For any run longer than three miles, I tend to get a bit bored. Not bored with my thoughts, or music, but bored with the same old lumber-along pace that the longer run takes. There is something about pushing my legs, lungs, and mind to a faster pace that I adore. The burning in my lungs, the aching in the legs, and the “you have to stop now” thoughts to overcome. It’s what keeps me coming back for more.
A long run done on intervals.
To mix up the monotony of my pace, I like to add intervals. I’ve expressed my love of intervals before, and want to express it again now that I’m in marathon training and my weekday runs are creeping up to 7-9 miles.
Intervals have saved me on these weekday runs. This Mental Toughness Interval run is one of my absolute favorites.
Even though the push paces last less than a mile, going from a longer push to a shorter push and then back to a longer one plays with my mind. Knowing I only have to run one minute and then climb back to four? It forces me to keep my head in the run.
For shorter runs, I do it one time through. For those longer ones, twice. I am working up the mental and physical effort to hit three. You can also easily do these intervals on your cardio of choice, no just running!
The only way I was able to do so well at my fourth marathon (on very little training) was through strength building and regular intervals. Snag your Finish Line Strong Training Plan to make your next 5k your absolute best no matter what running level you are.
I’m Brooke Selb, a Personal Trainer and Health Coach specializing in helping busy moms and moms to be to easily juggle mom life with family friendly recipes, and easy exercise routines to help you achieve your fitness goals that fit in with your already busy life with sound nutritional advice.
My music actually helps me with mental toughness during longer runs. If I feel like I am getting bored or am starting to fade, I switch to a song that I know will re-energize me. When things get tough, I actually enjoy fartleks and mixing it up.