Psychology of Running

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novembersuse
novembersuse Posts: 77 Member
in Motivation and Support
I love running. I enjoy it when I'm doing it, I feel smugly smug afterwards and for the rest of the day, it clears my head, I get fresh air, it's good for me and keeps me fit. So how come I have to mentally pep-talk myself into it every time, until I force myself out the door? Makes no sense.

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  • runfoorun
    runfoorun Posts: 314 Member
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    It takes effort and a lot of time from our day. I have to do it straight from work and avoid going home. It's hard for me to leave my house and family for a run, even though I love it.
  • EvgeniZyntx
    EvgeniZyntx Posts: 24,208 Member
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    There are likely a variety of reasons. It might depend on your goals and planning.

    You might find this interesting.
    http://psychcentral.com/news/2008/01/10/the-psychology-of-exercise-and-fitness/1771.html
  • RuNaRoUnDaFiEld
    RuNaRoUnDaFiEld Posts: 5,864 Member
    edited May 2015
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    Snap! I have to tell myself to suck it up and get on with it! It's crazy because I do like it and love the feeling afterwards. It is just the getting changed and out part that gets me. If you find a cure please share it with me :)
  • amgreenwell
    amgreenwell Posts: 1,268 Member
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    I can only speak from my experience, but once I got into the habit of running and IF I went more than one day without it I felt weird. Now I look forward to it. I will say, I go straight from work to the gym so I have no excuses and I can't skip out. Keep yourself pepped up... you are worth it!!
  • Sparkles281
    Sparkles281 Posts: 14 Member
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    I guess I've been preconditioned to fear running, so literally every time I go for a run I have butterflies in my stomach and feel sick. But I love the way it makes me feel when I get into it and how I feel afterwards. I'm hoping that over time I'll get over the feeling of dread pre run haha!
  • tri_bob
    tri_bob Posts: 121 Member
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    After enough time passes, it should change from something you feel like you have to do to something you want to do. Eventually, it becomes something you need to do. I saw a shirt recently that sort of sums it up: "I run because punching people is frowned upon."
  • spzjlb
    spzjlb Posts: 599 Member
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    Sparkles281 wrote: »
    I guess I've been preconditioned to fear running, so literally every time I go for a run I have butterflies in my stomach and feel sick. But I love the way it makes me feel when I get into it and how I feel afterwards. I'm hoping that over time I'll get over the feeling of dread pre run haha!

    I'm the same. I still dread going, but once I start, I'm fine. I've done half marathons and such, but I still hate getting out there. I dearly wish I could feel more positive. I prefer the thought of a killer circuit for 30 min to a 30 min jog. Why?
  • Jruzer
    Jruzer Posts: 3,501 Member
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    I have the same issue. I don't think it's exclusive to running. I really enjoy getting out on my bike but I often have to force my self to go.
  • SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage
    SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage Posts: 2,668 Member
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    I have those days too. Interestingly, the days when I don't feel like running but I force myself to go, I end up having a fantastic run. I don't know what's up with that.
  • wabmester
    wabmester Posts: 2,748 Member
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    Not running is easier than running.
  • dobergurl
    dobergurl Posts: 1 Member
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    tri_bob wrote: »
    After enough time passes, it should change from something you feel like you have to do to something you want to do. Eventually, it becomes something you need to do. I saw a shirt recently that sort of sums it up: "I run because punching people is frowned upon."

    LOVE the quote...
  • aarar
    aarar Posts: 684 Member
    edited May 2015
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    This happens to me on 100% of my runs. I love it while i'm doing it and for the rest of the day, yet the moment I wake up and it's time to go I look for any excuse possible to stay home. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
  • novembersuse
    novembersuse Posts: 77 Member
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    Glad it's not just me :) I will never understand why mindlessly watching rubbish on telly is preferable to doing something I love and enjoy and reap benefits from. I suppose the trick is to just keep on forcing it. I find before work much easier than in the evenings, but if I need to go at night, I put my running gear on as soon as I get home. That always works, because it would be too tragic to take off my running gear without having been for a run...
  • jenilla1
    jenilla1 Posts: 11,118 Member
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    aarar wrote: »
    This happens to me on 100% of my runs. I love it while i'm doing it and for the rest of the day, yet the moment I wake up and it's time to go I look for any excuse possible to stay home. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

    <3
  • mwyvr
    mwyvr Posts: 1,883 Member
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    I get these feelings occasionally still even though running is now more than habit for me, it's something I enjoy. The key for me is to start changing into my running gear. As soon as I start to suit up, I'm going running. Never fails. :smile:
  • thankyou4thevenom
    thankyou4thevenom Posts: 1,581 Member
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    I'm the same. I'll find any excuse not to go. It's the same with walking the dog as well as running I just don't want to go. When I do I enjoy it.
    At least with the dog I have to otherwise I'd feel like I'm neglecting him (which is true) and I don't want to do that.

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