Running has a reputation for being simple. Lace up, head out the door and put one foot in front of the other. But most runners know that when weather, boredom or circumstance get in the way, creativity is forced to take over. Over time, those improvised solutions turn into strange but oddly reliable workouts that people keep coming back to. Here are a few that sound questionable on paper but have quietly built loyal followings.
Stairwell marathons
When sidewalks are buried in snow or darkness makes outdoor routes sketchy, stairwells and parking garages become makeshift training grounds. The repetition can be gruelling, but that’s part of the charm—it blends the grind of hill repeats with the muscle burn of strength work. The scenery may leave something to be desired, but the uninterrupted climb can be strangely satisfying.
Dog-pace fartleks
Anyone who trains with a dog knows the pattern—short sprints followed by abrupt halts, repeated endlessly. It’s chaos in motion, yet it doubles as an unstructured interval workout. The sudden bursts sharpen turnover, the pauses mimic recovery and the unpredictability keeps both runner and dog entertained. Training plans rarely suggest it, but countless runners have logged miles this way and discovered it does more good (and is at least more fun) than they’d expect.
Treadmill karaoke
Few runners claim to love the treadmill, which is why some runners make it bearable by turning it into a stage. Singing while running forces steady breathing and exposes when a so-called “easy pace” is anything but. It’s goofy, yes, but also effective, as we know from Taylor Swift‘s viral training sessions. The workout doubles as a breathing drill and an attitude adjustment, though you may want to pick your playlist carefully if the treadmills are packed.
Airport terminal miles
Flight delayed, but running shoes safe inside your carry-on? For some runners, that’s an open invitation. Terminal corridors offer long stretches of uninterrupted space, with smooth floors, climate control and the occasional moving sidewalk if you’re feeling experimental. Sure, it earns curious looks from fellow travelers (and you’ll need to be cautious if the airport is busy), but a few laps between gates can turn wasted time into an oddly effective session. Then settle in and wait for the Strava kudos.
