5 Ways to Make Running Fun Again!

What drives runners to run? Some to lose weight, some to chase PR’s, some because their doctor strongly suggests more exercise. However, the runners that keep at it, learn to actually enjoy running. They don’t run so they can shed a few pounds, or run faster than they had before; those may be bonuses, but they run because they literally like the act of running. People often ask me, do you get bored on your runs? Or how do you run for an hour and a half and enjoy it? Well first of all, I will be the first to admit that there comes a point in every runner’s career that running is the last thing they want to do at that moment, but they also know that if they don’t run that day, they will feel like crap,. Here are a few things that I do when the running gets tough:

1. Get unplugged. Wearing headphones to get motivated to run isn’t a bad thing, but if you are one of those that habitually run with headphones, try unplugging for a short run. Listen to nature, take in your surroundings and smile and greet others on the trail/road. I find running without music is much more enjoyable on nice days. When it’s -20 degrees outside, windy, and snowing, by all means turn on some music to drown the misery.

1. Role Game. If you are running in a group, play the role game. This game is where one person comes up with a situation with ‘roles’ to fill and then the whole group discusses who would fit which role the best. Ex. We all crash on a desert island, one person is in charge of finding and providing food, one person is in charge of cooking, one person is in charge of finding a way home, and one person dies in the plane wreck. Then you decide who’s who. It can get wild, but time goes by very quickly, plus you get to know your friends a little better.

1. Watchless. When I’m just worn down, I go for a run watchless. Don’t keep track of pace, or time or mileage. I’ll usually do a route I know fairly well what is the distance. This lets me just relax and enjoy the scenery around me. Sometimes we get too focused on running faster, or hitting specific splits it blinds us from the beauty around us.

1. Run with a Partner (human or dog). Running with a dog, actually may be better because he will not let you forget to run. Dogs get in shape a lot faster than humans do, so after a few runs he will be used to it and you will have to keep running with him so he isn’t up all night begging to play! Running with someone new always puts a new spark to the running flame.

1. Run Somewhere new. Go to a nearby state park, or on the other side of the city, or even just a few miles from your house to start your run. Covering new ground is exciting!

I hope you will try some of these ideas to keep the run fun! Running shouldn’t be a chore, it’s a gift. Let me know what you do to keep on chugging along during your miles!

Jase Kraft
​AKA Jay Cheese

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