Running buddy, might be a good solution. Personally I prefer to run alone, but is just me.
Also, make a good and fun internal soundtrack for your running, choose so good and energizing tunes, at least for trainning, makes a huge difference.
Try to switch routes, don´t do the same route over and over...
Go to local sport store, find some cool running outfits or something...is fun to try new stuff that you just bought.

Hope this helps

Running with somebody or tunes if you are by yourself.
If I run on a treadmill I put in a dvd and watch that

I like to mix up my workouts, I rarely go out and just plod along during the week, try doing barefoot strides on a field nearby once a week, hills are always good, and speedwork is tough, but not boring.

I used to struggle to run anywhere close to 40min for a 10k and now I can break it pretty consistantly, I think that strides had a lot to do with it. They teach your body to run quickly and efficiently without straining your system too much and I actually look forward to the workout.

Start out doing 6x full field, accelerating steadily to almost full speed holding for 20-30 sec then slowing down gradually. This can be done the morning after your long run as recovery. The barefoot part is not essential but I personally find it to make the workout more fun, you never feel as light on your feet as when you're running barefoot :)

Trail running is also awsome, my girlfriend and I often make a day trip out out of our long runs, drive to a nice trail, run it, then head on home (this has been disasterous once or twice, running through bogs is no ones idea of fun, but it also has gotten us out to see some awsome spots).

good luck

Dave

The time of day which you run might matter. I know I truly enjoy running in the mornings about 45 min. after I wake up. Afternoon and evening runs seem more difficult.

I feel the opposite about swimming and biking though. I seem to do better in the afternoons and evenings. I haven't figured out why.

Check your city for some local runnning clubs or groups that offer clinincs. I know whereI live many people train in clinincs as it provides a scheduled training during the off season.

I've attached a link to fleet feet sports, maybe you have already looked at them, maybe not. Its in Pittsburgh hopefully they have something that might stir it up a bit.

http://www.fleetfeet.com/storeprofile/57/

I usually run by time too.
Out and back so I don't get too wrapped up in the mileage.

Another idea is to do some beach running.
It will work some different muscles and gives you a great workout.

If you want to make even more fun run at a nudist beach
WOO HOO!! :eek:

Great suggestion sjuhawk!
See you around in Jersey!!

I try and do a lot of events during the year to give me short term goals. Thus year my goal is 40 events.

One the nice weather arrives, there are plenty of events.

I plan them around my big events like triathlons and marathons.

I find it motivates me to train knowing I have an event coming up.

Entering a 5k race each month or more frequently is a great idea.
The "energy" really seems to recharge you and carry into the next week of training.
The distance is great to use as a speedwork day or an all out race effort.
The recovery time is minimal due to the shorter distance.
I try to look at the races as a reward for all the hard days of training.
It is fun to talk with people afterwards about running and tris. It is cool how many runners get really interested in tris when they find out someone else in the area is doing them.

When you put it into perspective like that.. Trade 1 night out drinking with friends for a healthy active goal!! Sounds alright..
I just need to earn more money so I can do both!

It's really been said but true, pick races for goals and set goals for each run, each run should have a purpose to it. Monitor progress and run w music or someone.

I like having trail running days in the mix. I find it so much more enjoyable to look at nature rather than suburbia while I run. I am lucky to live near some awesome sinlgetrack trails but there are good trails within driving distance of almost anywhere I think.
Plus I have heard that trail running strengthens your feet and ankles... just be sure to be careful of holes and roots and stuff. And also -- don't try to run your normal pace on trails, run a bit slower and don't focus too hard on the distance/pace numbers just on the total time.
Emily

I saw this, so thought I would post it:

.....To get my butt out the door, I have several methods, which make the long run enjoyable. The key behind these methods is to get your mind off of what you are doing, running. Don't worry about how many miles you run, but base it on time. By doing so, you don't strain yourself to reach certain mile marks in a specified time.

Run with a friend or group of friends as conversation passes time - If you are breathing too hard to talk, then its adios amigos to your running partners. The long run stresses the body in different ways than shorter, more intense runs. You are probably already running hard two times a week and running hard during your long run will more likely cause injury than enhance performance. The gossip conscious love the long run because the longer you run with someone, the less trivial the conversation (i.e. what's the weather going to be like?) and you get to learn more about the person such as, "Does he wear boxers or tighty whities?"

Run on trails - Talk about passing time and reducing mental stress. This is the ticket to running bliss. It's worth driving thirty minutes or more to reach a trail site. Enjoy your surroundings. Listen to the birds, streams and the rattle of rattlesnakes. Smell the flowers, pine trees and the horse manure. Notice the cows as they charge you. Before you know it, the long run is over.

Take a golf ball or tennis ball - Create your own game with these spherical objects. I like to toss the golf ball in the air and tell myself I have to reach it before two bounces. It often takes a sideways bounce and I have to cut left or right suddenly, as well as have bursts of speed to reach the golf ball. This enhances my fast twitch muscles and the side-to-side motion strengthens my tendons. You and a friend can also toss a football or Frisbee to get the same results. All of these techniques help hand-eye coordination, which all endurance athletes need. Warning, do not do this in the middle of Main Street during rush hour!

Man's best friend - I enjoy my long runs most when I have a dog. Watching a dog observe the world is humorous and enlightening. You can tell how much they love the simple freedom of being outdoors. I vicariously transfer their enjoyment to my run. If you don't have a dog, then borrow a neighbor's or friend's canine. My "sister" is Jessie, my parent's dog. She gets so excited when I come over because she knows it's time for a run. I talk to her about life and many related issues. She doesn't really respond, but I know she's listening. Jessie is especially useful during the fall in Boulder when the grasshoppers are everywhere on the trails. I have her run ahead of me and the grasshoppers are flying all over her as they get off the trail. She keeps those clingers from hanging on to my legs.

Have a destination - I oftentimes break up a long run by running with a purpose. For instance, running to swim practice or to a friend's house. I even run to Blockbuster Video to return my overdue movie rentals. Running with a purpose gives more credibility to the run and you also know that you are adding your two cents worth in keeping the environment clean.

Go house hunting - Even though I have no means to buy these houses, I like to dream a little. Many houses that are for sale have "free" information brochures on the for sale signs which also list the asking price. I like to stop at the house and guess the price. Kinds of like the "Price Is Right" show with Bob Barker.

Run on the golf course - Shhh, I know that it is no trespassing, but it's hard to resist the plush feel of perfectly manicured and sure-footedness (except for the divots by hackers) of half-inch grass. I like to start at a hole and run progressively through each hole. For example, I start at six and run the consecutive holes of seven, eight...eighteen, one, two... It's also fun to run fartlek intervals such as one hole harder effort, one hole easy. An eighteen-hole course is usually about six thousand yards. This means a round of golf with the yardage between holes is approximately five miles. Anyone for 36 holes? I advise running the golf course during the winter months in northern latitudes or in the morning or at dusk when there are fewer players. Remember, don't run on the greens and watch out for the groundskeeper, he can be a beast sometimes.

Run with music - This is pretty self-explanatory. Radios have become very light weight and many have straps to secure the radio around your arm. Make sure you tune into some of the morning shows. I'll be running on the sidewalks and double over with laughter after hearing some of the dialogue. Again, you get the stares from the civilians who think laughter is passé.

Run at night - Especially during a full moon. For some reason I always feel faster running in the dark. One of my favorites is running on a typically busy street late at night during a snowfall. Everything is quiet except for the sound of your feet crunching the snow. If you are nervous about safety, run with a friend, carry mace and a whistle. Another tradition for me is to run the night of the first snowfall of the season. The tranquility is invigorating.

Finally, bring along your significant other - That special person that is always squawking about how you don't spend enough time with him/her or the children. Your mate can ride a bike or roller blade while you run. You can run with a baby jogger or your children can also ride a bike. Aside from being with the ones you love, they can also carry water or energy gels. If the rest of the family isn't very athletic, meet them somewhere - a park for a picnic or the swimming pool. Getting the family involved lets them realize what you are doing and the type of dedication that is required. Until your significant other sees you training, it is hard for that person to understand what you are doing.
These ideas should help spice up your long run. Enjoy it, don't dread it. Keep tri-ing and I'll see you on the run.

Wes Hobson

the other good thing i find is singing along to music...but try not to run after dark or the local residents may complain about the noise!:eek: well that is if you're tone deaf like myself...

Find a nice spandex/lycra butt and follow it! :D

Running with a friend
Running with a dog
Running with your mp3 player
Running in the trails or run a different path
Try not to run the same path or same workout because that is boring you can try to run outside more, do interval workouts, or run up hills which wilkl improve ur time. :)

I find it much easier to run when I am doing interval training rather than steady training. Even if you are running long distance, you can keep it interesting by using speed intervals. For example, you could run fast for two minutes, than jog for two minutes, than sprint for 30 seconds, etc.

So, I totally dread the running leg, too. I think everyone has said what I would recommend, but repetition is the mother of all learning. For what it's worth, here's my advice:

1. Run with people; I've never had a running buddy, but I've found it interesting enough if I can just run around other people. There is a trail lacing the river which runs right through downtown in my hometown. Needless to say, there is plenty to keep us "run-haters" occupied for at least an hour or more: other runners, bikers, cars, dogs, fish, turtles, a local park train, skyscrapers - you get the idea. It also has several distances which makes is better than track running, which forces you to look at the same stuff lap after lap. This is biggest single motivator for me personally and I think if you can find something like it in your metro, then you'll find the inspiration.

2. When I run after[I] a bike or swim, I always have more motivation to run faster and further. I think it has to do with endorphins and being in the zone prior to the run. It ALWAYS takes me 1.3mi to get in the zone when I start a training session with a run. Once in the zone, with my HR up, iPod singing, and blood pumping, I usually find myself [I]wanting to run. Those are good days when I feel like I could run all day.

3. Buy more gear for running - not necessarily for superficial reasons, but for not wanting to be wasteful. Whether it's a $400 watch & monitor, a $100 pair of shoes, or $1 pair of laces, I find motivation to run because, "Hey, I'm not going to just waste my money." It's the most ridiculous motivator I use to run, but if it gets your butt out the door, then it might be worth it.

Best of luck! And remember, you're not alone!