Time to Change Your Running Habits?
A frequent refrain that I hear from some runners whom I coach is that they occasionally become bored with their running routine and training schedule. They want to add variety to their training but are not sure how to do it and/or whether they should do it.
I believe that it is important to get out of a rut and spice up your running routine: it will help your mental outlook and increase the likelihood that you will continue to run for your entire life. You may want to consider the following tips I have picked up over the years from fellow coaches, runners, and my own experiences.
1. Set a completely different goal.
If you are a marathoner, spend a year doing shorter races or, alternatively, do an ultra-marathon. If you have never run a marathon, think about joining MCRRC's First-Time Marathon Program. If you are a party animal and are not easily offended, try a hash run.
2. Don't wear a watch while running.
Too many of us (including me) are fixated on our watches. Recently, the battery to my heart monitor/watch combination died and I was forced to run without a watch. It was quite enjoyable and a pleasant change not to have any idea how fast I was running.
3. Train with a heart monitor.
You will also become less fixated on your pace when you run with a heart monitor because you will be training by effort instead of by time. This means you will run slower on days when you are stressed and faster on days when you feel great. The main thing is that you are less likely to overtrain and therefore less likely to get injured.
4. Enter a biathlon or triathlon.
If you are bored with road racing and/or track meets, try a multi-sport event. While not for everyone, multi-sport events should be a natural for those who cross-train. I went to my first triathlon this summer and it was an interesting experience. The triathlon community is very friendly and family-oriented.
5. Run a race at the back of the pack.
If you usually finish in the first half of the field, run with a friend at the back of the pack for the entire race. You will end up with a better appreciation for those athletes. Several years ago, I ran the Race for the Cure with my college-age daughter in 38 minutes (my normal 5K time is around 20 minutes). It was a memorable experience, and if she does it again, I will be there with her.
6. Run trails.
Trail running can be fun and, at the same time, build a lot of strength. In addition, there is great scenery on some of the local mountain trails. If you do try trails, start with just a few miles and build up. This will decrease the chances that you will take a tumble.
7. Run a negative split race.
Most runners go out too hard in a race and die at the end. This year, try running a negative split race where the second half is faster than the first half. Not only will you feel great as you pass lots of folks at the end, but if you do it right you may also run a PR.
8. Volunteer at an MCRRC race.
The strength and vitality of MCRRC lies with its volunteers. Try volunteering for a club race. Not only is it fun, but you will be giving back to the club, thereby ensuring the continued success of the best running club in the United States.
9. Run different courses.
If you only run one or two courses, running a course in reverse can be a break. Or go exploring and find new courses. New courses help break the monotony of the same old, same old.
10. Use a coach.
If you are a serious runner with racing aspirations or simply want to improve, consider using a coach instead of trying to figure things out on your own. A coach can be more objective about your running and help you correct mistakes you might not be able to see yourself. MCRRC has several volunteer coaches, or you can employ a private coach like myself. You can even find coaches over the Internet.
Coach West is a licensed coach, affiliated with MCRRC, and available to coach motivated adult runners. A portion of his coaching fees for MCRRC members is returned to MCRRC. For further information about personal coaching opportunities, contact Coach West at kirtwest@comcast.net.
