Episode 17: How to make running less painful and more fun

Can psychology help make running more enjoyable?

Our presenter Christian Jarrett speaks to several experts about various strategies including "cognitive reappraisal" and the benefits of taking part in organised runs. He also hears how some of us are genetically disposed to find running less enjoyable than others, and why that isn't an excuse for giving up.

Our guests, in order of appearance, are: Dr Grace Giles (US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, Natick), Dr John Nezlek (SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Faculty in Poznan and College of William & Mary, Williamsburg VA), Dr Marzena Cypryańska (SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw), and Professor Eco de Geus (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam).

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Episode credits

 Presented and produced by Christian Jarrett.

Mixing and editing Jeff Knowler.

PsychCrunch theme music Catherine Loveday and Jeff Knowler.

Art work Tim Grimshaw.

Download this episode.

Key research mentioned in this episode:

• A mental technique called "cognitive reappraisal" makes long-distance running feel easier
• Runners Get A Wellbeing Boost From Participating In Organised Races
• Hate sport? Maybe it's because you have the genes that make exercise feel awful

Further background reading:

• 10 Ways That Running Changes Your Mind and Brain
• Minds run free (Psychologists, like much of the population, have been bitten by the running bug. What do they get out of it, and does their experience chime with the science? Christian Jarrett and Ella Rhodes investigate.)
• First steps with parkrun (Samantha Blackburn on her role as a volunteer parkrun mental health ambassador.)