4 Ways to Make Running More Fun

Building a strong cardiovascular system is crucial to live a long & healthy life. [source]

It’s tough to beat running as an option to do so given how effective it is for this goal [source] and given the fact that it is accessible to everyone.

Some people are born lucky enough to naturally enjoy it, however many people aren’t.

If you’re reading this article, my assumption is that you’re in the second camp.

If that is the case and you want to begin running as a habit, trying to discipline/will-power your way through it isn’t the most sustainable path.

The better path is to reduce the friction: utilize strategies that make it more enjoyable.

The aim of this article is to provide you with the 4 top strategies I have to help you accomplish this goal.

#1: Intervals

An interval run refers to a run workout in which you alternate between two different running intensities: one faster & one slower.

Intervals can be used to make a run much harder or much easier, however my main reason for bringing them up is less technical.

A common complaint of running is that it can get monotonous, at least compared to strength training workouts or circuit trainings. Intervals can serve as an easy trick to add variety to any run.

Let’s say you’re performing three runs in a week. Two of the runs are easy runs, and one of the runs is a hard run (a common structure for recreational runners).

For the easy runs: you could jog 0.50 miles, walk 0.25 miles, and repeat this for however long is appropriate.

For the hard run: you could run 2:00 at 8:00 mph (7.5 minutes / mile), jog 2:00 at 6:00 mph (10 minutes / mile), repeat however many times is appropriate.

Of course, there are 100s of ways to structure an interval workout, but the point is this:

intervals provide an easy way to instantly break up the monotony of running.

#2: Have some entertainment

Something you will hear almost all experienced runners say: most of your running should be easy enough to hold a conversation.

Run/walk intervals (as previously mentioned) are often used if you can’t hold a conversation during running no matter how slow you go.

What this also means is that you should be able to listen to a podcast/watch a show and still be able to decently follow along.

So, if you’re running outside, find a podcast or audiobook that you enjoy and listen to it throughout the workout.

If you’re running on a treadmill, consider setting your phone up and watching a show or YouTube video during the workout.

The general idea: if you combine something you want to do with something you need to do, you become more likely to do the thing you need to do.

#3: Go somewhere scenic

One of my favorite aspects of running is that it gets you out into nature, something many of us lack with our current lifestyles.

Odds are there is somewhere scenic you could go near where you live.

It could be near the ocean, a nature trail, a park, or even just throughout the city.

If you’re willing to do a little looking, I’m sure you’ll find somewhere worth going to.

#4: Give it time

I lied to you at the beginning of this article.

More often than not, avid runners didn’t enjoy running when they first started running.

Usually, it sucks in the beginning.

Over time, they begin to enjoy the way they feel after and become fulfilled by the progress they make.

It’s a form of delayed gratification, which is usually the sweetest form of gratification.

So, my main point is this: don’t completely write running off if you aren’t in love with it at first.

Of course, you may never come to truly enjoy it, but it’s also very possible that you do.

Something I often tell people: the ‘runner’s high’ is earned.