Running is boring.

[sdu60]

Just finished week 8 run 3 and for the first time in 8 weeks had some moments of enjoyment during a run but something else as well. Normally I would be thinking constantly of how much further to go but today it must have been easier as I thought 'this is boring'. Perhaps I need targets to get me more motivated and I am considering how to do this. Of course I have plenty more to achieve as for me it's going to be couch to 4k in 9 weeks due to my slow pace.

How do you others keep your interest up during a run?

[RunGirl1989 Graduate]

Maybe try to put some good music on?

That may help to get your mind off the actual exercise x

[SweatyHettie Graduate]

I’m with RunGirl- my running playlist distracts me from getting bored and thinking about how far I’ve done- it’s got some absolute bangers on it and I just have my own little party! 🥳 Some people like podcasts or audiobooks.

I also like to notice things as I plod along - there’s so much time to be able to appreciate everything when you run and take it all in. I’m sure that’s half of the mental health benefit that comes with running, being more in tune with nature.

I guess if you’ve got a running buddy to chat to that would help, but I run alone

[Beatlesforever Graduate]

I'm with you on that one! I need my music as I run. Other people listen to podcasts or audiobooks. Changing routes also helps. Settings goals sounds like a good idea, I'm sure you'll find what works for you 😃 Good luck with the rest of the programme! 💪👍👣👣

[SingsAndRuns Graduate]

Podcasts for me. The BBC Sounds app is great. 😊👍

[Lil5k Graduate]

I don't find running boring, but I do find changing my route keeps things fresh. I sometimes run through a wood near me, which has narrow winding paths and if I see people I do a U-turn, so I'm always chopping and changing my route, never know where I'm heading, just run and avoid others, it's a challenge..... I also have to really look where I'm going due to tree roots, fallen pine cones and fallen trees 🤣....... should have Mission Impossible theme on my playlist.......🤔

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

In 5 years and 5000km of running I've never once found it boring - not even the 3 hour long slow training runs for the London Marathon. Neither do I listen to anything.

But then we're all different. Maybe you need music. Or a podcast or audiobook.

As for targets, post C25K, the running world is your oyster ...

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Where do you run?

I am lucky enough to live in beautiful Mid Devon, surrounded by glorious countryside, but I am forever seeing runners trudging round the town's streets and never heading out into the life affirming environment that is just around the corner..........I just don't understand them. Watching the fields and woods change through the seasons and using the time as my most constructive thinking time, every run is a blessing that makes me glad to be alive.

[Dtay1978 Graduate]

Yes I’ve noticed as the runs have got longer you need to adjust mentally as well as physically. I find my music is still enough for me. Podcasts are a good shout, maybe an audiobook??

[Greenk Graduate]

I started with music, but found I tended to keep pace with the beat, which was usually waaaaayyyyy too fast, so now I'm listening to podcasts. Funny ones, that make me lol while I'm running - helps with my breathing at the same time... and I'm smiling instead of grimacing... 😅

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Great music, surroundings, singing along, behaving like a total child...👍🏻😁🤣