Long run. Speed work. Rest day. Repeat. Feeling bored yet? A regimented training schedule can give you the results you seek, but guess what – even marathon veterans can get jaded, however creative their workouts may be. So if you’ve exhausted your running routine and lacing up is starting to feel more like work than play, you’re in dire need of a revival. Try this simple trick to totally revamp and inject some enthusiasm into your routine. 

Danger Ahead
Chances are, your workout schedule revolves around that once or twice weekly run around your estate… and the only variation you’re getting is by reversing your route. Keep up the blasé routine often enough and you might be heading for failure. “If you keep engaging in the same activity over and over again, there’s a high chance you might give it up altogether,” says Daniel Koh, a psychologist from Insights-Tse. And although endorphins (a pain-blocking hormone) are released during a good run which can elevate your mood, this rush can be dulled by monotony, says Koh. In addition to your mind adapting to a set distance and environment, your body also gets used to committing the same amount of effort every time – and progress grinds to a halt.  

Switch It Up
It’s time to get lost ¬– and experience the most unexpected workout you’ll ever get. Here’s how:

• Head somewhere you’re totally unfamiliar with. Don’t head out to trails if you’re not confident, but stick to urban areas like housing estates where you can bail out easily if you do get lost.
• Run to a set time rather than a distance. Say if you can comfortably run for an hour without stopping, turn back after 30 minutes.
• Explore. Don’t be afraid to hit a dead end and head to any nook or cranny that tickles your fancy. You’ll need to remember where you’ve headed, so you’ll work your grey matter too rather than mindlessly plough along.
• For that extra bit of insurance, a hydration system and mobile phone can work wonders.

Rejuvenated Mind
So you’ve gotten your jolt of happy hormones after that no-holds barred run, but what next? Even if your 10-K timing doesn’t improve immediately, you’d have generated enough enthusiasm to raise your training to a new level. That said, you’ll probably need a different or greater stimulus each time for a further boost to your workout, says Koh. “Occasional variations can indeed keep the athlete alert and challenged. Don’t wait until boredom affects you before you make changes.” Work in small tweaks like a change of pace and distance, for instance. An “exploratory” run is probably your best bet to break repetitiveness, so look at replacing your long runs with these occasionally. Just keep your enthusiasm pumping whatever it takes. 

From September 2008 issue of Men's Health Singapore