Today is Earth Day!
I’m definitely my happiest self when I’m outside. Something about the fresh air, disconnection from all the distractions, and movement is the perfect combination for me and it always keeps me coming back for more.Insert: my love for running. I have really been loving all of the outdoors runs I’ve been getting in with our gym being closed the past month and 1/2. It honestly has been a much-needed break from the old trusty treadmill. So, today I thought it would be so much fun to share how I keep myself entertained on my runs! Outdoor runs, to be more specific.
Maybe you’re new to running or maybe not but we all find ourselves getting a little bit bored logging mile after mile. Luckily, I’ve found plenty of ways to enjoy my runs while also enjoying the benefits of getting outside and soaking in all the fresh air and sunshine all at the same time. The next time you’re heading out the door prepared for a long run or are just needing to mix up your run entertainment, check out this list before you lace up!
In honor of this outdoorsy “holiday,” I hope you get to spend some time outside doing something you love and appreciating all the beautiful things our earth has to offer.
For today’s post, I’m linking with Debbie, Rachel, Deborah, Lisa, Sandra and Jenn for the Runners’ Roundup! Join us and share your running-related post in our blog linkup!
Let’s get right to it!
Podcasts:
I’ve been listening to podcasts for a little over 3ish years now and they never get old. There’s always something new to listen to and it seriously keeps me entertained for hours. It’s fun because the topics range from health to random interviews to current events and seriously everything in between. If you’ve not jumped on the podcast bandwagon, you’ve got to get in on this. I promise you’ll find something to keep you entertained on your run with a good podcast.
Here are a few of my favorites:
Ali On The Run Show, Empower Her Podcast, The Chasing Joy Podcast, Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations, Freckled Foodies & Friends, Crime Junkies, Rise Podcast with Rachel Hollis, Goal Digger.
Playlists on Spotify:
I’m somewhat of a newbie to Spotify as I listened to Pandora 100% of the time up until last year. Well, I had a Spotify account but didn’t really use it until late last year. So, I’ve got a serious new love for all the magic of the Spotify playlists, especially on the run. Their libraries that are put together based on your interests are my favorites so I’m always <3 songs to make sure they put together even better playlists based on my likes of different songs.
Here’s my favorite running playlist right now. I need to update it but this one always gets me in the mood for a good run workout and keeps me putting one foot in front of the other.
Audiobooks:
I love listening to a good book. Now, don’t get me wrong. I do love an actual handheld hardback (or paperback) book. But, when I’m on the run or out for a good walk, I love zoning out with a good read. It’s crazy how much faster I can get through books when they’re playing in my ears and someone else is reading it to me. ha! I feel like it can take me forever to read through an actual book, but that’s the complete opposite when it comes to audiobooks.
Here are a few of my favorite reads:
Virtual Run Classes:
Okay, so this is on my to-do list THIS week. I’m super excited to try out One Peloton run classes. You may or may not have heard that One Peloton is offering a 90 day free trial of their app and I signed up a few weeks back to try it with my indoor bike trainer. Well, I’m loving that but saw that they also offer run classes to! I’ve heard nothing but good things about them and can’t wait to try one out. I’m 100% sure it’ll keep me entertained and motivated through the miles. I know there are a bunch of apps out there similar to this, so if you’ve taken one let me know in the comments below!
Of course, there are tons of other ways to entertain yourself on the run indoors with things like Netflix, YouTube documentaries/channels, and virtual trail views and things but I thought I’d be fun to list everything I use and love when it comes to enjoying the outdoors on the run!
I hope these ideas helped spark a little bit of inspiration to keep you entertained on your run today and for many miles to come!
In the meantime, cheers to Earth Day and ALL the outdoor runs!
Questions for YOU:
How are you going to celebrate Earth Day? Got any plans to get outside?
What’s your favorite way to stay entertained on the run?
What was your most recent read? Do you like Audiobooks or no?
I totally forgot that it was earth day until I saw all the posts today! Hope you enjoy the Peloton classes as much as I do. Thanks for linking up
I know, it totally snuck up on me too!! I’ve been loving the One Peloton app!! It’s such a great way to mix in some tough workouts!
Have a great day, Deborah!!
Happy Earth Day!
We usually celebrate with a beach clean up, but that’s obviously a no go right now.
I don’t usually listen to anything anymore when I run. I have grown to prefer just my own thoughts.
Aw I love that!! Beach clean ups would be such an amazing way to give back and celebrate Earth Day!
I totally get you with preferring your own thoughts on the run! I unplug sometimes too and it’s so nice! Well, minus hearing how hard I’m breathing on those hard workouts. haha! 🙂
Have a great day!!
I ran early this morning (at 05:00), so it was too dark to see any trash, but I did go plogging over lunch (while chatting with a friend (FaceTime). I have yet to try the Peloton app…my bad! I have heard a lot of great things about it, too…but I keep pretty busy and active with my own stuff LOL
WOW! I’m so impressed by your 5:00 run!! I love the plogging!! I need to add that to my to-do list.
And yes you definitely need to try it out soon! I think you’d really like it!!
I love listening to podcasts on long runs! I tried using Spotify but found it confusing, so Im still using Pandora. I’ve heard Spotify is great though so I probably need to figure it out.
I totally understand what you mean on Spotify being confusing! It took me a while to learn how to navigate it. The playlist part is definitely my favorite feature.
I love spotify. It is so great to be able to create playlists. Also, I am just really getting into listening to podcasts too!
I’m loving Spotify so much lately!
I almost always listen to audiobooks when I run. Although a while back my book ended so I listened to some music and it was awesome! I may try one of those playlists.
Audiobooks fly by on the run, don’t they? I’m always so surprised at how fast I can go through a book that way. Have an amazing day, Debbie!
I’m so envious that you’re able to run outside! We’ve had a complete lockdown for about 22 days now, so I’ve been stuck on my treadmill. Really struggling as I’m so used to being outdoors and enjoying that fresh air! Happy Earth Day to you too!
22 days is so tough!! Way to go on the treadmill runs though! I actually am a rare breed and don’t mind running on the treadmill just so I can plug into my favorite podcasts and YouTube videos!
Here’s hoping this lockdown ends soon and you can get outside in the sunshine!!!
Great tips! I mostly run on the trails, so I choose to be distracted by nature! Wildlife watching, listening to the birds, etc. My husband gets mad because I’ll stop dead in my tracks (with him right behind me on trail) to point out a squirrel or a rabbit, haha!
I LOVE that!!! Running in nature on the trails sounds so nice!! I need to hop off the road and do more train runs for sure. I would definitely have to unplug to soak in all the gorgeous-ness of the trail!