6 Ways to Enjoy Long Run

Long run should not shrivel your guts. Follow these tricks so you can actually enjoy running on long track.

Long run is inseparable part on half and full marathon preparation training program. We will train endurance and patience while running on certain pace. These two abilities are needed to finish your half and full marathon well.

The problem is starting a long run is not easy. It shrivels your guts! But, you have to imagine the pride when you able finish it; you just need special tricks to get rid of doubts. Yoyo Taryo, Skechers Performance Runners running community coach shares the tricks to enjoy a long run.

1/ Separate targets into several short runs

Let’s say that you will run 30 kilometers. If you are stuck on the number 30, it is definitely a long and hard target. “Try to separate the distance into several short runs, such as every five kilometers. Every time you reach five kilometers, one target is achieved. It will help your brain thinks that long run is not that far,” explains Yoyo.

2/ Run with friends

Run with friends is fun, safer, and help you to stay true to training program. “If you run alone, there are lots of temptations. If there are friends, you will have someone to remind you,” says Yoyo. But, he suggests that you find friend with similar pace, so you can run together without feeling left out or too slow.

3/ Find interesting routes

Feeling bored during a long run? Expect the possibility by choosing routes with interesting surroundings. “Every city must have its interesting routes. For those who live in Jakarta, you can start it from car free day event tracks, and continue to Kota Tua area,” suggests Yoyo. Interesting surroundings help you shifting the focus from exhaustion or boredom during running, and boost up your energy to finish the long run.

4/ Repel the encouraging mantra

To finish a long run, not only strong endurance but you also need strong mindset. Hesitation may cover you up. That is why any kind of encouragement mantra, even the cheesiest one, is needed to motivate our self, it will help you to focus on target, and eliminate negative thoughts.  “For example you are dealing with uphill. Instead of think it as a Devil’s uphill, better to regard it as lover’s uphill. You will surely have the spirit to conquer it,” says Yoyo. 

5/ Greet other runner

There’s a high chance of meeting other runners during a long run. Instead of running in silence, why don’t you try to greet each other? A simple “hi” from fellow runner can restore the spirit.  Just remember that it should not interfere his/ her training.

6/ Imagine it as a real race

Visualize a race atmosphere during training –the excitement on start line, a chain of spectators cheering, to the adrenalin rush when you arrive at finish line– can be spirit booster. It also can help you to continue your long run instead of stopping in the middle.