I'm a runner. I've been a runner since I was a kid (like 10 years ago... okay maybe in my head it feels like 10 years ago but it's more like 30+ years ago). The point is I know how to run. One foot in front of the other, repeat until exhaustion. Easy peasy. At least that's what it felt like when I was a kid. Now I'm old(er) and running doesn't seem quite so easy. I can get out there and run in my neighborhood, however, I run the same 3 mile loop in my neighborhood week after week. Same pace, same distance, same place. It's fun, mostly. But wait, now I want to run a race --maybe even run a 5k or 10k. And I want to do well to show off how cool I am to my kids and coworkers. I want to find that joy and ease in running that I felt when I was a kid, yet my running now feels more like a trudge around the block. Sound familiar?


How do I get that spark back that I once had when I when I was younger? And if you're working out with blinders on, how to you even see the spark? I can tell you it's not just going to magically happen, you have to 'grab the bull by the horns'- no not literally, even if you're running with the bulls this is a bad idea- and make it happen . Do you like how I used italics to emphasize an important point?

Make changes that will make "something old feel like something new".

Why? Who cares about making it feel new again? We do. If you get stuck in a rut or get bored with an exercise you're more likely to stop working out all together. Also, we have to trick our bodies to maintain or improve our fitness. Our bodies get physiologically bored too. Yes, that's the technical way to think about it. Your body will adapt to the exercises you're doing, that's why it gets easier over time. If you want to continue to see improvements or maintain your current performance or weight you need to mix things up. You can read more here .

How? Try a new twist on an old exercise.
  1. Join a training program to learn about how to run. Even if you're not training for a race the information and motivation of a training program can be the boost you need to revitalize your running life.
  2. Try a new sport. If you've been running since you were in diapers, try adding in cycling, go to a spin class, try an exercise class that incorporates weights, start strength training, head to the pool. All of these small changes can help you both mentally and physically.
  3. Try a different distance or format race. Take that large step and get outside of the box! No one puts baby in the corner (or in a box!). TRY SOMETHING NEW. There is no need to be afraid to try a new distance or new race format. Go from a 5k to 10k. Try a trail run. Do a duathlon. Try our Endurance Fest Swim/Run race coming up in April. Who knows, you might fall in love with something new.

The bottom line is you're never too old to try something new, to step outside of your comfort zone, to get out of your box, to step away from the corner. Add that spice in your life and make something old feel new again-- even if that old thing is you:)