Freshen Up Your Run: Break the Boredom Without Breaking Your Stride
By Brock Shirley
Every runner hits that wall—not the kind you encounter at kilometre 35 of a marathon, but the mental one. The one where your favourite route starts feeling more like a chore than a challenge. You catch yourself daydreaming about skipping your run altogether. Maybe you even know exactly how to cut a corner or two to get home quicker. Sound familiar?
Don’t worry—it’s not you, and you’re definitely not alone. It’s just time to shake things up.
If your usual loop is starting to feel like a loop of doom, it might be time for a change. You don’t need to overhaul your whole training plan. Just one or two simple shifts can make a massive difference. Here are six ways to reignite the spark in your running routine.
1. Ditch the Tech
That’s right—take a break from your GPS watch, heart rate monitor, fitness tracker, and even your smartphone. Go run naked. Not literally (unless that’s your thing), but unplugged. Leave the gadgets behind and just run for the sake of running.
No pace to hit. No splits to worry about. Just you, your breath, your rhythm, and the road. Running without tech now and then can reconnect you with the joy that got you into it in the first place. Remember when running felt freeing, not like data collection?
Even one or two tech-free runs a month can give your brain a break—and remind you that progress isn’t always about numbers.
2. Flip Your Route
Same streets, different direction. It’s that simple. Run your usual loop in reverse and you’ll be surprised how different it feels. That hill you normally start with? Now it’s at the end. That shady stretch you love? Now you hit it just when the sun’s peaking.
Changing direction changes the way you engage with your surroundings. It keeps your brain and body guessing, which is half the battle when boredom strikes.
3. Run with (or without) a Buddy
If you’re used to running solo, find a “Ruddy”—that’s a running buddy. Choose someone at a similar level or slightly faster. Having company not only helps with motivation, it also keeps you accountable. You’re less likely to skip your run if someone’s waiting for you.
On the flip side, if you always run with someone, try flying solo. It gives you the space to tune into your body, set your own pace, and enjoy the quiet. Don’t worry about offending your running mate—just be honest. “It’s not you, it’s me. I just need a solo run to shake things up.”
A bit of variety in company—or lack of it—can go a long way.
4. Run in the Rain
This might sound odd, but hear me out: rain is your secret weapon.
A rainy run cools you down, adds a sense of adventure, and often means you’ll have the trails or streets all to yourself. Sure, you’ll get wet. But you’re a runner, not a house cat.
Just gear up properly—light layers, a cap, and good traction—and keep your wits about you. Avoid slippery corners and be mindful of post-run recovery. Wet doesn’t mean weak—make sure you dry off properly, refuel, and look after your feet.
Running in the rain can feel rebellious in the best way. Try it once—you might just fall in love with it.
5. Mix Up Your Pace
If you’re always running at the same steady pace, your body (and brain) will quickly adapt. That’s when stagnation creeps in.
You don’t need a complex interval session—just sprinkle in some faster bursts. Maybe it’s a gentle fartlek session: jog easy, then pick up the pace to the next lamppost, ease off, repeat.
These short, unstructured efforts not only boost fitness but also break the monotony. They engage your mind, challenge your body, and give your run a sense of play.
6. Get Tech-Savvy (Yes, Really)
Wait—didn’t we just say ditch the tech? Yes, but balance is key.
If you never use tech, now might be the time to try it out. Even a basic GPS app can add new layers to your training. Tracking your distance, pace, or elevation helps identify patterns and set goals—plus, it can be seriously motivating to look back and see how far you’ve come.
You don’t need to splash out on an expensive watch. Free apps like Strava, Runkeeper or Nike Run Club offer plenty of value for casual and committed runners alike. Explore the features, join a virtual challenge, or simply track your weekly distance. It’s about using data to support your running, not rule it.
Final Thoughts: Change Breeds Progress
Running doesn’t always need to be exciting—but it should never feel like a punishment. If you’re stuck in a rut, don’t wait for motivation to strike. Shake things up. Reverse your route. Leave the watch at home. Embrace the rain. Try something new.
A refreshed mindset leads to better consistency—and consistency is what gets results. So go ahead. Skip the excuses, skip the shortcuts, and freshen up your run.
Your legs (and your mind) will thank you.
Until next time, Enjoy discovering your best stride.
