Are you running by yourself? Bored to tears as you train for a half marathon, full marathon or something else? Running can be as much of a “head game” as it is a physical challenge. Recently some runners were discussing this very issue about how they entertain themselves during a training run or race. The upcoming series of articles will touch on three main topics: games, what you listen to, and your route.

This article discusses games. Look for upcoming articles on what you listen to and picking a creative route.

The games we play on the run

Assassin: It sounds more lethal than it really is. Janis Berglas explained how it works, “I pick a runner up ahead of me and do my best to run him/her down. I pretend it’s a matter of life or death…or at least getting a BQ [Boston Qualifying] time or not.” Another runner, Ross Mistretta, called the same game “Rabbit”.

Counting and/or Word games: Mistretta also suggested “childhood counting games of tabulating telephone poles, mailboxes, etc.” Another runner solves basic math problems. Fran Sepler said she finds it helpful to “pick a topic, such as ‘fruit’ or ‘cars’ and then work through the alphabet – apple, banana, carrot…”

Phantom Runner: Bob Derringer explained his game… “I give myself a point for each mailbox I pass, until I am passed by a vehicle. Then the “phantom runner” gets all of the mailboxes until the next vehicle passes by me. This provides a good opportunity to do some fartleks – in order to get to the next mailbox before my “phantom”.

Scott Harris gets points for the most creative game which he does on long bike rides. Harris says his game “could also work on long runs if you run on busy roads. Memorize the road kill you pass in order. If it’s unidentifiable it gets classed as either furry or slimy.”

There are other ways we runners entertain ourselves out on the trail, including using iPods or MP3 players and changing our routes. Good luck and get out and try some of these games!

Besides writing for RunningMoms.com, blogging, and of course daily household management, Amy Leger also is the Minneapolis Running Examiner for Examiner.com.

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