Hate running but want to run

scb515

I don't like running. But I don't hate it anymore. Maybe one day I'll actually like it. For now, I'll settle for not hating it.

When I first started running, I carried a small bottle of water and ran until the bottle was empty. A friend of mine said to make sure I was walking as much as I was running when I started, and I think that was probably good advice. Like Roxiegirl2008 says, run then walk then run...

It's so much easier if you have music with a good beat that you actually like. I don't understand how people run without music, it strikes me as the most miserable thing.

Good luck!

MoiAussi93

Take it slow, start with walking mixed in with short bursts of jogging, then gradually increase the jogging and decrease the walking. Music helps most people to run longer...but I have a friend who listens to audio books and swears they are better than music for him.

But if you really don't like it, just pick something else. There is nothing magical about running that other cardio can't duplicate.

hapa11

I use the Zombies, Run! app. It turns your runs into "missions" and is kind of fun.

meechayay

I started running with Couch to 5K 4 months ago and now I'm on to a 10k. I prefer passing the time with distractions like audiobooks and podcasts. I use the stitcher app to download podcasts for offline listening. It doesn't make you run fast the way music does, but it helps the time pass. I also tried zombie run (2.99 iphone app) and it's entertaining too. Also, if you're a woman, make sure you have a good running bra and shoes. If those don't fit right, you'll hate it forever! Good luck!

DeadsAndDoritos

C25K is seriously great! At the start I couldn't fun for 3 minutes without stopping and by the end I was running 5K in just over half an hour. I still hate running though, but I do it fairly regularly.

Timorous_Beastie

I used to hate running, for all the reasons you listed. It hurt. And that's because I was running (or trying to run) too fast and too long, and didn't realize I had to built up slowly and learn to run. Couch to 5k was great.

I've been running for four years now, and at this stage, I've come to realize that I enjoy running best when I throw in some walk intervals. It doesn't affect my overall pace that much, but it greatly increases the fun I have.

JenMaselli

Of_Monsters_and_Meat wrote: »

If you don't like running, you aren't going to like running.

That's absolutely not true. I hated running my whole life until I gave it a real try a few years ago. Now, I love it. I fanatically love it. A lot of us have similar stories. You just have to start very slow at very short distances and build up. OP, just run from your front door to the first light pole. Next week run to the second light pole. Or hop on a treadmill for a few minutes. You'll be running several miles nonstop within a year. If I can do it anyone can. Definitely give C25K a try or look up your local MRTT chapter for a ton of running buddies at all levels and lots of support. Go for it!

GBrady43068

I like running but I agree with others who say it isn't for everyone.

I would try C25K or a similar program (I used Run For God which is pretty similar but has a Bible study component along with it...you can find out more at www.runforgod.com if interested). The main thing is: No matter how slow you go, if your feet are leaving the pavement and then coming back down that's "running". As long as you put in the workouts, you will see faster times and better lung etc. condition over time.

I ran my first 5K in well over ten years last year. I'm doing Run for God again this year and planning a 5K *and* a 10K (and pondering a half-marathon depending on how well June's 10K goes..)

If you try C25K and find you don't care after running your goal race, I'd find something else...the easiest way to stay active is to find something you consider to be "fun"...it doesn't feel like exercise then. Good luck...

GBrady43068

mbcieslak87 wrote: »

it helps for me to set goals of time I'm going to run, rather than distance... at least at first.

This is also excellent advice. I don't think in terms of "miles" I think in terms of "How long can I run at one time?" and "How long I can altogether if I alternate running and walking?".

missomgitsica

If you hate running, don't run. I'm the same way, and every year I try to force myself to run and it makes me miserable. So this year, I set a goal to not try and force myself to be a runner, and I'm so much happier!

pinkshoelaces

I used to hate running as well and I was convinced I'd never be a good runner, but in the past couple months alone I've been making great improvements with my running. I've been able to run more than I ever have in my life. I started using this app called "Zombies!Run 5k" which is like couch25k but with a zombie apocalypse story line which I find more interesting.

I think the biggest thing I did that helped me run more, though, was I lost weight first and built up endurance by doing a lot of intense incline walking on the treadmill. It helped strengthen my leg muscles, and I think that combined with dropping weight first significantly contributed to my new ability to run better.

When I hit those walls where I just feel like I want to stop and that it's too hard, I push myself through. I remind myself that I can still breathe, I'm still able to move, it's not as bad as I think it is and so I keep going and it clicks "hey! I can do this" and I make it to the end. The most important thing is to listen to your body though, know the difference between moments when you're able to push a little farther and actually needing to stop. Don't ever put your body at risk for injury, so if something feels seriously wrong, then of course always slow down and take it easy.

Capt_Apollo

i really was on the fence about running for a while. and then i read this.

http://theoatmeal.com/comics/running

cincysweetheart

Are you comfortable walking at a brisk pace? Do you love walking? I think if you love walking, then you can learn to love running, if you train for it properly. Don't try to go too fast. Personally, I believe that at least to start out… you should be able to carry on a conversation. If you are gasping for air… you are going too fast. Save your HIIT workouts for another day. If you can't breathe and are in pain… of course you are going to hate it. Couch to 5k is a great program to get you started. I used the app by zenlabs. Works great for me!

lngrunert

I highly recommend the C25K app/program. When I first started, just running for 90 seconds at a time was killing me. Now I can complete a 5K run in under 40 minutes without walking or stopping, and am participating in my first 5K event in less than a month. I think it does a great job of easing your mind and body into running.

terar21

I hated running with a passion. I'd literally not run a mile since middle school. But i really wanted to give it a try. I used the couch to five k app and it worked really well for me. Don't get discouraged about having to repeat weeks. Many of us had to. I've kept my interest in it up by setting goals for pace and distance. Constantly working towards an accomplishment really helps.

gabbo34

Agree with the comments above. Nobody likes wheezing, being out of breath, side stitch cramps or sore legs/back/feet.

But you can avoid a lot of those things by easing in with a C25k program and getting the right shoes. Once you build some lung capacity you'll be amazed at how quickly you can push further and further. And then at some point (spoiler alert you'll think the app is crazy that day), you'll go further than you thought possible.

But ultimately it's about why you want to run. I imagine for most of us, it started off as an efficient way to get some cardio in (and gain some daily calories back) then grew into something we enjoyed.

melodyis4reals

hapa11 wrote: »

I use the Zombies, Run! app. It turns your runs into "missions" and is kind of fun.

I wholeheartedly agree

kramrn77

gabbo34 wrote: »

But you can avoid a lot of those things by easing in with a C25k program and getting the right shoe.

This. So much this! I finally broke down and bought new shoes at a specialty store and after one run today I feel a major difference. My feet would hurt so bad after my runs that I sometimes didn't want to run. Today my feet are sore but not in pain. Huge difference. And I love c26k. I started without it and recently went back to pick it up. I feel like my pace and breathing are improving.

If you honestly hate it after a solid try, then don't do it. I hated running until I signed up for my first 5k and weirdly, I started to enjoy it.

MichelleB69

I really think the key to learning to run successfully is starting slow. I never enjoyed running, but wanted to start after I lost 30 lbs through strength training and diet. I started out walking for 2 minutes, running for 30 seconds…repeating for 30 minute sessions. It wasn't difficult and built my confidence as I realized I could run longer than 30 seconds fairly quickly. Then I would increase my run time to 5 minutes, walk for 1, etc etc. I am now training for my first 1/2 and at age 46, I ran for 10 miles for the first time in my life 3 weeks ago!! I can't say I LOVE those long runs and I may end up being more of a 10K max kind of woman, but I am going to complete my half! I never would've believe I could run 13 miles EVER. So, my advice would be: 1) Start slow and steady, be patient with yourself 2) Have a goal, know that you are capable of great things! 3) Good fitting shoes are a necessity!! 4) Keep us posted! I have found that runners LOVE newbies; it's like being welcomed into a secret club…we love to hear about your progress & successes!

galaxyeyed

Everyone's given really great advice, so I guess I'll just reiterate a few things that I found really important:

- C25k is great, the app tells you when to run/walk, it's nice and easy.
- Go slow. No, really, SLOW. I was barely able to "run" for 90 seconds straight and my boyfriend told me to try to slow down. I thought this was ridiculous, because I felt like I was barely moving already, but sure enough the next time I was out I tried going even slower (while still going faster than walking) and BAM was able to go for 5 minutes straight! You're aiming for more of a jog than a run, I'd say.
- Learn to breathe. A year ago when I tried to get into running, my lungs always gave out before the rest of me. At first I attributed this to my mom's secondhand smoke, but then I googled and found an article or something that said focus on breathing in & out through your nose only. I'd been huffing and puffing and barely getting any air in, but once I really tried to breathe only through my nose, it helped tremendously! This might help with your lung/stitches issue.
- Do NOT focus on running. It may be hard your first few times to think of anything other than "I'm going to die this is awful how do people do this for miles I can't even run 1 oh man UGH", but it's mostly mental. Listening to music is helpful!

I never liked running and I always rolled my eyes at people who said "it only takes a couple weeks to get into it, really!" Turns out...they were right! You may as well try it out, you may like it too

mwyvr

trailgurl26 wrote: »

only ran at night so no one would see me.

Been there, done that!

Of course it's crazy to think this way. Hardly anyone even notices runners and I like to think that those who do notice us, no matter our size, shape, or speed, are applauding our effort.

But... like I said, been there done that.

I much prefer not being afraid of being seen now.