Tip No. 1: Run in costume. (Photo by wonderful local photographer and athlete Sarah McGee.)I was leaving a comment for a friend, who asked for advice on how to make running more fun. Well, my response got to be so dang long that I figured I could spruce it up a bit and use it as a blog post!
My tips to make running more fun:
*Don't tell yourself you have to go out and run for X amount of time straight or it doesn't count. Break it up into walk/run intervals (e.g., run three minutes, walk one) and then increase the run time as your fitness builds. The easiest way to feel disappointed after a run is to pit yourself against unrealistic expectations. Instead of speed, distance or other numbers (while they do have their place), focus more on the fact that you're moving your body.
*Get quality running shoes. Go to a local running store and have them evaluate your gait to make sure you get shoes that support your specific running style. When I upgraded from my old sneakers to actual running shoes it changed EVERYTHING. Specialty running stores will do this evaluation for free, and should also let you test out shoes before you buy.
*Run with other people. Music and podcasts are fine and good, but conversation is a billion times more distracting and engaging. I also like to do a run each week with no iPod, no friends, and just appreciate the world around me.
*Bring a camera and do a photo run, like Ed does.
*Sign up for an event a couple months away. It's inspiring to have something to work toward, and it's so fun to cross the finish! I would recommend a 5k fun run to start, and then build from there if you want to increase your distance. Leave the soul-eating, body-terrorizing crapfest of marathon training for the crazies. (Just kidding! Marathon training is awesome! cough)
*Do different types of runs. If you go out every time and do the same, steady distance, it's going to get boring. Do an interval or fartlek workout once a week, run hill repeats, do tempo work. (Runner's jargon defined here.)
I'm sure you all have many more ideas, so leave them in the comments! And it doesn't have to apply specifically to running. How do you keep your favorite exercise fun?
Bonus: For even MORE, check out the article "Are We Having Fun Yet?"
I think that's the first time in my life I've ever been described as an "athlete," but as tired and sore as I've been lately, I'll take it.
Bookmarked! Thanks for the tips :)