Some running sessions are more enjoyable than others, and have a clear purpose. In this blog we’re going to look at ways you can view sessions differently if you’re struggling with boredom, the pressure of pace targets or just don’t like certain formats.

 

Easy runs

I’ll start here because these are the ones people often struggle to stay slow with or get done at all. The actual purpose is to keep fitness ticking over whilst you recover from harder sessions, but for those of us who need running for it’s mental health benefits, it can be seen as our way to keep things under control.

If you find yourself wanting to skip the runs because you find them boring or don’t feel that they’re beneficial, then changing focus can help. Think of them as chances to work on technique, explore new areas, catch up with friends or listen to music/audiobooks/podcasts. 

 

Tempo runs

It’s not uncommon for tempo runs to be a bit daunting. You know it’s going to be really difficult, and unlike an interval based session, you don’t get to have a recovery period after a few minutes. It’s not surprising that you might be asking yourself why you would do it, or bailing part way through.

Tempos aren’t always necessary depending on your goals, but if you’re looking to chase down a tough time target or best performance, tempos are an unavoidable part of training. My advice is to think of them as a way to overcome race day nerves. If you can work out a way to reframe or otherwise handle your nerves and feelings of dread before or during the run, then you’re going to perform much closer to your ability when race day arrives.

 

Hills

Hill repeats can be pretty dull. Add in the fact that they’re hard, and it’s understandable that you might change or skip these sessions on your plan. How else can you look at them? Well, hills are an inevitability of races unless you only run track races, so getting better at them when there’s no pressure means you’ll be more likely to enjoy racing. Whether it’s the satisfaction that comes from mastering a hard hill on your own, or being more comfortable than runners around you (beating competition or encouraging camaraderie), it’ll make your racing experience more enjoyable and essentially give you more value for money.

 

Long runs

The actual purpose of these is clear, so when preparing for a marathon they’re non-negotiable (apart from with somewhat dubious training methods). The “time on feet” isn’t about your feet really, it’s the building up of physical fitness to get you over the line in the time you want. 

Long runs can seem insurmountable, especially with pace targets and without tapering, resting or eating as much as you will ahead of race day.

For me though, that’s the point. If you can run up to 20 miles at just a little slower than race pace, carrying a hydration pack, without the support or competition of racing, without the rest of a taper or the calories of a final carb-load, you’re set. The “alternative” benefit of long runs, for me at least, is the confidence and mental strength they give you, especially if you do put in some faster sections at race pace.

 

There you have it, from confidence boosting, to mental strength, distraction from boredom or a chance to relax and explore, every run can have a purpose aside from the natural improvements in fitness we’re looking for, we just have to be willing to look for that purpose.

 

Written by Kyle Brooks, Running Coach based in Norwich, Norfolk