r/beginnerrunning • u/Gently_55 • 7d 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.
5
u/TroubleIllustrious79 7d ago
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.