How to enjoy running

Does the idea of going for a run make you miserable? Is it more chore than cheer? Do you ever wonder how to make running less boring? 

You’re not alone! One recent survey found that a fifth of frequent runners are ‘reluctant’ - they run a lot but don’t actually enjoy it all that much. It also found that only 14 percent of people are actually passionate about running - most of the rest do it for fitness or mental health reasons. 

This is a shame because running can be incredibly enjoyable. Of course, getting fit and healthy are important side effects, but the act itself can be a pleasure too. 

Let’s look at how to enjoy running. Not every technique will suit every person or lifestyle, but it’s worth experimenting with some different approaches. You never know, you might love running after all!

How to make running fun - 10 top tips

If you want to find out how to make running more fun, try bringing some of the following activities into your weekly workouts. 

• Focus on time, not speed or distance

Running can be exhausting when you are focused exclusively on speed and distance. Of course, these factors matter when you are training for a marathon or some other race, but if you are just looking to run casually, this isn’t necessary, and makes running a real chore. Give yourself a target for, say, 30 minutes of running - and just go at the pace you want. This isn’t a race, so if you want to slow down and walk, that’s fine!

• Give yourself a goal

One common reason that people find running boring is that it can feel aimless. If you find yourself just doing endless loops of your local park or sessions on the treadmill, it can all feel a little pointless. So, how about setting yourself a goal? Perhaps you’d like to take part in a charity 5k one day? Maybe you’d like to run 10k by the end of the year? Having a goal in mind can make running a lot more exciting, especially as you near your target. 

• Mix up your routes

It’s nice to find a route which you know well and a distance that you can cover comfortably. However, by mixing up your routes you can keep your sessions feeling fresh. It’s also a great way to get to know your neighbourhood better - try exploring roads or footpaths you know less well!

• Use a running app

Running apps allow you to track the routes you’ve followed on a map. They also often have a social element where you can compare your runs with friends, and you can also see how far you’ve come and how many calories you’ve burned. All of which can make your workouts a lot more interesting!

• Join a club

Running clubs are friendly places that can make running a lot more fun. The club organiser will often set interesting routes or different types of ‘games’ (see below) which add an element of competition to your runs. 

• Play running ‘games’

Most people’s approach to running is to get into a steady rhythm and stick at it for 30 minutes or so. But you can make it a lot more fun by playing running ‘games’. For example, you could do Fartlek training at your local park. Rather than following a standard loop, you choose a point in the distance (a tree or bench, for instance) and sprint to it, before slowing down for a bit, then choosing another target to sprint to. 

• Get kitted out

Fresh new running shoes and comfortable clothing can make running a pleasure and be really motivating. While you don’t need to splash out on a new wardrobe every week, an occasional investment can give you a real boost. 

• Try orienteering

Orienteering is a sport where competitors have to run to specific markers on a map then get back to the start of the course before other runners. It can be a great way of mixing running with other skills like map-reading and the mix of exploration and competition can be really fun. 

• Try different kinds of running

If you’re looking how to make running less boring, a good place to start is to mix it up with some different kinds of running. Why not try trail running, where you get into the great outdoors, traverse more challenging terrain and see amazing scenery? Or how about track running? Competitive 800m races or sprinting could be the thing for you. 

• Don’t just listen to standard running playlists!

Your running soundtrack doesn’t just have to be high tempo dance music! Some people find running is a great time to listen to podcasts, while others enjoy more unusual music - such as classical or jazz. 

By mixing up your routine and learning how to make running fun, you get all those mental and physical health benefits, but will also enjoy yourself while you’re doing it too!