Legendary marathoner Eliud Kipchoge has this to say about a frequently asked question: Do you always feel motivated to run? “I struggle with motivation sometimes, but I always try to have a positive thought, that I will enjoy the run.”

That’s great advice because we all face the same challenge. We get tired of the running routine. The challenge isn’t so much about boredom, but that our minds are drifting.

Keep Your Head In The Game

If it’s hot or humid, we recall perfectly cool days and compare them with this one. Resisting those outside thoughts is often referred to as keeping your head in the game.

It's easy to fall into the habit of running junk miles. When you run mostly junk miles, your running lacks purpose. We rationalize that we are getting the job done, even if we are not enjoying the process.

The problem is that having fun is one of the best ways to maximize your running potential.

Unless you answer to a coach, then you are the boss of your running. To stay motivated, commit to a structured training plan with tempo runs, intervals, and easy, regular, and long runs.

Use Deliberate Play

Adam Grant explores deliberate play in his book, Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things. Deliberate play injects fun into skill-building activities. This transforms working out into a source of joy, and that maximizes productive outcomes.

NBA superstar Steph Curry uses deliberate play. He’ll invent games like scoring 21 points in a minute to help him practice his footwork speed and agility. Every time he works that drill, he improvises to find different ways to score the points, and that makes every day different, fresh and productive.

That’s the difference between play and practice.

Listen to the episode to learn how structured training builds physical and mental strength. You'll also discover ways to add variety to easy runs with deliberate play.

Running Drills

Here's a short video on A-skips and other running drills.

Here are skipping drills with emphasis on technique.

Mick Jagger skipping during concerts. It's subtle, so you have to look for it. At 81 years, he's a great example of running longevity.

Personal Best Running, by Mark Coogan

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe by going to runninglongevitylab.com and clicking on the Follow tab. If you have another minute, please consider leaving a review on Apple to help new listeners find the show. Just click the Rate Podcast tab.

Thanks so much for joining me today.

Be safe out there and enjoy your next run!