Tips to Keep the Excitement in Running

Let's face it - after running for a while, we all get to a point where we feel tired, worn out, or simply burnt out. I have certainly felt that way many times over the past 10 years or so since becoming a runner, and have found a few tips that help every time I feel that "slump" coming on. Today, I'm sharing a few of my favorite tips with you to help keep the excitement in running!

#1 Change It Up
Do you continually run the same route over and over again? Well, maybe it's time to branch out and explore...find a new route! Do you have a national park near your home? How about a gorgeous lake or a pretty school campus? Seeing new things or running a new route is always a plus for me. Add some variety to your running routes and it will make a world of difference, I promise!

#2 Register For A Race
Are you currently registered for a race? Having a race to train for and look forward to always gives a little extra motivational push for me and it's a great way to add some excitement to your training plan! Finding a local or even an out of town race can be a great way to give a little more excitement to your running regime!

#3 Find A Friend
Having a friend or a buddy to share in the miles with makes all the difference in the world. Branch out and find a local running group! It's not as intimidating as it seems, I promise. Running with a friend helps the miles fly!

#4 Cross Train 
Mix it up! Add a little variety to your training plan with a cross training day or two per week. Do you have a local gym, a spin studio, Orangetheory, a pool, or even access to YouTube? The list could go on and on. There's so many ways to incorporate cross training into your routine and your body will thank you for it, too!

#5 New Shoes
Ok, who doesn't love a run in a brand new pair of cushy running shoes for the first time? Or what about a cute new outfit to add to your running wardrobe? Yes, this one is totally superficial and I'm not encouraging you to go out and buy a new running outfit every single time you feel like you are in a slump, but it doesn't hurt every once in a while! Sometimes, you just gotta look for the little things....

Last but not least, REST.  When your body is telling you it's tired and you need to rest, go ahead and do it. I'm sure you've heard it a million times, but it's SO important to listen to your body and take those rest days when needed. When your next running day comes around, you'll feel refreshed and excited to run once again!

Running is such a fun sport and when that sparkle of excitement dims, it's sometimes hard to find it once again. So, I hope these tips have helped if you're needing to find that excitement once again!

How do you keep the excitement in running? 

It's the Tuesdays On The Run Linkup with Erika, Marcia and Patty.