Given my current training plan (50K for an ultra relay) my weekly mileage has increased in addition to the higher frequency of me passing the same bums who happen to inhabit the various overpasses along the LA River. Once I started ramping up my mileage, like a lot of runners I know, I almost fell into a rut of sorts with running. Same path, near same distance, same everything. Like all relationships, it’s important to tend to the one you have with running and approach it with vigor. That is to say, if things are starting to fall flat… (see where I’m going here?) spice it up! Here are a few suggestions and things I have tried or heard about that help keep things interesting out on the road.

Switch Running Personalities – If you’re an AM runner, try running at lunch or doing a sunset run. Love to run in the evenings? Then try changing things up with a run first thing in the morning. Even if you are running the same path, the time of day makes a huge difference in mood.  Doing the neighborhood vs. treadmill running switch would also yield similar results.

Go off road – There is nothing like changing up the usual run of the mill neighborhood run with a good trail run. If not trail, finding any state or local park to get you off pavement is not only said to be easier on your joints, the air is likely to be fresher as well. Make sure you are prepped for trail running with these tips from Buzz Burell.

Multi-task – I love listening to music when I run, but I have also heard of people who enjoy listening to books on tape, the news, or informative podcasts from time to time. Changing up what you are hearing (especially if you brain is getting some stimulation in addition to your HR) will bring a fresh additive to your daily routine.

When In Doubt, Plan It Out – running for the sake of running isn’t as fun as having a set goal in mind (race or otherwise). Having a goal in place makes way for a training plan. Training plans are usually scheduled in a way to avoid monotony and keep your body guessing. Mixing up your week with long slow runs, tempo speed runs and easy recovery runs. Get started with finding a cool local race on Active.com.