Do you get bored with the same routes, the same distances, the same paces? You can mix it up without working to hard. I’ve got five running “workouts” you can play with the next time your find yourself in a running rut.
Disclaimer: I am not a running coach. These are just fun little workouts I use sometimes to get out of a running rut.
I’m linking up with My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Runs with Pugs, Zenaida and Run Laugh Eat Pie for Fit Five Friday. Today I’m sharing 5 easy but useful running workouts to keep in your toolbox.
1: Pick Ups
Every runner is different, but I find I often run at a non challenging pace by default. A lot of runners have trouble running slower, but if you’re more like me and slow is your jam, just literally pick up the pace during a run. For however long you feel like. Usually I’m like that really didn’t feel so hard, why was I running so slowly?
2: Run hard for short distances
Mile repeats? I’ve done them but I don’t like them, gotta be honest. Tempo runs? Not surprisingly I’m not a fan of tempos either! Those longer intervals work. If you’re just looking to have a little fun running faster for a just a bit, go short: 200 meters just might be your sweet spot.
3: Alternate hard miles
The opposite of #2, this is a strategy I use in longer races and runs sometimes. It’s the longer intervals but with a break in between. Pick up the pace for a mile, then ease off the next — repeat as necessary.
4: Run faster on the downhills
I know some people are afraid of opening up the throttle on a downhill, but running downhill fast has always felt exhilarating to me. Probably why I love downhill races!
5: Add in a little PT
Start off with a little agility — grapevine, anyone? Run a while. Do sideways squats. Run some more. Do some skipping. Run some more. You get the idea. Do some high knees, some butt kicks, some toy soldiers. It would be a great way to get in those drills we know we should do, but then never do. I have to admit I would probably feel too self conscious to do this outdoors — but I have done some variations of this when I’m on the mill indoors.
Final Thoughts
Running can seem monotonous sometimes, but it really doesn’t have to be.
What fun running workouts do you do?
Short of long intervals?
Do you ever do running drills?
Chocolaterunsjudy 
I love running downhill too and just did some downhill running yesterday. It is so much fun! Fartleks are always a fun way to mix things up.
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I haven’t been running downhills as much since my Achilles is still randomly achy. But slowly going longer. At least as long as the weather is cool.
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All good ideas. I love running downhill too. But many places to that around here.
Right now I won’t be bored until fall. Monday is FTC, Wednesday is ice cream runs and Thursday is trail runs. Best way to beat boredom IMO is run with other runners.
Of course your ideas are great for those who prefer to run solo
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Actually there are quite a few hills on the bike paths. That one towards pearl street. Blatnick & all the hills up to GE plus that big one after. A decent one towards the cohoes end of the bike path.
And then there’s my neighborhood. . . pretty big hill at Siena we used to do hill repeats on.
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**NOT many places – bike paths are flat.
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Have you done a Revel Marathon? They are all downhill.
I’ve been so bored with running lately so thanks for this.
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I was signed up for my first in 2020. 😔 I’ve done quite a few downhill races from other race companies, including one that went out of business after & stiffed us on medals. . .
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I definitely don’t do drills as much as I should- incorporating them into a run is a great idea. Generally I’m a fan of shorter intervals rather than long, but I’ll do either one!
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I like intervals. It’s nice to have that break.
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I often times throw in a spontaneous Fartlek or 1/4-mile “speed” surge on my mid-length runs. Why not? 😉 That’s a great idea to sneak in some PT moves!
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I usually do it when I’m feeling draggy. The energy is usually there when I call on it!
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Great ideas! I love adding strides or surges to my runs when I want to add a bit of speed but not do a real workout. Fartleks are great too when you’re not really training but want to run faster.
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I really do enjoy strides after a run. I don’t have to run as long for the main event. Somehow mentally that feels easier!
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I like to mix up our route sometimes and get a little bit of a different view. I don’t really get too bored with my outdoor runs thankfully
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If I run in the neighborhood a lot, it gets boring!
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I like to play with the pace to help mix things up – Fartleks are a favorite.
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I find when I’m slogging, fartleks put a little pep in my step. 🙂
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All good tips. I don’t like downhill, I prefer uphill.
Fartlek is a good option. Moreover, to stay motivated, I have a logbook where I also register the top ten on my usual routes in every year.
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I love the idea of logging your top ten routes; thanks for sharing that!
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I rarely get bored on my workouts because I do a variety of them. Lately I’ve been enjoying my easy runs because my body is tired from the day before and I enjoy the slower pace. I do listen to music which helps.
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I just get bored when I run in my neighborhood a lot. Then I have to shake things up!
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