Make Running Training More Fun with Games for Adults
Running doesn't have to be monotonous or all about grinding mile after mile. By introducing playful activities, you can make your training more fun, more social and more varied. Not only is it fun, but it also provides many physical and mental benefits! Here we present four activities that combine play and exercise - perfect for increasing the energy and joy in your running training.
1. Eternity relay
The Eternity Relay is a simple, but very engaging activity. It works like this:
- Divide the participants into two teams and set out a course marked with cones.
- The first person from each team runs a lap around the track and then marks the next person on the team.
- The relay continues until one team catches up with the other.
Advantages:
The eternity relay trains both speed and endurance, while building team spirit and an element of competition that spurs the participants on.
2. Follow the leader relay
Add a creative twist to your run with a game where the leader sets the pace - and then some:
- One person starts as the leader and sets both the pace and any movement moments, such as jumps, side steps or short sprints.
- The group follows and keeps the same pace. When the leader returns to the starting point, the next person takes over.
Variations:
The leader can improvise obstacles or decide tempo changes to make it even more challenging.
Advantages:
This activity improves both your ability to adapt to different tempos and your body control, while encouraging cooperation.
3. Cat-and-mouse hunting
In this fast-paced game, it's all about strategy and speed:
- Two participants start on opposite sides of a circular track. One is the "cat" and the other is the "rat".
- The goal for the rat is to stay away, while the cat tries to catch up.
- When the cat catches the rat, roles change, or two new participants jump in.
Variations:
Include obstacles, such as jumping over benches or crawling under ropes, to increase the challenge.
Advantages:
This activity provides intense interval training and trains both speed and agility.
4. Square relay with interval elements
For a versatile training routine, the quad relay is perfect:
- Mark a square with cones. At each corner, a special running challenge is made:
- Hörn 1: Sprint.
- Corner 2: Side step to the next corner.
- Corner 3: Jog back slowly.
- Corner 4: Run backwards.
- Run a relay between the participants, where each person must complete all stages before the next can start.
Advantages:
This relay combines speed, coordination and strength, providing a dynamic and fun workout.
Why make training playful?
Many adults associate exercise with performance and see it as a must rather than something fun. Playful activities can change that view and bring several benefits:
- Increased motivation: Games make training something to look forward to – they are not only about performance but also about having fun.
- Social Community: Many games require cooperation or competition, creating a stronger sense of community.
- Versatility: By varying the intensity, movement pattern and tempo, you get a more complete workout.
- Stress reduction: Playing releases endorphins and reduces stress, improving both your mood and performance.
Start playing your way to better running form
The next time you gather friends, training buddies or the running group, why not try one of these activities? By adding playfulness to your training, you can renew your passion for running and find new ways to challenge yourself – with a smile on your face. Running doesn't have to be serious all the time, sometimes it's when we play that we develop the most.
Run smart. Run happily. And above all – run with joy!