Jeanette Wang shares how to make training fun
An exclusive sharing by Singapore's top female ultramarathoner.
By Jeanette Wang
Nike Athlete
Tarmac pounding, just like going to school or work, is a continuous process that can get extremely boring and labourious. Most times I can't wait to get out for a run. Sometimes, though, just the thought of the long run I have to complete later gives me a headache. I start feeling all sick (though I know it's just my mind playing games with me) and lethargic. But, well, almost always in the end I get out and run, and feel much better after it.
For a sport that can extremely mundane, it's important to keep training fun. For me it's not very difficult to do so, because being a triathlete I train for three different sports, so if I get bored of running I can cycle or swim instead.
Coming up with a totally new route can make running interesting again. Or heading out the door with no route in mind and just going where your instincts tell you to. I've done it before and I assure you, it's pretty darn exciting and definitely takes your mind off the miles.
Mixing up your training programme can also help alleviate boredom. Alternate long easy runs with shorter, faster runs. Or find a nice hill and do some hill repeats, or do some fartlek using lampposts as your guide. Or if you're tuned in to an mp3 player, go fast during the chorus and easy during the verses. There are many different ways of training, so explore all your options. I usually do two to three different kinds of workouts a week to make things interesting.
Having company, too, can make runs more fun. Find a training buddy or a group to train with, and you will find yourself speeding up as you chat about the birds and the bees.
Still bored? Go out and buy yourself a new Nike running kit. That's almost certain motivation for your next long run. It always works for me.
Most importantly, however, if training is not fun anymore, stop doing it. Your body is probably telling you to take a break.
By Jeanette Wang
Nike Athlete
Tarmac pounding, just like going to school or work, is a continuous process that can get extremely boring and labourious. Most times I can't wait to get out for a run. Sometimes, though, just the thought of the long run I have to complete later gives me a headache. I start feeling all sick (though I know it's just my mind playing games with me) and lethargic. But, well, almost always in the end I get out and run, and feel much better after it.
For a sport that can extremely mundane, it's important to keep training fun. For me it's not very difficult to do so, because being a triathlete I train for three different sports, so if I get bored of running I can cycle or swim instead.
Coming up with a totally new route can make running interesting again. Or heading out the door with no route in mind and just going where your instincts tell you to. I've done it before and I assure you, it's pretty darn exciting and definitely takes your mind off the miles.
Mixing up your training programme can also help alleviate boredom. Alternate long easy runs with shorter, faster runs. Or find a nice hill and do some hill repeats, or do some fartlek using lampposts as your guide. Or if you're tuned in to an mp3 player, go fast during the chorus and easy during the verses. There are many different ways of training, so explore all your options. I usually do two to three different kinds of workouts a week to make things interesting.
Having company, too, can make runs more fun. Find a training buddy or a group to train with, and you will find yourself speeding up as you chat about the birds and the bees.
Still bored? Go out and buy yourself a new Nike running kit. That's almost certain motivation for your next long run. It always works for me.
Most importantly, however, if training is not fun anymore, stop doing it. Your body is probably telling you to take a break.
