How do you make running a more enjoyable activity?

Question

Visit www.GoRunEasy.com, post your runs, view others, browse play lists and photos, and chat with other runners in your area.

Answer 1

Running roads and not running the same thing over and over can help dramatically with the enjoyment of running. I have a disability similar to ADD and I can't explain in words how dull running around a track can get after a while. At least on roads there's things like potholes and miscellaneous odds and ends like that to watch out for but not running the same route can help vividly and can also help a person stay more in-shape and give them a different workout.

I'm not a big fan of this myself but a lot of people like to listen to music while running/jogging. It gets them motivated while for others it's the simple sounds of nature that do it for them. Either way outside stimuli such as music can really help some people get through the run or their workout while doing it in a more pleasant and soothing manner.

Another idea that seems to work for a lot of people is to run or jog with other people. The idea behind running with a group is that slower people in the group will want to feel like a part of the group and won't want to be left out so they will try to keep up with the rest of the people in the group. For some people with minor mental blocks this can be an incredible boost for them and can really get them in better shape as well as the chance to share the run with someone. Having a friend to pass the time could also give some people a higher interest in the sport, it really can be a great way to meet new people too.

Running could also be more enjoyable if the sport was taken more seriously in the eyes of the spectator world. To be honest the only time I really watch running events is the Olympics; I don't typically watch any of the trials or the indoor track stuff, I was a spectator at some meets when I was involved with my high school track & field team but otherwise the general public really doesn't take it as a serious sport such as baseball or American football. I know that for runners they have to do a lot of training whereas for baseball they can get in a morning workout, play a 1 PM game and then do a night workout and keep their physique up but for runners training is a much more technical achievment and they need a lot of rest. If only races somehow had more of an edge to them they'd be a lot more enjoyable with more viewers able to see, watch or view the races.

Lastly, the availability of competitive running to get the public more aware of the competitive side of it is rather limited by the organization skills that it requires to host running events. Events can be a massive affair and can require the work of hundreds of volunteers and employees alike and in many cases they can be rather chaotic. If it was possible to develop a type of system in which races could be easily assembled on a regular basis in which a lot of people compete then it would be a huge boost for running since a lot of people already do it for exercise and as a competitive swimmer myself (swimming being very comparable to running) one of the only ways to see how you've gotten better in both swimming and running is to see if your times have improved. People who run for general fitness would be attracted to such events to chart their progress and along the way some up-and-coming running stars could develop. This could give the entire sport of competitive running a huge increase in popularity.

Answer 2

First, do a leisure run at the pace that is just right; not too fast or too slow. Make sure you have a good warm up. Also, get a good buddy that run about the same pace, so you may pace each other and chit chat a little along the way. If music is something that can give you rhythm for the running, do so. Get a comfortable pair of shoes and a small bottle of water, so you can drink a little when you get thirsty. Find a place where the ground is not too hard, so it is easy for your joints, and scenic so that you can enjoy the view as you pound away. Pick the time of the day when the temperature is not too hot or too cold but just right.

With all these, if you are still not enjoying running...it must be because you have ran too far...leave the remaining miles for the next time, and call it a day. You have enjoyed the run. Do some warm down, and it is time to go home and get a warm shower.

Answer 3

I am guessing from the way you ask the question that you run for excercise, not really as a sport...

The most obvious way to make it more enjoyable is to bring a music player (iPod, mp3). If an iPod or mp3 player does not solve the problem with boredom, then nothing else will.

If you don't already, wearing gym shorts and a gym shirt can easily make running less pressuring. And if you are not self-concious, you should run with a friend or with a group (never heard of it though).

Take a shower before and after you run; it will most likely make you feel better. It is also good to eat at least an hour before you run. And bring some water too, and maybe a cereal bar to eat.

The best idea is to jog and run somewhere where you would like. Some will run on a forest trail, others on the sidewalk. Some run around a campus or some on a track. Whatever works.

Answer 4

I went around sports and shoe shop looking for a pair of shoes that will help a old dog to run in comfort.A pair of shoes that will be a shock absorber.A pair of shoes that is light but has the power to keep my joints and cartilages safe.I found the shoes and some of the old will power.I run for fun. I run when I feel like running . I do not set a time or distance that I have to complete.I will even stop for a chat on my way and still enjoy my fun run.I will run in the rain ,in the sun, at night or even early in the morning with the birds..I have met many new people and that is a great enjoyment in my running activity.That way, you can take the scenic route and you're not focusing on how long the run really is as opposed to if you were doing it on a treadmill. Not to mention, you actually move when you're running around your neighborhood so it feels like you accomplised something. On a treadmill you are in the same place for a long time rather than feeling like you ran more. Last, if you have a motive to run like to fit into a top that hasn't fit you in a couple years you'll want to drop the weight and running usually does the trick.

Answer 5

I hate running. Yet I do a lot of it. I run while playing basketball, I run while playing football, I run while playing ultimate frisbee, I run... well you get the idea. Play a sport that requires running. You won't be focused on the running, but will still get running in.

However, at times you need to get out and run. For example, I trained for a marathon (and yes I hated running before the marathon... and after). By having an accountability group to run with made a large difference. Also, having a plan with set goals made a big difference. I knew exactly what I was trying to accomplish with each run and had a larger goal that I was working towards.

While running, only three things helped. First was listening to music as many have suggested (be careful not to have it too loud if you're running in the street). Second was having a running buddy. Encouraging each other and keeping a steady pace together made the run much easier and enjoyable. Third, I'd use chants (it works for the military). I knew a few and then I'd make some up. Making up chants while running takes your mind off the run and gives you a way to keep a steady pace.

And yes, I did run the marathon and finish. Started too fast and ended up finishing about 30min after my goal time, but my real goal was just to finish!

Answer 6

Running can be a great way to exercise and relieve stress! Some ways to make it a bit more enjoyable is to:

1. Pick a location you enjoy, such as the gym, the beach, iyour neighborhood, or a local park.

2. Put some headphones on! Listen to something motivating, whether it is upbeat music, an audiobook, or motivational recordings.

3. Follow your own pace! There is no need to be the fastest runner in town... you will see yourself able to go farther and faster after a while

4. Make sure you have comfortable shoes!

5. Last but not least... make sure you are plenty hydrated and keep water or a sports drink with you at all times!

Answer 7

To make running an enjoyable activity, you could listen to music on a music player, such as an iPod. If you want to beat the heat you could perhaps run on an indoor tredmill whilst watching the TV. Assembling a running group, made up of friends and fellow runners, could help alleviate the "boredom factor" in running. You could all set goals for running and help each other reach them.
If you have trouble getting motivated enough to go running and you are a shopper you could buy some great running shoes (Coincidence that I use Reebok =]) and show them off whilst running. Also, if you think running is dumb, think of all the benefits: a healthy life, good habits, and a great body! Runners often have the most well toned body, seeing as how the work their legs and do cardio at the same time so a great body is a definite plus for running. Running promotes good habits because if you go running at a certain time each day, you are setting a routine for yourself, thus organizational skills follow. Most importantly, running helps you maintain a healthy lifestyle, which is probably the most important benefit!
Happy running! :-]

Answer 8

I went around sports and shoe shop looking for a pair of shoes that will help a old dog to run in comfort.A pair of shoes that will be a shock absorber.A pair of shoes that is light but has the power to keep my joints and cartilages safe.I found the shoes and some of the old will power.I run for fun. I run when I feel like running . I do not set a time or distance that I have to complete.I will even stop for a chat on my way and still enjoy my fun run.I will run in the rain ,in the sun, at night or even early in the morning with the birds..I have met many new people and that is a great enjoyment in my running activity.

Answer 9

I also would suggest organizing some weekend fun-runs, like 5Ks and 10Ks and reward the top threes in each age category with a medal. That will give people another reason to train consistently and look forward to a specific goal. The camaraderie at the end of each race by the bagel station is always fun and bonding.
I went around sports and shoe shop looking for a pair of shoes that will help a old dog to run in comfort.A pair of shoes that will be a shock absorber.A pair of shoes that is light but has the power to keep my joints and cartilages safe.I found the shoes and some of the old will power.I run for fun. I run when I feel like running . I do not set a time or distance that I have to complete.I will even stop for a chat on my way and still enjoy my fun run.I will run in the rain ,in the sun, at night or even early in the morning with the birds..I have met many new people and that is a great enjoyment in my running activity.

Answer 10

I'll tell you what worked for me...... I always wanted to get into running but I just couldn't seem to stay interested in it..... I'd literally get burned out after the first day, because I just couldn't stay committed.... I'd just get bored and lazy... Now, I have a running regimen and I don't run less than 3 times a week... I actually look forward to it.
The advice you've already received like bring a walkman and run with a friend are both great for getting more into it, but the thing that worked best for me was to combine these things with setting small goals for myself... Really, it works..
I chose a location not far from the house and I made a goal to run to it and back to the house and that is all I did for that day. I did this for a week and before I knew it, It wasn't any big deal, in fact I looked forward to it because I knew where it was I had to go and how long it would take, etc. The following week I chose somewhere else a bit further, and so on and so forth. This creates a routine and also challenges yourself to do something you know you can do. Before long, guarantee you'll actually start to enjoy it.... Damnit.
Good Luck and at least try it.

Answer 11

To make running more enjoyable there are many things which are required to be just perfect. IPod may not completely help. I recommend following things :-
1. Definitely an gadget which can give music of your choice.
2. Always a target to achieve. Till the time there is some game in it, the indulgence don't come. The dedication and attachment comes only when there is something challenging, exciting and result oriented.
3. Always start with some knowledge of running. Where to run, how to run and hoe much to run. Till the time it contributes to your health and personality, your brain is going to tell you that you are enjoying.
4. Above all you should have a proper kit to run in. You will never feel like running if you are not comfortable. So always be comfortable with the kit that is to say your outfit, shoes (which are most important as they are the instrument in running), head gear etc.

People never take running seriously. However running is as technical as any other sport. And hence to make it enjoyable, know it first

Run for enjoyment and fitness. Happy Healthy Living