How to Increase Your Running Distance When You Hate Running

Many professions that require physical fitness in order to perform job duties will test both job candidate and current employee running abilities. Common distances that are used to test running endurance are one, two and three miles. In order to pass the physical fitness exams for your profession you will need to be able to both complete the distance and be able to complete it in an acceptable amount of time. If you hate running then training for these physical fitness tests can be torture. Fortunately, there are ways to make them more fun.

Tip #1 - Get a Running Partner

The first way to make training for a distance run more fun is to get someone to run with you. If you are a person that needs encouragement and someone to challenge you in order to improve your performance that find someone that is a slightly better runner than you are. On the other hand, if you don't need the added stress of trying to keep up with a better runner then find someone that has similar running abilities as you do.

Tip #2 - Find Fun Places to Run

One problem that many people have when training for a distance physical fitness test is that they get bored with where they are running. If you get bored easily then forgo the treadmill as this will only bore you into giving up. Instead find fun and interesting places to run. For example, try running on the beach or on a mountain trail. Also change where you run frequently so you don't get bored and so your body can be challenged by new hills and running terrains.

Tip #3 - Train for a Race

Another issue that can make running boring is that you feel like you are running for nothing. A great way to overcome this problem is to enter to run in a road race. Most communities offer multiple 5K and 10K race throughout the year. These races can keep you motivated and provide you with a pre-test test of your running ability. You can also get a great T-shirt out of the deal.

Tip #4 - Have Fun

Many people who hate running do so because they see it as boring or as something that they "have" to do as opposed to something that they have a choice of doing. Making running fun as opposed to a chore involves changing your mindset. You need to think of running as something that is fun and enjoyable. If it is not, then you need to make changes to where or how you are running.

Tip #5 - Wear Proper Running Gear

Another reason that running can be uncomfortable or unpleasant is that the runner is not outfitted with the proper gear. Just like you wouldn't want to play football without a helmet and padding, you do not want to hit the roads without the proper gear. You need, at the very least a good pair of running shoes that are fitted properly to your feet and that have a design that compliments the shape of your foot and your running style. Next you need to look at getting appropriate undergarments. These need to be supportive and they need to breathe. Finally, you need outerwear that is going to help keep you dry, ventilated and looking sharp.