Assuming you're talking about running, I have a question to ask - Do you like and enjoy running? If so, the fun should already be there. If not, maybe it's time to find something else you enjoy enough to look forward to. 

Running is the only workout that's fun. Sorry.

Good questions Michael.

I had put my running on hold for the summer. Well more like all activities that could be seen as a work out or exercise. But that did not mean I was a couch potato, had lots of other things that needed taking care of. I enjoy running and the structure it brought into my life and mind. It was the long runs, the loss of time that I could spend in my workshop, the time spent alone on the roads and in the gym, and the increased time needed to recover my body from running.

I want to get back into running, but it looks like 5 miles may have to be my new long run and that is based on where I left off and my current health issues. It is hard to find a running group that has members willing to go short, slow miles with a grumpy guy, not that they judge me, it is not fair to them.

So I am looking for tips and tricks to make my running time and gym workout time not so dull, mentally,

2 minutes ago, Dave said:

Running is the only workout that's fun. Sorry.

But you are “The Dave”.

I can only dream of being like you.

choose six "workouts." roll a dice (die) and do the corresponding "workout." 

What's fun to me may not be fun to others but here's something I might do:

If you have access to a track bring a kettlebell or dumbbell -- run a loop of the track and then do kettlebell swings or dumbbell snatches or squats. Repeat 12 times to get you to 3 miles. If you don't have access to a track or don't want to take time to drive to a track every 1/4 mile you can stop and do 15 squats and or lunges.

It helps to break up the workout so you can get your cardio back. Works on strengthening your whole body.

I'm just not sure if these are viable options with your RA. Nice to see a post from you.

4 minutes ago, Speet63 said:

choose six "workouts." roll a dice (die) and do the corresponding "workout." 

That is a lot of plans to find, You got a system on how to narrow down the selection to a final list of 6?

6 minutes ago, ocrunnergirl said:

What's fun to me may not be fun to others but here's something I might do:

If you have access to a track bring a kettlebell or dumbbell -- run a loop of the track and then do kettlebell swings or dumbbell snatches or squats. Repeat 12 times to get you to 3 miles. If you don't have access to a track or don't want to take time to drive to a track every 1/4 mile you can stop and do 15 squats and or lunges.

It helps to break up the workout so you can get your cardio back. Works on strengthening your whole body.

I'm just not sure if these are viable options with your RA. Nice to see a post from you.

I use to do something love that at the Y track, instead of a dumbbell, I would go down and back up the stairs 2 times. That would kick my butt.

31 minutes ago, eebtool said:

Good questions Michael.

I had put my running on hold for the summer. Well more like all activities that could be seen as a work out or exercise. But that did not mean I was a couch potato, had lots of other things that needed taking care of. I enjoy running and the structure it brought into my life and mind. It was the long runs, the loss of time that I could spend in my workshop, the time spent alone on the roads and in the gym, and the increased time needed to recover my body from running.

I want to get back into running, but it looks like 5 miles may have to be my new long run and that is based on where I left off and my current health issues. It is hard to find a running group that has members willing to go short, slow miles with a grumpy guy, not that they judge me, it is not fair to them.

So I am looking for tips and tricks to make my running time and gym workout time not so dull, mentally,

Looking at what you said (if I'm reading it correctly), your primary reason for wanting to get back into running is because you enjoy it and the structure it brought. So focus on those things. Remind yourself that you want to do this and here are the things about the structure it brings that are beneficial to you. And remind yourself that you don't get those things you say you want if you don't run. 

Beyond that, it sounds like you need to just write down a structured running or workout plan. The formula is pretty tried and true. One or two running workouts per week, one long run (even if it's 5 miles) and the rest easy runs. The workouts are where you can get more creative and structured. There are tons of different workouts out there you can do. If you want to keep it interesting, search for one on the day of your workout and do the one that interests you most that day.

I like MichaelV's ideas. I was going to suggest limit yourself to 3 runs/week so that you can think about things other than your next run, and you will always have a 2-day break somewhere in the week.

I think if you know what your limits are (mileage, time, etc), working within that keeps it fun as opposed to a chore. Find places you enjoy being at (track, trails, greenways, etc) to help set the mood, if you will. And keep it simple. A short easy run, something up tempo, and a long run each week. Fartleks are low stress and fun to say. Ladder intervals keep you engaged and help the workouts become less repetitive and boring. Even using hills as a speed workout keeps things fresh. 

When my mojo is waning I find getting back to a simple structure like this that doesn't over-stress or burn me out ends up making me want to do more and stoke the fire, not drown it in sweat. Good luck getting back to it. 

When I started my marathon training plan for Rehoboth (which I've now had to switch to the half, due to injury), I was only running three days a week and was LOVING it. Every other week I would either do hill repeats or a track workout for one of the runs. I really feel like it broke it up enough to keep things interesting. I was also forcing myself to cross-train at least twice a week. I'm really bummed that I only got to train for three weeks before I developed a bad case of shin splints in my right leg. Ah well. There's always next time.

Maybe you don't want to do long runs for a while? Stick to the shorter stuff! There's lots more race options and it doesn't take up a lot of time! Running is running no matter what distance you choose. Do what feels right and makes it fun!

My run club is awesome because there are people of all ability groups. Are you able to look/try around? I live near Denver so there are a bazillion run clubs to choose from. My hometown would be the OPPOSITE. I'd have to count me, myself, and I and call it a RC, haha!!

I hope you find the right combination! It's out there...

I hate housework.  Just this week I started listening to a podcast, carting my phone around with me as I worked.   Made it SO much better.  So maybe that.  OR, if $$$ allows, sign up for lots of races.  I know in my neck of the woods at you can find a 5k just about any weekend 7 months out of the year.   So at least one of my workouts would be fun, while other workouts would be the buildup to that fun.  

Race regularly, even if you're not in racing shape.  It's impossible to not have a blast in a race environment, even if it's just a small local 5K!

On 11/9/2018 at 8:16 PM, SIbbetson said:

Race regularly, even if you're not in racing shape.  It's impossible to not have a blast in a race environment, even if it's just a small local 5K!

I think I will start by setting a regular schedule of just working out, and maybe Santa will get ma an entry to a spring time half. Or maybe a tattoo gift card!

On 10/26/2018 at 1:59 PM, Running Nutz said:

I hate housework.  Just this week I started listening to a podcast, carting my phone around with me as I worked.   Made it SO much better.  So maybe that.  OR, if $$$ allows, sign up for lots of races.  I know in my neck of the woods at you can find a 5k just about any weekend 7 months out of the year.   So at least one of my workouts would be fun, while other workouts would be the buildup to that fun.  

I could name the voices in my head so my conversations make more sense!