Reverse Run

I'll be the first to admit that running is not an exciting sport--unless, however, you're Bernard Legat and have joined the list of famous sub 4 minute milers along with the likes of Roger Bannister, Jim Ryan and Marty Liquori.  For them, breaking a four minute mile had to be pretty exciting.  As for us mere mortals, the thrill of running a 4 minute mile is probably something we'll never know.  For us, running is a means to an end--a quick way to get and/or stay in shape.

So what can you do to break the monotony of running?  There's one simple change you can make that involves very little effort.  Reverse your route.  For example, if you normally start out left, turn right instead; if you typically head north, go south; if you run around the block clockwise, start in a counterclockwise direction.  You get the picture.

You'll be surprised how different things look from the other direction.  Imagine seeing the Statue of Liberty day after day, but only from behind.  You'd never see that beautifully stoic face or piercing eyes fiercely proclaiming freedom.  You wouldn't know she's holding a tablet inscribed with July 4, 1776 (IV MDCCLLXXVI to be precise) commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

I'm guessing the Statue of Liberty probably isn't on your route, but trust me, you'll never know what you've been missing until you try reversing your direction.  Just today I found out a group of women I periodically see pushing strollers down the trail are all pregnant--couldn't tell that from behind!  Uphill becomes downhill (unfortunately the reverse is true).  The enticing aroma from the corner pizza shop that normally gets you at the beginning of your workout causing your stomach to growl the whole way, won't hit you until the end when you're close enough to home to do something about it.

Variety is the spice of life, so LACE UP, run the other way and see some new sights!  Then enjoy your well deserved day of rest.