If you’e running longer than 40 minutes, or any amount of time that you consider long, there is a chance you are getting bored while running. It’s normal, it happens to all of us! I know anytime I am training and running for longer than an hour I need something more exciting to keep me in the zone. If you’re getting bored while you run too, try out these 7 best ways to pass the time running!
Best Ways to Pass the Time Running
1. Podcasts
Podcasts are the easiest way to experience entertainment without needing a visual component. Some people have specific podcasters that they love and others have no idea where to start! There are crime podcasts and comedy podcasts similar to tv or movie genres. There are also podcasts about growing yourself and your mindset. And then there are even more podcasts about any skill out there that you could ever want to learn how to do! When you have time to kill and music just isn’t cutting it for you, podcasts are a great way to stimulate your brain and pass the time while running!
2. “Read” a Book
While you can read a physical book running on a treadmill, it’s impossible to do while running outdoors. If you are someone who enjoys reading or has specific reading goals for the year, audio books are a great solution! They allow you to “read” while on the go and typically go much faster than actually reading a physical book! Be sure to check out Audible if you are looking for some great audio books!
3. Brainstorm a Project
If you recall, one of the benefits of running is boosting creativity! If you are working on a personal project or just need to clear your mind because you feel stuck at work, running is a great time to take care of it. As you run, new ideas and solutions to handle obstacles always seem to come up. It’s a great way to dig through the tough stuff and stretch your mind while exercising your body.
4. Enjoy Some New Music
I love listening to Pandora, I know most people out there love Spotify, and there is always Youtube Red as well. I love getting notifications about new music and find running the perfect time to listen to it all. Once you find an artist or playlist that you love to run to, it’s hard to switch it up! BUT finding some new playlists to mix into a longer run will help you to keep going and keep your mind pre-occupied!
5. Enjoy being in Nature
This one sounds like a cliche, but really, it’s so nice to breathe in the fresh air while running. Every season has such a distinct smell to take in. There are tons of visuals to enjoy while running as well! I love seeing so many beautiful flowers on a run – my allergies may not appreciate it, but my eyes definitely do!
6. Catch up with Friends
Running alone is great and definitely has it’s benefits, but running with friends is a fun way to be social while moving your body. If you recall, you should be running at a conversational pace anyway (guilty I try so hard at this) which means that you would actually be able to casually chat and run. My sister called me once during a LONG run and I swear I was deep breathing after every other word, yet somehow it all worked out – and definitely passed the time!
7. Race other people
If you have every run a race, you know how enjoyable it is to pick a person and have your own private competition with them. It’s also nice to have a buddy to run along side of as well. They of course, have no idea you are trying to keep pace with them or zoom right past them. Yet somehow it make the time go by much faster and then entire thing much more enjoyable!
What are your favorite ways to pass the time while running? There are so many different things you can do while on the move to keep yourself engaged! Don’t forget to check out some other running tips this month!
xoxo
Krysta
