Dear rigid runner, 

A lot of people think I’m “sadistic” because I run 80 mpw and sprint up mountains. But I argue I am not sadistic at all. I run that much because I freakin’ love it! Every Night I go to bed excited to wake up in the morning and run (ok part of that is me being excited for my pre-run coffee too). Now you may be thinking two things: One, “wow Mason is really lame”. Or two, “how do I get that excited to run every day?”

Personally, I think it is sad that as we get older we play less and less. I mean, kids get to play but adults have to exercise. What’s up with that?

As runners, we can get so caught up in chasing our goals and pushing ourselves that we forget the simple fact that running is something we do for fun. I come from an NCAA D1 running program, so I am used to being in a culture where running is viewed more as a job than an item of play. But why do we take running so seriously? Spoiler alert nobody is going to be ending world hunger or solving climate change with PRs or BQs. Why do we spend so much time eeking out extra miles, chasing PR’s, and doing speed work but spend little to no time trying to increase the fun of running? I am not saying that PRs and striving to become a better runner is a bad thing. But I think if running is something we do for fun, then we should also be optimizing play. 

Not sold? What if I were to tell you by maximizing fun you could also run faster? If we learn to put fun first, we can better adhere to our training plans because we actually want to do them. We can also let poor race performances slide off us and set our sights on the next adventure. We can increase longevity in the sport because every day we run it's a gift. Add all those elements together and that’s a great recipe for a PR.

So how do you introduce play into running? The possibilities are endless! You are only limited by your own imagination and creativity! But since this is my blog post I feel responsible for you as readers here are some ideas:

1. Big Hellos: 

Try giving a big enthusiastic “HELLOOOO!” to everyone you see on your run. This can not only improve your mood, but the moods of those around you as well (excluding the people who think you’re crazy, but trust me you win them over fast.) Also, if you say hello to everyone you see, you are constantly implementing the “talk test” and ensure you are running within your aerobic capacity! 

2. Canine Training Partner: 

Have big golden retriever energy! Dogs are wonderful training partners because they constantly remind you to stop and smell the roses. Or that funny patch of grass over there… and over there! They also are just so excited to be out there on the run - and that excitement is infectious. Most importantly dogs are great training partners because they are cute.

3. Seek Beauty and Wonder: 

Running to somewhere beautiful is an amazingly rewarding experience. So run up a mountain, to a waterfall, on local trails, or the beauty of your own neighborhood! If you look with enough wonder you can see beauty everywhere! (Unless of course, you run on a treadmill, then the best I can suggest is to watch some Planet Earth on Netflix.) 

4. Pre-Race Ice Cream: 

 You have probably heard of carbo-loading the night before a big race. But for your next big race instead of just pounding pasta, save some room for ice cream! Ice cream has plenty of sugar so it’s still carbo-loading. Plus it is darn tasty and fun! And to clarify any dessert works here it is not just limited to ice cream. Think of this as more of an idea than a prescription. (Since I started eating ice cream the night before all my races I have yet to lose a race in the northeast. Coincidence? I think not.)

5. Flannel Warm-Up 

I understand wanting to show up to races in intense “performance gear” to look the part. But personally, I want to be as relaxed as possible before races. After all, I am about to experience pain like no other in the race, so before races, I want to be comfortable. Which is why I have started to warm up for races in cozy flannels. But it doesn’t have to be flannels. It could be Christmas sweaters, ponchos, sweater vests, cardigans, or a Vuori Halo Essential Hoodie available at Fleet Feet! #notsponsored 

6. Pre/ Post Race Dancing  

This is my favorite suggestion. You know they are always playing bangers at the start line that you can groove to. The dance movements make for the perfect warm-up as they dynamically stretch your muscles and get your heart rate up. Also, how can you be nervous about your race when you are dancing in public? (If there are any race directors out there taking requests, my favorite pre-race song is Dancing Queen by ABBA) 

I hope you find these suggestions as useful as I do! Bare minimum, I hope I gave you a good laugh. 

Now go out there and be awesome! 

-Mason Coppi 

Looking for more on Mason? Follow him on Instagram- @mcoppi44 (or just pop in-store and say HI!)