By Na’Tasha Jones, RUNGRL Co-founder and Chief Content Officer

As runners, it can be easy to obsess over pace, whether we’re competing with ourselves or comparing ourselves to other runners.If you’re constantly focused on that one number, when you don’t hit your pace target, it can feel like you’re not making progress towards your running goals.

There are, however, many other things worth nothing in your training progress. Instead of always using speed as your benchmark, try taking a pause and focusing on these other improvements for a change of...well, pace.

Distance

If you’re always running the same 5K distance, try switching up your training route for a 10K. Adjusting for a new distance will present a new challenge and get you off of the auto-pilot mode that can kick in from doing the same challenge for a long time.

Likewise, if you’re only ever marathon training, try taking it back to a half marathon focus for a while in order to change your outlook.

Alternative Terrain Endurance

Sometimes our favorite running routes can become a comfort to us. The same streets, turns and parks we come to expect can be comforting as we get our miles in. Getting uncomfortable and trying out different terrain can not only switch your focus away from speed, it can also help improve other aspects of your running game, such as strength, agility and ability to endure the elements. A new route with more hills and trails instead of your usual street or park run can mix up your usual plan. That way, when you run your actual race, you’ll be prepared for the variety of terrain or even different weather over the long distance.

Breathing

Managing breathing helps with endurance and comfort on the run. By focusing on breathing properly throughout the run, you’ll begin to learn what feels good and how to make more efficient use of your lung capacity.

“Finding your cadence with breathing is just as important as your running cadence,” says Dominique Burton, marathoner and RUNGRL co-founder. “Changing your breathing technique helps bring more oxygen into the body and helps fuel your muscles.”

Finding the preferred breathing pattern will vary with personal preference. Read more about the different techniques associated with efficient breathing on the run.

Recovery time

Work on improving your recovery time after runs to help get back out on your next run sooner. If every run seems to leave you totally wiped and sore for several days, chances are you aren’t incorporating enough pre-run or post-run flexibility and strength moves.

Improving your recovery times means you can have more frequent and more comfortable runs. Rebound quicker by ensuring that you’re properly spacing out your runs, varying the distance (they don’t ALL have to be long runs!) and caring for your body with proper refuel and rest.

Focus

It's easy to get distracted on runs. Whether by your busy surroundings or the business of your own thoughts, not having focus on your run can make it feel like a chore you’d rather just be done with. Leaning into your running focus can help you pay attention to your body, to notice where you feel good and where you don’t, and take note of what adjustments you can make.

If you’re a roadrunner, try running on a track for a different level of focus. Without distracting surroundings, cyclists and pedestrians to avoid, there’s a clear path to zero in on and each lap can bring a new level of clarity. Likewise, a trail run can provide a change of scenery with no need to dodge cars and traffic lights.

Active.com recommends a playlist as a way to stay focused during the run, “Compile a mix of your favorite workout tunes and have it ready to go pre-run so you can just hit ‘Play’ and go.” No more pausing to find a good song to run to, the vibe will already be set for you.

Luckily, RUNGRL has you covered in this area, with dozens of ready-made playlists for every sort of running vibe. Check out our selection before your next run.

At RUNGRL, we like to encourage everyone to run their own race. Just remember that there’s so much more to that race than your finish time. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how your race performance and overall running experience can improve when you switch your focus.

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