WORKOUT -
Xtend barre class
55 mins
Ran with Sarah
14.0 miles/2:01
After a couple weeks of traveling and missing barre classes, I got back into it this morning and took a 6am class. With everything from my knees to my belly button barkin’, I then drove over to Back Bay in Newport to run with Sarah.
(from Sarah’s 15K race – 1st place! boom)
It sorta looked like this except we weren’t at the beach and we dressed as twins. possibly on purpose… you’ll never know. We wore the same shirt (so dang comfortable!) and like Sarah, I ran in black capris which I rarely do. I gotta try and be cool and fit in whenever I can.
On the run we were talking about how we both like chocolate coconut water but not the plain flavor so when I got home, I knew what I wanted. There was an open bottle already in the fridge so a coconut mocha smoothie was in the bag. done deal.
If you’re not using yogurt or something else to thicken it, add a tiny sprinkle of Xanthan gum (I first wrote Xanax) which is a natural thickener.
BOREDOM AND MENTAL BURNOUT
I’ve been asked how to avoid mental burnout while running, and I think boredom plays a big part of becoming mentally toasted. But, it’s ok to sometimes be bored with/while running – it’s a super repetitive activity and it is boring at times. And it’s ok to be burnt out sometimes; just recognize it and take a little break.
Granted, I rarely get bored running, but I do think it’s always good to change things up to avoid it:
*Change your route
This is paramount for me; even if it’s my favorite running route in the world and paved with cinnamon bears and David Beckham’s hair, I don’t want to run it day after day. I like to be able to do some treadmill runs as well as different outdoor routes.
I know everyone doesn’t have the luxury of having multiple running routes nearby, but you can still mix things up by running your route in the opposite direction, running it with sprints thrown in or possibly at a different time of day.
Running path in Maui in September – still wouldn’t want to run it day after day
*Change your speed
Like I said, instead of plodding through the usual mindless 5 miler, vary your speed. Pick it up for one song, sprint to the next stoplight, run up that hill without slowing down. It might be harder, but you won’t be as bored when your lungs are begging for mercy. And interval-type workouts are a great workout and calorie burner anyways.
*Change your entertainment
Are you guilty of listening to the same 10 songs on your ipod on the same exact run everyday? Download some new music. Or even better, leave the ipod at home for a run!
If you like books on tape, download an entertaining, suspenseful book or a podcast on a hot topic issue that you feel passionately about.
If you run on a home treadmill, get your laptop set up where you can watch free TV shows on hulu while running. Or if you have TV in front of the mill, TiVo some of your favorite shows.
*Run with other people
Whether it’s friends, bloggers or a running group, it’s hard to be bored when you’re talking the whole way. It’s also built-in accountability: if your girl’s waiting for you at your running spot, there’s no backing out of it.
When I ran a 50k, all of the miles with Pam and Sarah flew by; the ones by myself? so boring.
*Run with a goal in mind
Sometimes aimless, goal-less running gets boring. So sign up for a race. Aim for a PR or a new distance. Just have some sort of goal and reason why you’re running. Maybe it’s to lose those final 10 pounds, maybe it’s to run a half marathon without walking or maybe it’s to break 20 minutes in the 5k. Whatever it is that gets you out there, great.
*Be ok with it
If you’ve changed things up and you still find yourself completely bored and mentally burned out, take a break! It’s ok and it’s normal: a lot of runners reach a point where they either physically or mentally need a rest period. Doesn’t mean you’re a bad runner or not dedicated enough – just means that you should take a little time to rejuvenate, rest, try something else and then you can come back with more passion and excitement for the sport.
Any boredom buster tricks you have?
MY REAL LIFE HOMIES:
**Check out my friend Christina’s sewing blog if you’re crafty or interested in sewing. I’m obviously an amazing seamstress.
**I want to say Hi to Amy, the kickboxing instructor my friend Ashley and I used to look up (she was so supremely cool in my mind!) when we were dorks in high school and would take Amy’s 6am class.
From Hawaii in September.
Ashley (in the black) is pretty ridiculous – she’s had 4 kids and still hand washes all her family’s laundry on her abs while I make butter rolls out of mine. Love ya, Ash!
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{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }
I have been running for 40 years and have never been bored with it. You either love it fully or are doing it for the wrong reasons.
i agree. i haven’t been running nearly as long as you (less than 3 years) but i have never once been bored while running. i have never understood when people say they are bored. i think time flies by when running!
I agree, either you love running or you don’t. I’m not so sure that you actually get bored with running … it’s just at that moment your mind is wondering and you’d rather be doing something else. That’s all.
I got really burnt out from training last year. At the end of the year, I was moving, working 50 hours per week, attempting to train for my 3rd half that year and in the middle of yoga teacher training. It was too much and running had to take a back seat. But now that we’ve settled into the house and yoga teacher training is winding down, i’m slowing picking it back up more regularly and remembering why I love it. Another thing I’m doing is focusing on gaining more speed. I am not as naturally fast as you SR!!
Great tips! I get SOOO bored running the exact same routes, so I always turn down at least 1 different street or round a loop through a park instead of around it just to see where I go. Oh, and chocolate coconut water FTW! I’m not really a fan of coconut water (it tastes kind of like sweat to me), but the chocolate one is soooooo good.
Really great suggestions on how to beat boredom. When I get really burned out I will also bribe myself by experimenting with new gear, clothing, or food. E.g. I’ll try different GU flavors, new compression sleeves, different combinations of outfits.
I think the ultimate motivator is to have a brand new pair of running shoes! Obviously it would be way too expensive for me to get a new pair of shoes everytime boredom hits. But on those occasions when I do I can never wait to get out and give them a go! I’ve gone running twice in one day just to try out a new pair of shoes!
I like running different places and I really don’t mind the treadmill since that’s the only time I can really force myself to go faster!
My main issue is running with my friends. They are all faster than me and I get nervous every time. Like this past weekend, for a 10miler, I feel so bad the whole time knowing my 10:13/pace was awfully slow to her normal 9 something pace. Even though they assure me it’s fine, I feel like a loser–haha!!
But I am running my 4th half tomorrow in my hometown with a girl I just met. It will be her first 1/2 marathon and our long run we appeared to be at the same pace, so I’m excited to run this one with her!!
I think I know what is missing from my smoothies – a sprinkling of xanax!
yep, thats the secret ingredient right there.
When we were living in Ohio, I basically had to run the same route every time, which got SO old. But we just moved to the Atlanta area, and I’ve been loving exploring new parks and trails. So I definitely agree that running in a new location is super helpful!
Definitely a change of scenery and running with friends can really enhance your run! Sometimes I will get bored with my route and I find that when I change it up it makes things spicy again. It’s kinda like being Dora the Explorer.
OH my gosh, hello! I have been following your blog and in awe of all your accomplishments and then recently was scrolling down and was so suprised to see Ashley in one of your pics, I was like what the heck…so I FB her and she told me she went to school with you and I can’t believe all this time I have been reading and didn’t even recognize you. I totally remember you 2 dedicated high schoolers coming to my class before school, such die hards, no one else your age was doing that
I still teach and love it. Love your blog. You are amazing. Thanks for the shout out 
you and ashley and all your kids are insane! and i love that youre still doing personal training through it all…. i can barely walk my dog and run in the same day
i just linked to your website too.
thanks for the link
I know, crazy we both have 4 kids, life sure has changed. Ashleys abs looks just slightly better then mine though – goodness gracious that girl 
I will have to try the chocolate coconut water! I tried the regular once. No thanks.
I have lots of route options in my area, but tend to go the same route often. For whatever reason I like it.
I’m loving the comments about how people “don’t get bored” running ever. I would love more input about their inspirations. I personally think boredom, like pain, is a sign you’re pushing up against your limits. Too much of either, you’re doing too much – if you don’t experience either, then you’re not pushing yourself.
I totally agree with the audio book tip! When I first started training for my half marathon, I was having a really hard time getting back into a weekday running routine when I’d run by myself. So I got Tina Fey’s “Bossypants” on audio book and only allowed myself to listen to it while running. Because it was so funny, I looked forward to the time I’d get to spend listening to it while I ran. When the book ended, I’d formed a consistent habit of weekday runs!
That post run smoothie looks delish. Is there Click in it as well?
Oooh I’m totally going to try that smoothie. I’ve had two things of coconut water in the fridge forever.
I’ve never had chocolate milk and coconut water. I think I’ll stop by the store to pick up some xanax to go with it.
Changing my route and speed always beats boredom running for me. I’d love to have more running buddies but they are all pregnant/not running or live too far away!
I dont’ love running, so any distraction is a good one for me. I like the audio book choice. Especially if it’s a good one! It’s like running with a friend who does all of the talking!
I won one of your shirts from Mama Laughlin!! So excited!! Thank you!!!
Can’t wait to be a Skinny Runner too!! 
Xanax gum. yes.
Great tips! For me there is a big difference between recreational running and training for races. I think when I am just running to run the distance doesn’t matter, the time doesn’t matter, I take more rest days, etc. It’s running for the love of running! When it comes to training there is a lot of miles involved, a lot of pushing my limits, etc that can lead to mental burnout. I like a change of scenary- it makes the miles go by much quicker! Just my humble opinion.
Um, Christina’s arms are crazy awesome! Hello gun show!
I love this post! I burnt out after 2 marathons (i know, nada compared to yours!!) but I am not a runner at hear-I am a dancer. But now, I mix it up with movies, sprints, and change of scenery and love it all over again. It feels GOOD to b even ABLE to run, ya know?!
Your last comment made me laugh out loud!! Especially since you all have nice abs-no butter rolls anywhere.
Yes, books on tape and new routes = break from monotony!
I look like a crazy person while I’m running because I sing out loud to beat boredom. I also do some dances sometimes if I’m REALLY bored.
I’m surprised some people NEVER get bored while running. That’s like those people who always have a clean house when you drop by unannounced and have never fought with their spouse. Slightly disturbing and then later you find out that they are robots.
People with perpetually clean houses really freak me out. So do people who never get a running injury. You cracked me up.
Dang, I hope I look like Ashley after four kids!!
Agree, changing up the scenery is a must, and when I run inside, I either need some fresh, intense, pump-up music if I’m going fast, or a tv show if I’m doing a slow long run.
Holy Moly! That girl in the black swimsuit has FOUR kids?! She looks incredible! I kinda hate her a tad though because she completely takes away all my excuses after having ONE kid. Rude.
I don’t really get bored running, I just start getting side stitches or stomach cramps. That is what makes me not want to run.
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