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In a recent blog post, I stated that I was looking for creative ways to make money doing something that I like to do. I ended up doing just that. I contacted a local sports center that offers group fitness classes and pitched an idea to have an outdoor running class that I could lead. It worked out well and in just under a month I will begin the first of a 24 week long training schedule.
My question to anyone who has taken the time to read this is: What can make running more enjoyable to those who don't like it?
For starters, I'm going to have it outside on some trails around the center to replace the terrible terrible machine that is the treadmill. I also plan on having it as positive and encouraging as I can. I want to focus on the group dynamic and encourage people to run together if they are open to it. I want people to be able to note their progress and be working toward a goal of competing in a 5k race at the very end of the program (I have planned the program's schedule to lead up to the race). I don't want to scare people away from competition, but rather show them the feeling of reward for stepping up and trying something that may be new and hopefully achieving their personal goals. Overall, I want to try to have them catch my passion and keep it as they own.
So if anyone has any ideas on how to help people dislike running less or even possibly enjoy it, I would appreciate any help I can get. Listening to music doesn't count by the way, it's just a distraction.
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Music, going with friends, and off-road running (mountain bike trails and that sort of stuff) is how I keep running fun.
Off-road running will also condition you better because of the hills and difficult paths to navigate. And forests are cool.
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First start off by running so slow you are barely moving. Then slow down even more, then sit down. Log on to bnet 2.0.
Now running is FUN!!!
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My suggestion would be to make sure people running together are going at the same pace, and can push each other to go just a bit faster. Although it may not seem like it, getting faster times as you run more often ends up being quite fun and encouraging from my experience. It is a lot easier to run if you have someone running beside you or just barely ahead of you then if they just take off and leave you in the dust. I usually get my friend's to improve upon their time simply by slowing down to match their pace and then just inching forward a little bit to keep them motivated to keep up.
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last man up (aka indian runs) are pretty fun, it's where you all run in a line and have the last person run to the front of the line, once they get there the new last person runs up and does the same thing. you can also pass a medicine ball down the line and do last man up, that's fun. one good way to get people to start running is to do 30 60s, spring for 30 seconds then walk for 60. once they get good at this you can move up to 60 120s. i've always enjoyed doing stairs, those can get tough after a while. also running cadences (lol)
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Give them a way to accurately and gradually see their progress increase.
I use my iPhone when I run, and the Nike+ GPS app allows me to see if I improved from the previous run, which motivates me to do better and push myself every time. Even if it's just an improvement by a couple of seconds, it's still an improvement and makes me a lot more motivated to go running as opposed to just doing it with no progress report at all.
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cha0 is right. Ensure everyone is going at the same pace. It might be hard depending on the size of ur class but make it so that nobody can pass you and nobody can be left behind then increase ur speed and decrease ur speed (not that much at first) and ensure nobody gets trailed behind no matter what. If they do encourage them to run faster and slow down ur pace.
Make sure u have plotted ur trails correctly so the outdoors will inspire people to run. Engaging in chat and just taking ur mind off running often helps for endurance often i find when i focus on running, I tend to get more tired quickly but If i have a friend to talk to or if i'm listening to something it really helps.
Its a pretty neat idea you have and good luck with it! Keep us updated!
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Buffet at the end of the run? :p
Long time runner here... make it a small manageable group, maybe 20 max, scnenery - go somewhere outside your area (like you could hire a coaster out of town and do your jogging there), and do in between group dynamic activities that has nothing to do with exercise
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2nd Worst City in CA8938 Posts
Very important: nice weather and accompanying nice scenery.
When I run I drive to a lake about 15 minutes away. It's great, because there's always a nice, soft breeze and nice scenery. Beaches work well, too.
I dread treadmills. :S
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buy a young energetic dog. Chase said dog.
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yes. make it a social activity. run with other people and try to improve times. that's how i motivate myself to run.
i'm actually doing a 5k on saturday lol..
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On April 01 2011 15:01 Souma wrote:
Very important: nice weather and accompanying nice scenery.
When I run I drive to a lake about 15 minutes away. It's great, because there's always a nice, soft breeze and nice scenery. Beaches work well, too.
I dread treadmills. :S
Yeah they should be called Dreadmills instead. ahaha lololol
On a more serious note, outdoor running is probably the most enjoyable workout of all, and all you need is a pair of shoes! I hate the winter-time because it's too fucking cold to go out running, which forces me to use the dreadmills.
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EPT
