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5 ways to spice up your next training session

Training can sometimes get boring. Here are a few ways you can mix things up

woman trail running Photo by: Unsplash/Greg Rosenke

It’s only natural to get bored of your training every now and then. You’re committed to a goal race and working hard to get there, but in doing so, you may be tiring of the same old workouts, week after week. If you’re finding that your training is dull right now, don’t quit, just try mixing things up a bit. Here are five ways to get out of that rut by spicing up your next training session. 

Hit the hills 

If you’re not already doing hill sessions on a regular basis, this is a great way to make your training a bit more interesting. Find a steep or a long hill, one that you’d normally be inclined to avoid, and run straight at it. Start with one rep at a comfortable (but not easy) pace, and time yourself. From there, run up the hill several more times and see if you can beat your last split. Make a race out of it, but your only competitor is yourself.

Run an off-distance time trial

We’ve recommended running time trials before, but this time, try an off-distance run. Off-distance means an event that isn’t often run. If you’re like most people, you probably stick to 5Ks, 10Ks, halfs and marathons, so why not throw in a 3,000m time trial? It’ll mix things up, you’ll get to run fast and you will be guaranteed a personal best. Not down for a fast run on the track? Go for a 10-mile road time trial. Whatever distance you choose, make sure it’s one you’re not too familiar with. You might like it.  

Try a fartlek 

You’re probably already doing speedwork on the track or a road loop, but that can get boring. Break out of the monotony with fartlek runs, which will allow you to fit speedwork into your runs while venturing off onto different non-looped routes. A fartlek can be done randomly or by time. For example, you can decide to run quickly for one minute at a time, or you can pick landmarks that you see on your route to run toward (rather than running a set distance, like 200 metres). However you choose to do it, this will make speed workouts more fun. 

Cross-train 

If you’re really not feeling a run, try a different type of exercise instead. Just because you’re a runner doesn’t mean that you have to run every time you venture out for some exercise; and cycling, swimming or other types of cardio can be great substitutes. These cross-training sessions will give you an extra day or two off each week from running, which will help you feel refreshed and ready to get back to regular programming tomorrow. 

cyclist

Take time off 

Maybe one or two days off from running each week isn’t enough for you, and you think you need an extra-long break. We know we said not to quit, and we stand by that–but taking a break from training doesn’t mean you’re walking away from running forever. If you find you’re just exhausted by your training, it’s fine to relax and take a mini vacation from the sport. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, after all, and soon enough, you’ll likely be craving a run. 

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