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How do you enjoy running?
Running has been the subject of a lot of my conversations recently (with New Year’s resolutions looming many friends want to know more about it) and a lot of people tell me they don’t run which for me is terrible because you are really missing out. Particularly parents.
The two main reasons as far as I can tell for people avoiding running are either:
“I don’t know how”
Or
“I don’t enjoy it”
Which I don’t understand because what’s not to love;
You’re getting fitter, healthier and exercising
You can travel around and go on scenic routes
Time to yourself (which is one of my favourite perks) OR
Quality time with others where you just chat and workout – Kid Free!
I can help with both of the above issues. If you need help with starting running then take a look at my Walk/Running post as part of “The Beginner Running Series” for a free printable schedule for beginners.
NEXT let’s discuss the enjoyment factor!
I appreciate that at first running can be difficult and feels more like a chore but as a general rule there are some easy ways to train yourself to enjoy it! I warn you though once you start it will be really hard to stop.
1. Mix it up
Keep your training program varied! no one likes to do the same distance or route all the time and your body won’t improve either! Add in different workouts e.g. changes of speed or effort to keep it fresh! or try out some different types of running (see number 5).
Dad and I on one of our 10K runs – Mixing up the distance
2. Have an easy day
If running has seemed like a chore recently then ditch the watch or equipment and just go for a run, just for you. Appreciate it, don’t count it towards anything just go out without any pressure to achieve anything. Sometimes forcing yourself to do something all the time makes you start to dislike it even more, so take the pressure off!
3. Take the scenic route
Running the same route all of the time can be really boring – change it up and go somewhere different – if it takes you off road then so what! don’t be afraid to go on an adventure! Some of my best runs have been when i’ve tried something new and gotten a bit “lost”
4. Take a friend
I love to run on my own but sometimes I need company and run with other people! If you are struggling to find motivation on your own and keep turning back mid-run, this is a great way to keep motivated and get some quality friend time in! Also running with a friend is a great way to tackle long runs as you forget about the distance and just keep talking!
5. Try Different Types of Running
Depending on where you live will depend on the types of running available but don’t think you are limited to just road running! Find a bridleway or cycle route nearby and go on an adventure discovering new routes. The different types of running that you could try are (but not limited to):
Cross Country
Road Running
Hills (although i’m not sure anyone REALLY enjoys hill running)
Track Running
Beach Running (if you have one close enough)
Indoor/treadmill running
6. Music
For me this is one of the main ones! I wrote an entire post on “Should I Run With Music?” and for me the answer is Yes! I have also recently discovered apps that keep you motivated with interactive games in your headphones (my current favourite is Zombies, Run – I will be reviewing this at a later stage too)
How do you enjoy running? do you want to start? Let me know where you stand in the comments section!
Great easy tips Charlotte. Many people say to me ‘I hate running’ or ‘I can’t run’ so hopefully your post will encourage them to start.
I have to admit that I hate running and have never enjoyed it. I have arthrits so find it painful so will stick to swimming
I have to admit I hate running, I just don’t find it enjoyable at all. My husband goes for a run most mornings (we can’t go together because we have a 3 year old). I am much more of sociable class kind of person like zumba
With more than my fair share of an ample bosom, I am definitely not made for running x
I totally agree with number six. I find running so much easier with music. I like running to 90’s cheese like Steps and S Club 7 as it has a good beat.
My mummy is a fan of treadmill running, as she can switch off and not watch her feet and where she is going! 😉 A great informative post for those who want to take it up!
I have always loved the idea of running. I have a pretty knackered back which means it is not advisable, but fab tips x
I must admit I’m not really interested running and am a bit lazy when it comes to exercise.
I love all of these tips! I am an avid runner, but have definitely found myself in slumps at different times where I just don’t want to get out there and pound the pavement! I will keep all of these tips in mind. Thank you so much for sharing this great post in the Sunday Fitness & Food Link-up! Have a Great Week!! 🙂
Charlotte – these are great tips to get people to try running. It truly is one of the best things you can do for yourself! Pinning this to my Group Running Board! I’m sending you an invitation right now! 🙂
Running and I just don’t bud, I used to do 5k at work at lunch time then I changed jobs and just fell out of sync and now can’t be bothered.
I did try running a few years ago but I have weak ankles so it was no good for me. I must do something like power walking I think! Kaz x
I really wish I could run, it would make exercise so much easier and cheaper
I agree music and finding somewhere which is beautiful is often the biggest incentive for me!
I joined the couch to 5k a few months ago and yes its hard but its great for your mind
I hated running when I started back in 2012, then in 2013 I started to run regularly and loved it! I did my first 10k last year having had a year of minimal running through pregnancy and breastfeeding, I’ve been unable to run at all this pregnancy for medical reasons but am itching to get going again!xx
You’re making it all look so easy (which is quite motivating).
I’d love to get to the stage where I’m fit enough to go running. At the moment, I can run about 100m before I am doubled over and out of breath. I’m going to try and get some sort of better level of fitness on an exercise bike then try out some running. Wish me luck – I’ll be coming back here for pointers!
I love listening to motivational talks as I workout. Music is awesome too, but I really love learning something while exercising. It takes my mind off the burn.
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4. Take a friend
4. Take a friend
6. Music
Great easy tips Charlotte. Many people say to me ‘I hate running’ or ‘I can’t run’ so hopefully your post will encourage them to start.
I have to admit that I hate running and have never enjoyed it. I have arthrits so find it painful so will stick to swimming
I have to admit I hate running, I just don’t find it enjoyable at all. My husband goes for a run most mornings (we can’t go together because we have a 3 year old). I am much more of sociable class kind of person like zumba
With more than my fair share of an ample bosom, I am definitely not made for running x
I totally agree with number six. I find running so much easier with music. I like running to 90’s cheese like Steps and S Club 7 as it has a good beat.
My mummy is a fan of treadmill running, as she can switch off and not watch her feet and where she is going! 😉 A great informative post for those who want to take it up!
I have always loved the idea of running. I have a pretty knackered back which means it is not advisable, but fab tips x
I must admit I’m not really interested running and am a bit lazy when it comes to exercise.
I love all of these tips! I am an avid runner, but have definitely found myself in slumps at different times where I just don’t want to get out there and pound the pavement! I will keep all of these tips in mind. Thank you so much for sharing this great post in the Sunday Fitness & Food Link-up! Have a Great Week!! 🙂
Charlotte – these are great tips to get people to try running. It truly is one of the best things you can do for yourself! Pinning this to my Group Running Board! I’m sending you an invitation right now! 🙂
Running and I just don’t bud, I used to do 5k at work at lunch time then I changed jobs and just fell out of sync and now can’t be bothered.
I did try running a few years ago but I have weak ankles so it was no good for me. I must do something like power walking I think! Kaz x
I really wish I could run, it would make exercise so much easier and cheaper
I agree music and finding somewhere which is beautiful is often the biggest incentive for me!
I joined the couch to 5k a few months ago and yes its hard but its great for your mind
I hated running when I started back in 2012, then in 2013 I started to run regularly and loved it! I did my first 10k last year having had a year of minimal running through pregnancy and breastfeeding, I’ve been unable to run at all this pregnancy for medical reasons but am itching to get going again!xx
You’re making it all look so easy (which is quite motivating).
I’d love to get to the stage where I’m fit enough to go running. At the moment, I can run about 100m before I am doubled over and out of breath. I’m going to try and get some sort of better level of fitness on an exercise bike then try out some running. Wish me luck – I’ll be coming back here for pointers!
I love listening to motivational talks as I workout. Music is awesome too, but I really love learning something while exercising. It takes my mind off the burn.