Have a fun run

 Have a fun run

Running in the rain gives you a 90% chance of feeling like a superhero*, running in the snow also gives you the same odds, and in some mind bending way, running in these conditions is actually really fun.

But how about making every run a fun run? Impossible? No! There are ways to make even the dullest, longest training runs a bit easier.

Here are some tips to help you mix it up and have a fun run...

Don’t look forward

Turn around and try running backwards, it is a completely different feeling and it is quite freeing to try something completely different. You won’t get any PB’s (unless they are in backwards running, then actually you will) and may want to try it when no one else is around for the first few times, but just throw it in at random intervals. If you really get into it check out Aaron Yoder, who holds the Guiness world record for the fastest backwards mile- completed in 5 minutes 30 seconds.

Shoes off

Unlace those trainers and let your runners feet breathe. Best to try out on grass first, unless you want the challenge of dodging sharp bits of gravel on your first go. If you try this in an open space you will need your dog poo radar on full blast, but apart from that it is simple. Just go and feel the grass tickling your feet. Barefoot running makes you feel like a child again, and there are guaranteed smiles as you run along. For inspiration look up Abebe Bikila who won an Olympic marathon in 1960 barefoot.

Get yourself some cheese

The 90’s is synonymous with cheesy songs which are so cringy, but sometimes these tunes are the best to get you through a run because you just can’t help but sing along. The best one to add to your playlist are:

 Adam Rickett: I breathe again

Gina G: Ooh ah just a little bit

Anything by the Spice Girls

Sir Mix-a-lot: Baby got back

Britney Spears: Baby one more time

Tag these onto the end of your playlist to help power you through your last couple of miles.

Get lost

Well not quite lost, but go out and run somewhere new. It is too easy to get stuck in a rut and just run the same route because it is simple and you know exactly how far you need to run to cover your intended miles, but try leaving your running watches and apps at home and explore somewhere new. It might initially give you a bit of a sick feeling not logging every single mile, but just getting back to basics and putting one foot in front of the other can be the best way to enjoy yourself and live in the moment. Let your feet take you somewhere new and discover a whole new world.

Go and have some fun!

 

*Research still needs to be done to technically prove this point

Photo not mine: I have no idea who the woman in the picture is. I wish it was me. Will give so much credit to the person if she see this.