by Clarissa Hartley

Perhaps you recall those first steps you took into the world of long strides and rhythmic breathing- an audacious step forward into the realm of running that at first might have seemed monumental. As the weeks and months eschew, your strength and lust for running increased. Amarathoner in the making, the thrill and peace you found in racing against your own shadows evoked emotions you didn’t think possible with the exhaustion that comes hand in hand with running.
Sound familiar? You aren’t alone. The potential addiction to the physical and psychological highs of running is very real. Stagnation feels like the runner’s bane when routines aren’t shaken up and variations aren’t introduced. Boredom seeps in and progress slows to a turtle’s pace. Experiencing blips in your running mojo? Here’s how to reclaim it.

Composing Novel Routes

Running the same stretch of road repeatedly has its limitations. As your fitness level heightens, it’s essential for your journey to evolve with you. Introduce fresh environments and terrain to your running practice – a mud track, an uphill challenge or a stroll around the park.

Altering Your Pace and Intensity

When you fall into a particular rhythm and fail to push yourself beyond it, both your fitness level and interest may dwindle. Introduce a once-a-week high-intensity routine for a challenge. Three possible options could be interval bursts, hill-induced pressure, or unstructured speed play sessions.

Invite Companionship

Although social distancing regulations may create hurdles, running with a friend or a member of your household could be invigorating. Company once a week brings camaraderie even if it means your partner cycling alongside as you trot around the bend.

Setting Goals

Deciding to run a specific distance in a faster time injects an exciting challenge into the routine. It encourages improvement and positions you for future races and events.

Experiment With Music

Surprisingly enough, the right tune could be the missing ingredient in your recipe for a fun running routine. Change up your playlist and let the beat carry you forward.

Unplug From Technology

You read it right. Try ‘naked running’ – running unburdened by devices and performance metrics. This once-a-week routine should emphasize fun, letting you bask in the joy it brings irrespective of speed, distance, or calories burnt.
rejuvenate running routine, revitalize marathon, composing novel routes, altering pace and intensity, running companionship, setting running goals, experiment with running music, unplug from technology, naked running, fitness