Running is one of the simplest forms of exercise. All you have to do is lace up your shoes, head out, and start running. But if you’ve ever felt like your runs were getting repetitive, or boring, you’re not alone. Over the years, I’ve become burnt out by running because it can get boring at times. So, I’ve found a few ways to make running more interesting. Here are some of my favorite ways to keep things fresh. These workouts will help break the monotony, for, dare I say, some fun. Plus, I’ll provide some tips so you can try them yourself.
1. The “Run Every Road” Challenge
A while ago, I started a challenge I call Run the Roads (or Run the Streets. I still haven’t settled on the perfect name. What do you think?). The idea is simple: run on every street in my area, at least once. Private roads aren’t mandatory and highways are not allowed for safety. Yes, you need to go all the way into dead end and no access roads. It was an interesting way to explore the area in depth. It was especially useful after we moved because I could learn so much more about the area and its hidden treasures.
What makes it fun is the planning. Before a run, I study maps and plot out new roads to cover, making sure I don’t repeat too much. During the run, I focus less on pace and more on navigation. I’ve tried using watch navigation, but that wouldn’t always end well. I did just get a new watch, so maybe it is worth trying again. Since these are typically longer runs, I end up logging more miles than I expect, which is always a bonus.
How to Do It:
- Grab a paper map, google maps, or use an app like Strava or CityStrides to track which roads you’ve covered.
- Plan your routes in advance, marking off new streets each time. Mark it like a race course.
- Use your phone, watch, or written instructions (on paper or your palm) to give you turn instructions.
- Keep it casual. These are great for long, easy runs since the focus is on covering new ground, not speed.
It turns running into a game, and honestly, I’ve seen more of my own area this way than I ever did driving.
2. Fartlek Runs (With a Twist)
Fartlek training, which actually is Swedish for “speed play”, is already a fun way to mix up pacing. This is something I’ve done since I first started running though to now. Sometimes, when I’m not on the track with defined intervals, or decide the watch is too boring for my state of mind, use whatever’s around me to dictate my speed bursts.
Some days, I make my intervals from stop sign to stop sign, which is great, until I hit a stretch with no signs for blocks on my sprint leg. Other times, I pick telephone poles for quick sprints or fire hydrants, making the run feel a bit more unpredictable. It forces me to push when I wasn’t necessarily planning to, which makes the time pass much faster. Plus, if you are into racing, you never know when you might need to match a hard effort by a competitor.
How to Do It:
- Pick random landmarks to sprint toward: stop signs, telephone poles, streetlights, block corners, or even driveways (only in more rural areas).
- Vary the intensity. Sprint to one marker, jog or brisk walk recovery to the next, then repeat.
- If you’re running with someone, you can even change up the marker mid-run to keep it unpredictable. Make it a game. First person to the marker chooses the next marker type.
Some days, this works in my favor with short, quick bursts. Other days, I regret my choices when the next sprint target is way farther than expected. Either way, it keeps things interesting.
3. Playlist Shuffle Run
This is something I used to do accidentally, until I realized I could turn it into an actual workout.
I’d be running along, listening to music, when suddenly a fast-paced song would come on. Typically fast paced meant something I could get into with a BPM (beats per minute) slightly higher than what I was running at the time) Without even thinking about it, I’d pick up the pace to meet the songs BPM. Then, a slower song would hit, and I’d naturally settle into an easier rhythm (and realize I may have just spoiled my long run by running a bit to hard). Eventually, I figured: why not lean into it and make it a real workout? Its another twist on #3 above.
How to Do It:
- Put your playlist on shuffle.
- First song = push the pace. Second song = recover. Repeat
- Don’t cheat by stacking your playlist with short songs for speed bursts. Shuffle is king.
- For an extra challenge, throw in one or two ridiculously long songs (a 10-minute instrumental, maybe?) and hope it lands on a recovery section rather than a speed interval.
This workout keeps you guessing and adds a fun level of unpredictability to your run. Plus, you’ll quickly realize which songs make you run way faster than you thought possible.
4. Treadmill Progression Workout
I used to do this one all the time at Orangetheory, and even though I don’t go any longer, I still pull this workout out from time to time especially when it’s too cold to run outside (if it wasn’t, I’d just go outside)
The idea is simple: start at a comfortable pace and increase the speed slightly every few minutes. By the end, you’re working way harder than you were at the start, but because the changes are gradual, it doesn’t feel overwhelming. It’s sneaky, in the best way possible.
At Orange theory, it was a sort of race to see who could go the farthest. Once you got knocked out, you moved to the rower until there was only one person left. It was called “Catch me if you can”. I’ll have to write another post about this in much more detail. In short, you need to run a certain distance by each time marker. If you don’t, you lose. Last person standing wins.
How to Do It:
- Start at an easy, conversational pace.
- Every 2-5 minutes, increase the speed by 0.1 to 0.3 mph.
- Keep going until you’re pushing at a hard effort for the last 5-10 minutes.
This workout makes treadmill running way more engaging and turns what could be a boring run into a fun challenge. Plus, it always leaves me feeling stronger than I expected. Remember how far and fast you got. Use that as a benchmark to beat next time.
5. Make Running an Adventure (aka Sightseeing Runs)
Whenever I travel, my first instinct is to go for a run. Not to train, but to explore. Running lets me experience a new place in a way that driving or walking never could. Some of my favorite travel memories involve unexpected discoveries mid-run, like a hidden park, an amazing restaurant, or even a beautiful view I wouldn’t have found otherwise.
I’ve even had times when my run completely changed my plans for the day. I’ll pass by something interesting, snap a picture, and later go check it out when I have more down time. It turns running into an experience rather than just exercise.
How to Do It:
- Pick a general route, but allow for detours when something catches your eye.
- Stop to take pictures at cool spots (bonus: these make great running memories).
- If you see a coffee shop, museum, or park that looks interesting, make a note to come back later.
These runs never feel like workouts. They feel like mini adventures, and I always look forward to them.
Extra note: Kelly and I once did a bike tour in Chicago, which we would recommend to anyone. This is the same, and you can choose to make your running touch just as structured as a pre-planned bike tour you might book in advance, or just go for it and see what you can find.
6. Dice Roll Workout
This one is pure randomness, and that’s what makes it fun.
All you need is a die (or an app) and a plan for what each number represents. Each time you roll, it determines the next segment of your run, speed, duration, incline (if on a treadmill), or whatever else you want to mix in.
How to Do It:
- Assign different paces or challenges to each number
- For a treadmill it could be: 1 = sprint, 2 = slow jog, 3 = incline to 4, 4 = incline to 8, 5 = medium paced, 6 = walk. Roll the die every 1 minute, or 2 minutes to determine the next challenge.
- Outside could be: 1 = 100 meters, 2 = 200 meters, 3 = 300 meters, etc. Roll the die for fast distance. Roll it again to determine recover distance.
- Keep rolling until you hit your desired workout time or distance.
It’s chaotic. It’s fun. And you never know what’s coming next.
Tips to Make Running Fun Again
Running doesn’t have to be the same loop at the same pace, day after day. Try one (or more) of these ideas to keep things fresh. Beat the monotony! Whether it’s turning your run into a map challenge, sprinting between stop signs, rolling dice for intervals, or hoping that your playlist doesn’t serve you a 10-minute song at the wrong time, there are plenty of ways to make running something you look forward to instead of something you have to do.
Now, lace up and try something new. You might just find your next favorite workout.
