I’ve never been much of a runner.
I remember P.E. class in first grade, and it was time to do “physical testing.” Ugh. I was good at sit and reach (touch your toes), but not the dreaded 1-mile run. It was the first time I had ever run a mile. My time? 16 minutes.
I’ve come a long way since then, but I still don’t particularly like running. I’d rather take a bike ride, do some weightlifting, or jumping jacks.
But…sometimes you have to do what you don’t want to do. Here are some tips and things to do while running to keep you from boredom. You might actually have a…(dare I say it?)…exciting run!
11 Ways to Have an Exciting Run:
- Pick a wildflower bouquet on your run to give to a friend, teacher, or your mom! (Your mom will love you forever if you do this.) Please make sure there are no ants or bees in the flowers, though. It is no fun to run along with ants crawling up your arm and bees stinging your wrists!
- Create a story in your head. “Once upon a time there was a girl running through the woods with legs as fast as lightning…” -I never said the story had to be true!
- Bring your camera and snap some fun shots of nature, cars, people, or animals along the way. I wear something around my neck that holds and protects the camera, and put the camera strap around my wrist so I don’t drop it.
- Recite poetry or quotes in your mind or out loud. “Twas bryllyg, and the slythy tovesΒ Did gyre and gymble in the wabe” –The Jabberwocky
- List things you are thankful for. You’ll come away from the run feeling refreshed both physically and mentally!
- Make a mental list of things you need to do. Ok, so maybe this one isn’t exciting, but it will prepare you for the week.
- Wear cute new clothes.Β New running gear can make me more excited to exercise in general. Hover here for a review of the best running socks, and hover here for a review of the best running gloves.
- If you have woods or a nature trail nearby, run there (if it is safe). I find it much more entertaining to run in nature with animal calls everywhere than to run on cement. Grass is also easier on your joints.
- Pray. Running is a great time to meditate and pray about anything or anyone who needs prayer.
- Get a running partner. You can talk with them and not even think about running!
- Count things. The number of Bugs, trees, blue cars, whatever. This is sort of like an “I-Spy Running Game.”
Β Thought-provoking, mind-prodding question of the day:
How do you keep from being bored while running (or exercising in general?)?
Let’s expand this list with your ideas!
love your bouquet! Did you pick it while running?? I dont love running anymore like I once did. Maybe that will change but for now I’d much rather lift or do something that involves a little more engagement haha! I can’t believe I used to do it for hours…
Katie,
Yes! This was the “wildflower” bouquet picked while running π I am with you on the running thing. And I do not run for hours! No way, just a quick 2 miles thing in the morning…then I play tennis for 3 hours in the afternoon π
SO in love with this post! I love the idea of listing things you’re grateful for…am definitely going to try that.
I generally just listen to my music and pay attention to the beautiful things around me…some amazing houses in my area! And sometimes I envision what’s happening in my body…how it’s getting stronger and fitter.
Clair,
So glad you like it! Love that you are stronger π
I like to go over things that are troubling me, it is a huge stress reliever for me. If I am not stressed about anything, I really like to run with someone, and chat.
I actually never find running boring. It’s my exercise but it’s also my social time, my meditative time, my time away from my kids, my all me time! When I joined my running group I found that you get to know all kinds of people, with all kinds of backrounds and professions really well, really quickly. There is a lot to talk about on 3+ hour runs when you’re training for a marathon, and especially when you’re trail running. I guess even more so with running trails, because there is an element of danger… you are depending on the people you are with. And when I’m by myself it’s a moving meditation where I focus on my breath, my body form and putting one foot in front of the other. As corny as it may sound, running completely changed my life. I found confidence in myself that I never knew I had. I learned that I can push myself pretty darn far and survive, even come out stronger. I’ve met incredible people, made close friends, and have seen some incredible places out on trails that I never would have been on otherwise. And you can’t really beat that endorphin rush/runners high! The funny thing is, if you ask most runners if they find running to be “fun” more often than not they’ll say no π Fun just isn’t the right word for it!
It is great that you have a good group of people to run with, and that you find it enjoyable!
I am very fortunate to have about 5-10 close running friends so I don’t find myself running alone too often. I also got my husband into running (short distances). I also lead a local running group, sponsored by LUNA and we are lucky to have 20-50 women come every week to run with us!!
What a great post. I have never liked running, still don’t. It’s quite rough on my back, but I always say I am going to give it another try someday. Someday still hasn’t come though. haha. I am hoping when we move to Cali later this year, the warm weather, the ocean and the sun will change all of that for me. Here’s hoping π
Beth,
Warm weather makes it all better. I exercise so much more here in Florida than when I lived north!
I like to listen to music when I runn. Must of the time, I zone out and don’t think of much. It is my time to clear my head and get rid of all my frustrations.
I just found this post! π What great suggestions!! I’ve noticed that if I take my dogs with me when I run, it’s waaaaay more fun. I have a hard time going any longer than about 2.5-3 miles if I’m by myself, but if the dogs are with me, it’s much easier to stay entertained. Plus, they pace me well!
Alicia,
I wish I could take my dog with me! He is way to old and slow, though, and only lasts about a mile π