17 Fantastic Tips to Trick Your Brain Into Enjoying Running
Ever find yourself dreading the thought of lacing up your running shoes and hitting the pavement or treadmill? If the idea of running doesn’t appeal to you, you’re not alone. But what if there were ways to trick your brain into not just tolerating but enjoying your run?
Using these 17 clever tips and tricks, you can turn this exercise into something you look forward to rather than dread.
1. Leave The Baggage Behind
Running can be an enjoyable experience if you let go of those old mental barriers. Forget any negative associations with running from your past. Whether it was a punishing coach or childhood memories of not being athletic, it’s time to leave those feelings in the past.
2. Decide What You Want to Achieve
Set goals for each run. Before setting bigger goals, start with small ones, like challenging yourself to reach the next pole or not stop walking. It feels good to achieve these goals, even if they’re simple.
3. Take It Easy
If you’ve just started, go slow. Trying to run fast right away can make you feel disappointed if you get tired quickly. Give your body time to get used to the daily running before catching the speed. Once your body becomes efficient, gradually increase the pace.
4. Get Yourself a Run Buddy
It can be your partner or a good friend. You can chat and catch up while you run; before you know it, you’ve covered some distance without noticing. No road is long when you are walking with the right person. Plus, it can also be romantic. Studies even show that couples who run together have stronger relationships.
5. Engage in Roadside Games
Bring back the nostalgia of road trip games to your run. Challenge a friend or yourself to a “20 Questions” game during your run. ( Other options are “count your steps,” “name that tune,” etc.) This adds an element of fun and engages your mind, making the run more mentally stimulating.
6. Discover New Paths
Running on the same route is like eating the same meal daily: you will get bored fast! Instead, find different places to run that refresh and motivate you, like a park with beautiful foliage or a path along a river with a fantastic sunset view.
7. Rise with the Sun
Waking up early to run might not be easy, but trust me, it’s worth it! Morning exercise brings energy, reduces eating, improves sleep, and no more canceling evening plans because you’re too tired.
8. Get Your Groove On
It’s like being the star in your music video while you run—it’s fun and makes the time fly. You can organize playlists by beats per minute (BPM) for the perfect rhythm. Don’t overlook podcasts or comedy shows if that’s more your style. Just choose anything that makes you motivated and entertained.
9. Sign Up and Race
When you pay the registration fee, skipping your training sessions is tougher. There are plenty of races to consider—colorful fun runs, muddy obstacle courses, or even marathons.
10. Go Tech-Free
Embrace the freedom of a run by leaving your gadgets behind. Ditch the watch, fitness tracker, and any other technological distractions. Running without constant data updates allows you to tune into your body and the environment, fostering a more intuitive and enjoyable experience.
11. Channel Your Inner Cheerleader
Being at the finish line and cheering for runners can fill you with excitement and joy as you see them accomplish their goals. It will make you motivated to fulfill your goals, too.
12. Hit the Trails
Trail running is a whole new adventure waiting for you. The dirt paths and rugged single tracks can make running more thrilling and enjoyable for anyone, especially if you love beautiful scenery.
13. Track Your Progress
Writing your daily progress in a notebook or on apps is so helpful as you get better and more confident in your running. Looking back at your notes will show you how far you’ve come. Feeling proud of your progress? Treat yourself; you’ve done a great job.
14. Share Your Running Journey
Take photos while you run, make it a cinematic adventure, and post it on social media. You might find people who go through the same struggles, making you feel you are not alone in this, or you might motivate people through your progressing journey.
15. Reward Yourself
Treat yourself to something new and enjoy the added motivation it brings! For example, new running gear. A superb training outfit can make you feel faster and more determined to go the distance.
16. Give Yourself a Break
Sometimes, taking a break from running can help you understand your true feelings about it. There are phases. You might start liking it, then really enjoy it, but sometimes you start hating it and need a break. And when you return, you might rediscover what you nearly missed and fall in love with it all over again.
17. Cherish the Journey
Whether it’s a marathon or a specific pace, that end goal should motivate you through the runs you might not feel like doing. Becoming a runner is all about finding value in each step you take.
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