Five ways to make your weekly run more fun

Taking the same route every time you go for a run has its benefits; it’s more straightforward and less planning-intensive to do the same circuit of local streets you’ve done previously, secure in the knowledge of how long it will take and how far you’ll be running.

That said, novelty is an important element of human experience, and finding new places to complete your runs can make your exercise regime feel fresh and exciting again. Why not consider running in your local parks, or - if you live rurally - exploring some nature trails that you might not have visited before? Bringing some visual variety into your runs can make exercising more interesting, while getting out in nature is inherently beneficial to your mental health.

If you don’t have many local options for varying your run, you could simply try doing your normal route in reverse, or, if you have the time and transport links, taking a trip somewhere new to help shake up your routine. 

Gamification describes the process of incorporating game-like elements into activities to create motivation and fun - and this concept is perfectly applicable to running. This might include meeting certain goals, completing personal challenges or competing at a community level.

There are numerous technological ways of gamifying your run. For example, fitness apps like Strava and Runna can connect you to a global community that allows you to share routes, compare running times or speeds, or even ‘draw’ pictures as you run by mapping your path with GPS. Smart watches can also provide constant feedback on a variety of metrics, which can help you monitor your progress and goals. 

That said, you certainly don’t need tech to gamify your runs. Public events like parkrun connect you to a global community and enable you to compare times with fellow runners, or even complete objectives like the ‘parkrun alphabet’ - doing 26 parkruns that each start with a different letter of the alphabet! 

Alternatively, if you want a game you can play entirely in your own head, why not try a ‘run scavenger hunt’ by making a list of things to look out for and mentally tick off while you run: a red post box, an oak tree, and someone on a scooter, for example?

Going for a run with your friends is not only a great way to boost your motivation and accountability, it also turns your run into a social event that is even more beneficial to mental health than running solo.  

As mentioned above, parkrun can be a great way to find others to run with if your usual circle of friends aren’t too keen, as can joining a local running club or looking out for running groups advertising on the noticeboard at a nearby leisure centre, or on social media, for example. 

Find a group to run with, and you may find the fun you’re having with your friends becomes the main reason you’re lacing up your running shoes.

Sometimes the monotonous sounds of your feet pounding the pavement just isn’t what you need to keep going - and music can be a great way of providing yourself with some rhythmic and emotional motivation to maintain energy levels.

Many people find that upbeat - or sometimes even aggressive - music can be conducive to a high-powered run, so when putting your playlist together you might want to think along the lines of dance music, rock, hip-hop, upbeat pop songs… or perhaps a spot of dubstep if you want to get really hectic. Many streaming services also have running-themed playlists. 

Try and change things up every so often; you don’t want to have just the one playlist, getting stale after multiple listens.

There’s nothing quite like the promise of a reward to imbue your run with anticipation and ensure you keep pushing yourself all the way to the finish line. 

It doesn’t have to be something big - a long soak in the bath, or perhaps a scone topped with clotted cream and jam if you’re feeling particularly indulgent. Meet a small goal and give yourself a little treat; meet a bigger goal and push the boat out with some new running gear or a slap-up takeaway.

It’s all positive reinforcement, and as well as the physical and mental health benefits you get from exercising, you’ll also be teaching yourself to associate running with well-earned pleasure and satisfaction.

These tips are all about finding ways to keep running fresh and interesting so that it’s something you look forward to rather than resent, helping you to build up and maintain a sustainable routine. 

The best thing about running is that the longer you continue, the better you feel  - and if you’re having fun on your runs then there’s very little that can slow down your progress.