Training Notes: The Joy of Discovering New Running Routes

Running can be boring. 

Just imagine passing by the same tree, the same house, and running away from the same dog three to four times a week.

For the newbie runner who’s not that ready to go outside their comfort zone, it’s the repetitive routine of running around your neighborhood, saying hello to that neighbor that you hardly know, or passing by the guardhouse for the nth time.

Yes, running can be boring.

It’s called the running rut, or something that One Peloton describes as “doing the same type of workouts or all your runs are feeling easy.” The same goes with the route that you’ve been running for months, or even years. It’s the repetitive nature of the sport where it can sometimes make the runner hit the snooze button when their alarm goes off because they know that they will be going in the same direction yet again. 

There is wisdom in the metaphor, “When nothing goes right, go left.” The expression, while it may sound funny, suggests that if obstacles are in your way (right), it’s best to go the other way around (left). Again, this saying can be applied to running: if you’re bored with your usual route, go find another. 

It’s a simple strategy to shake up your training sessions and add a bit of excitement. In other words, you’re trying something new(ish) even though you’ve been in this direction before but haven’t tried running it.

Think of it this way: running the same route over and over again won’t do you a world of good—sort of. While consistency is part of the whole improvement process, your body gets used to the same terrain and will not get the “challenge” that it needs. Going left, on the other hand, will force your body to adapt to that hill, that steep incline, that sudden gush of wind, or even that “I could run that” backyard trail.

Discovering a new route will also lessen the risk of injury. Doing the same run on the same pavement puts a pounding on the same muscles and joints. Running in the opposite direction will even come with a surprise; mixing in a good trail run or a quick city loop with gutters and potholes as obstacles will allow the body to engage new muscles.

If you’re still up for an adventure, why run to your favorite coffee shop? Instead of taking the same route, take the road less traveled. It’s only a matter of time before you’re in awe of a new park, a quiet street, or even stumbling on a new (or old) running mate along the way.

Speaking of a running mate, it’s also a good idea to tag along with a friend for a run. This will make you slow down or go fast—it depends on whose pace you’re taking. Be that as it may, it’s a fun alternative and beats running alone.

Running doesn’t need to be boring. Running is supposed to be a happy sport. Do yourself a favor and find a new route. Who knows, it might be your next favorite destination before discovering a new route again.