Enjoy Your Run

We've all been there. Out on a run that makes you question why the hell you do this.

A run that hurts physically or mentally.
A run when your body or mind just isn't feeling it.
A run that's a struggle to put one foot in front of the other.
A run that just doesn't go as planned or as you hoped.

"Find a way to enjoy parts of every run. Most of your runs should be mostly enjoyable."
~Jeff Galloway

I love this quotation so much! But it got me thinking, How can I make most of my runs mostly enjoyable?

Smile.

It's such a simple thing, but it can make such a huge difference. Just ask Karen, who experienced first hand the power of smiling during her first marathon. Smiling can help to change your perspective and attitude. It just makes you feel better.

Be friendly.

Smile and wave to the other runners on your route. Shout out some encouragement.

Open your eyes.

Whether you're hitting a trail or pounding the pavement, there is beauty all around you. Find friends in the clouds, the trees, the buildings. Marvel at the things you see as you run.

Listen to your body.

Some days your body wants to be pushed. Some days it's going to want to take it easy. Learn to recognize the difference and listen to what it's telling you - even if it goes against your training plan.

Make a kick-ass playlist.

I don't always listen to music when I run, but every now and again, I grab my headphones and rock out to some music. The right music can encourage you and push you through a tough run (just remember, safety first). It can help you smile and shift your focus away from the things that might not be going your way.

Take a break.

Feeling down mid-run? Pause and push the rest button. Change your pace. Run like Phoebe!


via GIPHY
Skip like a kid. Take a breather. Switch to intervals. Shake off the bad and just have fun with the run.

Mix it up.

Change your route. Throw in some Fartleks, or vary your distances, pace, types of runs (tempo, easy, etc). Run with a friend. Join a running group.


I think that we runners can get too focused on the next race or the next goal. Sometimes, we just have to let it all go. Forget all the pressure and just have fun!

I don't mean to suggest not having goals. Goals are so important and can provide the motivation we need to get out there, but we shouldn't beat ourselves up when a run doesn't feel quite right, or when we fail to meet a particular goal we had in mind.

What makes your run the most enjoyable?

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I'm linking up with Marcia for Tuesdays on the Run. This week's topic was Best running book (or cookbook) you read this year, but since I didn't really read anything this year, I opted for my own running topic. Be sure to pop over to the link-up for some reading inspiration!