Tuesday’s Training Tip: Try Something New

Are you stuck in a training rut? Do you have trouble feeling motivated to put on your running shoes and step out of the door? Do your hand weights sit in a corner collecting dust? Perhaps it is time to change things up – do something new. Whether you choose a new goal, a different activity, or the same activity in a strange venue, a little variety can help. Let’s look at a few ways you can create new interest in old routines.

We’ve talked about why you should commit to a 5K or other fitness challenge, but what if you’ve done that and another 5K feels like just another workout? It’s time to try a themed run or something a little more challenging like an obstacle course. Can you run your best time dressed in a Santa suit? Perhaps not, but you might be able to win a prize for the best costume.

Captain a team and recruit your friends to run a relay. This will challenge your physical, mental, and leadership skills. You’ll have the time of your life and forge relationships that will last a lifetime.

Go for a night run. It’s quiet and you can’t really see how far you’ve come or how far you have to go.

Use an App. I like MapMyRun. Fitness apps help you track your progress, review your performance, entertain, and encourage you along the way.

Engage in social media with other fitness folks. Follow other runners on Instagram. Their photos will make you want to go outside, too!

Ride your bike to your favorite breakfast or lunch spot – eat – return.

Whether you need a long term goal or something different to do today, there are no limits to the creative things you can do to add variety to your workouts. Don’t get stuck in a training rut. Try something new!

What do you do to add creativity and interest to your fitness routine?

Tune in every Tuesday for more training tips and visit my Training Tips page to find all the tips you may have missed.

Question: Do you have a training tip you would like to share?

Happy Running!

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Running out of year ...

This running granny is running out of year!  The holidays (I am not being politically correct.  I am simply including Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and my birthday!) have been tough on this runner.  Too much celebrating and not enough running, but things will begin to settle down - maybe late next week!
I thought it mighthelp if I listed the running accomplishments of the past year.
January - No races. However, I kept running through the cold weather.
February - Some days were two-a-days.  I ran in the morning and took Mom too the track for a half mile strol in the afternoons.
March - I began training for my first half marathon.
April - I visited Erie, PA and ran with my daughter and granddaughter.  The three year-old made it nearly a mile!
May - Beat the Coaches Fun Run in Parma - track team benefit.
June - Ahh, June!  Old Fort Boise Days Fun Run.  I finally broke a 30 minute 5K!  Then I almost died in the High Desert Half Marathon.  Read about it here.
July - Spudman Triathalon in Burley with my good buddy Paulee.  We took first place in our age group!
August and September - Cross Country. Running with the kids!
October - The Color Run with Tami and Karli.
November - A lazy Turkey Trot with my hubby (just the two of us) on the hills in Cache Valley.
December - Bust Your Bells Fun Run!

That feels better.  I can see that I did, indeed, keep on running all year - injury free!  I expect I will do the same in the year to come.   I will, however, find an easier half marathon!

Adding a little color to my routine

My next run may be the most fun yet.  That's what previous participants have said.  I am going to do my first Color Run this Saturday.   It's low key as far as performance is concerned.  It's not a timed race.  That will be a change of pace! I'm doing it for fun, and because I told a friend I would run with her.  We will probably be walking parts of the course.  Although I do have a competitive streak (who knew?) I am trying to give myself permission to go slow enough to enjoy, to stop and smell the roses, or at least take time to throw some paint! 
I am looking forward to it.  I need to find a white shirt to wear and I am wondering ... should I wear my running watch?