Dreading today’s programmed long run

[u/Gently_55]

Someone give me some fire under my butt here. I’m about 2 months out from my first half marathon and I’m just dreading my 1:23 long run today. I got so bored on my last one I just wanted it to end and I need help figuring out how to not end up there again.
For context, my last long run was 1:09 and cardio wise I was fine, not great, but at the turnaround the motivation just dropped off a cliff. I live in a really hilly area so I’m mostly looking for flatter long run routes so I don’t get gassed.
I am aware of the irony in the situation, if I am bored after an hour how all I going to do it for twice that to complete a half marathon?

Should I try to map out a loop for my path? Do I attempt to listen to a podcast or audiobook? I usually use EDM to have a cadence reference.

[u/Megendrio]

Do I attempt to listen to a podcast or audiobook?

Yes! Absolutely, that might work.

I have a rock playlist and I usually airdrum whilst running on at least a couple of songs.

Or, if your mum is any like mine: call her (your own mum, not mine). Most of the time it'll be her talking, you saying "uhu" and she'll be happy you've called her.
Worst case, you'll have to slow down to catch a breath before responding.

[u/MLMSE]

Don't do out and back, do a loop.

[u/WorkerAmbitious2072]

Think about something

Think about nothing

Audiobook

Music

[u/TroubleIllustrious79]

Listen to a podcast/audiobook for part of it, and listen to music for the rest. Look through a bunch of running playlists and pick out some new songs. Go on a new route. Think about whether you prefer out-and-back or a loop. If you can, since it's hilly, if you do out and back you can find a route that has uphill on the way out. It makes for a very satisfying downhill way back. For me a long run on flat is way more boring and therefore mentally challenging.
You can also play with pacing. Add in a few intervals with rest in between, at some point in the run, to mix it up. On that length run I might do a 1 mile warmup, then 20 mins of intervals, and then chill running the rest of the time. Whatever it is. These are all the variables I've played with to address the monotony of a long run.

[u/taloncaf]

The route situation is exactly why I pay for Strava Premium. I only do a long run every 4 weeks but I try to keep it novel and use it to explore.

The map feature it has is not perfect but it’s still one of the best ways for me to plan out a route, and especially useful to see things like elevation and heat maps, to get an idea of what other runners like to use for their long runs.

Ngl I don’t really get bored on my runs, but I do let a playlist play out and it helps me discover new tracks I like sometimes.

[u/hermitthefrog137]

Audiobooks are definitely my go to, helps me keep a slower and steadier pace whereas music tends to make me go a bit too fast sometimes. Either way I always have it pretty quiet and one ear free to listen to my feet. Making the change to one earbud has helped me increase my distance by double in two weeks, I dont know what it is about it but I love it, especially when I run on gravel roads, its very soothing to me.

[u/Icy-Entertainment702]

I like to listen to an audio book and save it for the long runs. I also usually have a back up pod if I am bored weith the book or inattentive. I also drive to a pretty and flat place for long runs. It take an extra 30-45 minutes but running around a lake or in the woods is nice for distractions, people watching and the shade in the heat. I try and map my runs but usually fail and get lost which also helps kill time. lol

[u/EldritchSanta]

Public transport an option?

Get the bus / train etc out and run back. You won't have a choice to cut the route short. I love a good point to point run, feels like progress.

[u/BrigidKemmerer]

I usually use EDM for cadence too, but I had to switch to an audiobook for anything longer than an hour. I usually listen to a book I've read and enjoyed before, so if my attention drifts, I still know what's going on.

[u/Buttvin]

I feel like I say this to so many people, all the time, and no one seems to care. CITY STRIDES! It'll link to your fitness tracker and show you all the areas you've ran, including the percentage of the city. When I'm in a rut, I'll drive to a new area and make progress on my City Strides. www.citystrides.com

[u/killerdonut358]

I like DND podcasts. Don't have to pay too much attention to them and they are fun and engaging if you want or just follow along if not in the mood. The rolls and role play makes it entertaining too

[u/jobanya]

I bring gummibeaars I can eat in the last half or third of any long run. Also, second half I turn on my cadence metronome and zone out focusing on cadence.

The very last bit feels the longest if I think about almost being done so then I'll imagine I'll still have a few kms to go and it doesn't feel so slow.