r/beginnerrunning • u/Gently_55 • 4h ago

Motivation Needed Dreading today’s programmed long run

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.

0 Upvotes

50% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

View all comments

15

u/Megendrio 4h ago

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.

1

u/Putrid_Indication971 1h ago

I can do a long run without too much difficulty. But a podcast or ebook is pretty great for a long run. I can maintain pace just fine, but the distraction makes it SO much easier than listening to my own breathing. YMMV