Kids run each and every day. It’s natural to swing your arms, pick up your feet quicker and higher, and run. Kids run to keep up, to chase, to get places faster and to experience joy. Adults, however, may go entire days or weeks without running.
Without daily recess and gym class, adults have to go out of their way to run. For some running is fun, playful and even meditative, but for others running can be a chore. June 4 is National Running Day. So if you’re looking to pick up running, now’s the time. Celebrate running by making it playful again. Here are four tips to run like a kid:
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Add music. Create a playlist of your favorite upbeat music and bring it along for the run. Music is a great way to put a smile on your face and a pep in your step. Don’t know what music to include? Do a quick search of the music at the top of the charts when you were a child.
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Take a playground break. Find your local playground and route your run that direction. Taking a quick break on the play structure will spice up your workout and charge you for the rest of the run. Play structures are great places to get exercise. Climb across the monkey bars. Do pull ups or dips. Run the stairs. Act like a kid again.
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Run with a friend. Bring a friend along for moral support and motivation. You can challenge each other to run a little farther or faster. Or just gab during your run like you’re back in school on the playground.
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Play a game of tag. Tag is one of the most active and exhausting games. Get a group together to play a game of Watch Your Back Tag or Triangle Tag. You will be surprised by how much energy is require to play.
So lace up your shoes and get out there to run… and play!
How do you make running fun and playful?
