If a 3 minute run is boring you then you should probably peg the whole thing and take up something more exciting like sky or deep sea diving.
But does a 30 min or maybe a two hour run make you desperately bored? Have you grown tired of your surroundings and sounds, songs and sights, are you overly focused on your 'heavy legs' and can hardly wait for all of it to be done & over with as soon as possible?
I'm about to embark on another marathon training odyssey with such jewels as HM, 25K, 28K and 32K training runs, runs that will inevitably take place in all sorts of weather conditions and some will follow not so good sleep or simply days when rest won't have come in good supply. How to combat fatigue of boredom especially when I've already done that trip and know how lovely some of those stages are likely to be?
First, I'm always interested in The Target, not so much in how to get there, that for me is secondary. Your brain automatically gets to see a bigger picture and those steps in between are just, well, steps in between. Think rewards and accolades, cakes and glitz, bling and fame (ok, maybe not fame) that will surround your proud sense of achievement rather than some sweat that you'll sweat out on the course.
Second, route planning will be crucial. I will want to enjoy myself hence I won't be repeating the same 28K stretch, no way, lots will have to change. New things to see, other grounds to cover, new stuff will be thrown in the mix with some old favourites. Brain needs stimulus, it's not stupid but it can be tricked. Once your brain gets bits of fun thrown at it, it responds in a positive way. Your two hours become way quicker, more enticing, less of a psychological burden to carry along. A complete opposite to a root canal job performed by a young excited dentist, put it that way.
Clothes. Yes, even the clothes. A new top can make a difference to me. A simple running top. It can make me feel better, more relaxed....different. It can, at times, take your mind off some of the difficulties en route. Remember, trick the brain, any tricks will do, you've got to aim for your target hence a few dirty tricks are allowed, this is pragmatic part of life after all.
And finally, crucially, I am very clear as to why l am putting myself through all this. I know my motives and they are my driving force, always by my side. I got to know what my body can do and, mentally, that's a huge chunk of concern off my shoulders. I know l can do it, I've already done it, may as well relax and enjoy it more. That doesn't leave much, if any, room for boredom.
Your completed target will yield benefits, benefits will maintain motivation, motivation will help create excitement and you just know how easily that can beat boredom! But, as always, ask yourself how far are you interested to go. No need going through some life-juice-killing-boring-to-death-demanding-sharp-February-sleet for 3 hours if, in reality, all you really need is a cozy and fast 20 minute run in your own time. Know yourself first, don't compare yourself to anyone, be open minded and above all, get and stay realistic!
Boredom? What boredom?
You can do it too....
It's amazing what you can accomplish when you ignore your brain.
The last festive mantra 
How do you land your feet when running?
