" / k and hopefully better than 5'30", from the starting point of 25 minutes being my par for a (totally flat)Parkrun. You're in around the same ballpark by the look of it ……..
So I staved off boredom mostly by checking how I was doing against those targets, every 500m - was I slowing down, speeding up, did I have to pull a few seconds back etc. etc.
I graduated in 55'41" and managed 53'48" a couple of weeks later. I'm told the countryside where I was running is very pleasant - I only know what my watch face looks like
I already do some of that with Strava talking in my ear every 500m (mainly to make sure I keep to my plodding pace and don't go enjoying myself by running faster )
I ran 29:02 in the last Parkrun, I would have had to drop that to the 25's to catch the three leaders ahead of me in my age group! That's another target I'm aiming for.
I know exactly what you mean - I have a very low boredom threshold and by the time I'd worked my way up to 8k was fed up and thought longer distances weren't for me. I only stuck it out to 10k because I refused to be beaten.
But I then got out my trusty OS map and found some new footpaths near me that I didn't even know existed. Now I look forward to my longer runs as it gives me the chance to explore, and I'm all excited about running again!
I definitely think you need new routes, even if it means getting in your car. It'll be so worth it (and planning your routes is half the fun). Who knows, you might start loving the longer runs too!
Food for thought. I've done a bit of exploring to find new places to walk the dog but there are lots more in the area a short car-ride away, like Windsor Great Park and several royal forests. It does mean I have to buy a sensible car if I'm going to take the dog, I've only tried her once in my open sports car (a Caterham 7) and she threw up (after getting out of the car fortunately). I do need to do that anyway...
Ah, now I see why you don't want to drive - Caterhams weren't built with dogs in mind! They weren't really built with human comfort in mind either, but what fun!
Get in the car.. take the dog and find some hills.. you will be glad of the plodding and even gladder? when that last K comes...then... when you have reached 10K... you can let loose your inner speed demon and whizz toward whichever speed goal you fancy x
I got bored as the distance increased too. I made it to 10k alright, but beyond that was too dull. So now I try to drive somewhere nice for 10K or above - that's only been once week at most, I stay local for the shorter runs. I've found some lovely runs along the canal and through a coupe of local parks. Mixing those up is enough for now, but I have my eye on a couple of runs along the Thames if I get bored again! It really did make all the difference for me. Good luck
Doing the same route all the time doesn't sound fun, I'm not surprised you feel bored! If I'm feeling pushed for time I'll do a fast 5k or some intervals round my local park, but doing flat laps is so mindnumbing, I couldn't run further than that there. (well, one time I did 18k, that was about nine soul-destroying laps—I had a calf strain and didn't want anything to snap far from home so it was necessary, but never again!). I do have lots of lovely urban and wild runs nearby, but sometimes I just get on a bus and go somewhere different, then run home. It's a good way of forcing a long run out of me. Dogs can go on buses! Why not go on an adventure and see where it takes you.
I love my long runs - but at the same time would go insane with boredom if I didn't have my tracks to listen to. I have a music selection that runs about two hours ten minutes that I have been using for over two years now - it helps me keep my pace when I am running ten k or more, and I record plays, comedies, documentaries etc from good old BBC Radio online to listen to when I get fed up of listening to the music
A good tactic in the early days was to only listen to HALF a programme - then the lure of finding out 'what happened in the end' would get me out the door to run two days later
Right now I cannot imagine running for (very hopefully) 5 hours straight when (if) I get a Full Marathon under my belt next October. I'm starting to track (no pun intended LOL ) down stuff with a good beat to it that won't discombobulate my pace etc. I thought a few more recent 'Hits' would be good but what sounds really great and 'inspiring' when you are sitting down listening can REALLY mess you up when you are trying to run steadily.
So - trying to find 'good stuff' from the late 70's/up to mid-80s tracks (from when music WAS music - and get off my lawn! LOL ) to add to what I have to keep me out of very dangerous territory during such a long run... my Hamster wheel of a brain!
BTW - as with C25K I'm afraid to inform you that 'Distance Running" become quite addictive...
I must admit, I am enjoying the longer runs more than the shorter runs. I’m generally not worrying about pace and feel comfortable after the first 3k; music on; Strava telling me how far I’ve gone and an out and back route, which gets a bit longer each week. I don’t think I could go round the same circuit several times (keep that for parkrun). Lots of good suggestions from others, but mine would also be a change of route and listening to whatever will pass the time pleasurably. Only 5 more long runs to 10k and then you can do what makes you feel good 😀
It sounds like you have all the suggestions!!! I know what you mean... when I was marathon training I got incredibly bored on the really long runs as the route wasnt very inspiring too. This is one of the reasons i progressed to doing more challenging hilly trails. It breaks it up and is way more fun. As its tougher I found I Could do less which also held me in good stead for the next marathon. I dont know what else to suggest...
Hi Now-runner_NeedsAttn, Thank you for posting about boredom while running. So interesting to read the replies that you received. I am always anticipating that I will find the longer run boring when the paths I love become too muddy or even too familiar. All the best with your inward running journey 😊🏃🏻🐕🏎
Well I did Bracknell Parkrun on Saturday, really didn't fancy it but got myself out there and finished 4th in my Age Group again so felt good about that. This morning I did 3 laps of the racecourse as the end of an 8K run - I tuned my mind out of the running and listened to podcasts until letting rip with a 5:05 last km (in the process setting my second fastest 5K). Next I'm going to do the 4K run where I often walk the dog, so that will be cross-country (like Parkrun) to mix it up a bit. It's also out and back, no laps.
Altogether feeling more positive now after my whinging last week 🙄
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