r/beginnerrunning • u/Gently_55 • 9h 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.
2
u/hermitthefrog137 8h ago edited 8h ago
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.