I run because I need to and I hate it
Tsoggo
Posts: 114 Member
I'm an obese. 20 yrs old. I've seen people way older than me who runs way more miles than me. I also witnessed the advantage of being a runner. That makes me want to love running. But everytime I run, I always think of doing it because I need to not because I want to. I always think of rest I always check my timer if I already run 2mins. For runners out there, what are your thoughts when you run? I really want to love running heeelp
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Sorry for bad english0
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Running is nice. I really like it. I hated it when I was obese because it hurt. It hurt my knees, it hurt my feet, it hurt my back, it hurt my lungs, it just plain hurt. I sure as hell wasn't going to do or enjoy something that hurt. Now that I've lost 30kg, I like it because it doesn't hurt anymore.
But my question to you is: why would you do something you hate?
If it's to lose weight? Honestly, all you need is a calorie deficit. Meaning, you eat less than your body burns each day (and it burns a whole lot just existing, then you add daily activity and sports on top of that). Set up MFP with your stats to do that, and eat the amount it gives you, repeatedly, consistently, over a long time.
If it's to improve your cardio, start with finding something you enjoy. The possibilities are endless.20 -
No, you don't have to run. You don't even have to exercise to lose weight. So don't run if you don't like it. The best exercise is any activity you like, and do, regularly. At any rate, don't run as long as you are obese, it isn't safe. Joints, tendons, everything suffers. Choose low impact exercise until you hit "overweight".20
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No one needs to run. Well, not unless they are being chased by zombies or the cops that is...
I would look into a structured plan to get into running such as the Couch to 5k apps (C25k) or Hal Higdon's beginner plans as it will help you ease into running and minimise the risk of injury. However, until you get a reasonable level of conditioning expect it to be sucky for a while.
What do I think about when I am running? Nothing. That's why I love it so. It's like meditation.22 -
I have always hated running too. I've been cycling and walking almost every day for the past couple of months and have burnt loads of calories and toned my legs. Running would probably be more effective if I could stick with it but I know I would struggle.1
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All because your old doesn't mean your not fit as a younger person
100 year olds run marathons
Lifes not a competition
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Ugh I hate running. I find it incredibly boring but I have friends that love it. I had to find something that I looked forward to doing. If you hate it, chances are you will find excuses not to do it. I hate running but I can walk/hike for miles. I tried Zumba and got hooked. I go to about 4-5 classes a week and I get bummed if I miss one.8
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It seems to me that running isn't the best exercise for an obese person. All that fat jiggling around with each step isn't all that comfortable and it isn't very good for the knees to have so much weight crashing down on them. Cycling is a better exercise, at least until you get rid of some of that fat.6
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If you really don't like running, you could try cycling or hiking or cross-country skiing. Or mix it up. Run one day, do a brisk walk the next, go for a bicycle ride the next day, etc.1
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I run for stress relief. It's like I'm finally getting away from things and leaving them behind me. Weight loss is a side effect.
As stated above, it's not necessary for weight loss and if you hate it find another activity.5 -
Do you enjoy walking? Walking would be great exercise for you. You can even just walk 20 minutes at a time if that works into your schedule. It can burn a lot of calories. without the high impact. 6
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Why do something you hate? Why do something because someone else does?
You couldn't pay me to run.... I don't see the point. I prefer to exercise in other ways, and have strengths in other areas. I have many friends who run marathons - they love it, and their ability to run impresses me, but in no way make some think I should also be a runner!3 -
There are so many ways to exercise - you have to find something you really enjoy or you won't stick to it long-term. I tried running again and again but it always felt like a chore (even when I was slim). It was the same with walking and cycling.
Then I discovered fitness training. I lift weights, I do cardio, kettlebell workouts, kickboxing, and I LOVE it. Even when I fell off the wagon for a year I didn't stop exercising. It is as much a part of my everyday routine as brushing my teeth.4 -
No one needs to run. Well, not unless they are being chased by zombies or the cops that is...
The zombies thing - that's how I got into running, and depending on what works to keep your mind going it might work for you. There's an app called 'Zombies, Run' which essentially puts you as the supply runner for a survivor group in the zombie apocalypse. The stories are fantastic, full cast and audio effects, and you can run to your own music in between the story clips. There's also a 'Zombies 5K' training app which serves as both a prequel and to get you going if you want to do that kind of thing. Record runs, speed etc via satnav.
Just thought it was worth mentioning - I hate running. Absolutely, beyond a doubt hate it. But that app gets me off my backside and out of the door just to find out what's next in the story.
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I hated running. I found out a few years ago that the reason I hated running was because every time I would start running, all I did was run. So I would go out and struggle every step for a couple of miles. The next day I could hardly walk. I finished the couple of miles running without stopping and without walking and that was my problem.
My wife started to train for a marathon about that time and I took a look at her training regimen, which was for someone who had never run before. There was a very key component in there. For the first couple of weeks, with limited distances of 1.5 to 2.0 miles, I was supposed to walk for 1:30 and run for :30. Then slowly walk less and run more. Guess what? My legs did not feel so bad the next day and I slowly worked my way up to about 5.5 miles at a time without walking or stopping.
Although I never got the "runner's high" that so many talk about, my feeling toward running changed from "torture" to "tolerable". I never fell in love with it, but my wife did.
If you hate running, but have never built up endurance properly, I would submit that you don't really know whether you hate it or not. Having said all of that, you can do many other things than run in order to be more fit.5 -
Floatingpencil wrote: »No one needs to run. Well, not unless they are being chased by zombies or the cops that is...
The zombies thing - that's how I got into running, and depending on what works to keep your mind going it might work for you. There's an app called 'Zombies, Run' which essentially puts you as the supply runner for a survivor group in the zombie apocalypse. The stories are fantastic, full cast and audio effects, and you can run to your own music in between the story clips. There's also a 'Zombies 5K' training app which serves as both a prequel and to get you going if you want to do that kind of thing. Record runs, speed etc via satnav.
Just thought it was worth mentioning - I hate running. Absolutely, beyond a doubt hate it. But that app gets me off my backside and out of the door just to find out what's next in the story.
Yeah, I've heard good things about that app. Never tried it myself though although I did flirt with the idea.
I'm waiting for VR to take off in exercise. I think it will be awesome. Can you imagine being a Samurai in Medieval Japan having to fight your way across a realistic landscape, or Jason Bourne gone rogue on a mission, or going head to head with the Predator?
Would all of that involve sprints and running? Hell yeah.4 -
I have a love/hate relationship with running. First, I didn't start with running. I started with walking, lots and lots of walking. As I started walking faster I started feeling wither urges to run. But running does sometimes cause my joints to ache. The doctor says my joints are fine (just getting a bit older) and I just need to get stronger. And to be honest, I still don't run non-stop long distances, I run 2,3,5, or 10 min intervals depending on how much time I have and what speed I feel like running. Intervals keep it interesting...which leads to point 2...
I also have ADHD, and there are some days where I have the attention span of a highly caffeinated toddler. On these days, running (and kickboxing) is the thing that allows me to release enough energy to focus. I have a play list of all my favorite punk music that makes me happy and I just run some sprint intervals until my brain feels still. And sometimes I pretend zombies are chasing me
I hate running because it takes time, sometimes it's hard to get motivated, sometimes my joints hurt, and I'm not a huge fan of being gross sweaty. However, it's always the thing I come back to over and over again. I love it because I get to listen to music really loud, it helps me focus and sleep better, and when I'm done I'm proud that it did it. If you 100% hate it just stop, if you can find something that makes it enjoyable focus on that. Walk more than you run if your just starting out, don't force it, your body will tell you when your ready to run. There are some many things to try so don't force yourself to do something you hate.3 -
I love running.
However, you don't have to run. You could cycle. Walk. Hike. Lift. Whatever you enjoy doing.
But, that being said: I hated running too, during the C25K program, until I had gotten to the point where I was running non-stop for about 20 minutes. The start/stops were killing me, and I could never get into a rhythm.
The first 5-15 minutes of my runs today I don't particularly enjoy. I'm still tight, my breathing isn't rhythmic, my cadence is off... Just not much fun. Minute 15 comes by, and now my breathing is good and steady, solid cadence, loosened up, and it's just one foot in front of another.
So, you have two choices: Stick it out, and see if it grow on you, or, find a different exercise you do enjoy. If it does grow on you, you will be hard pressed to let it go! And, yes, I use Zombies, Run! as well, and it does really help with the runs, especially to get me out of that rut at the beginning.7 -
I hate running. Of all things, it makes my shoulder hurt. I'd rather skate and briskly walk than run.2
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Anything that you do to lose weight that you hate will most likely discourage you to lose weight. Find activities you love doing or have a great pay off besides the weight loss. You can burn calories just cleaning your home or making a nutritious home cooked meal. You can find simple activities you love to increase your daily calorie burn.
Focus on improving your eating habits more so than improving your exercise habits. Once you start eating healthier and losing weight you will find yourself having more energy and zeal for exercise.1 -
I hate running. Of all things, it makes my shoulder hurt. I'd rather skate and briskly walk than run.
Make sure you keep your hands loose while running. Make a fist with your thumb inside, it will help keep your hands not as tense.
Shoulder pain from running is generally from people tensing their arms while running. Making the loose fist, and keeping your thumbs inside encourages you to keep your arms loose.9 -
I don't enjoy running and I wish I did. I like the elliptical and spinning for cardio.1
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Speaking as a formerly obese 52 year old who used to hate running, but now kind of loves it...
Life is full of choices. After many years of fighting with myself over them much like you describe, I realized that at some point we have to choose and accept the consequences of our decisions. You don't need to do anything. Really. You can choose to do nothing about your weight and fitness. You probably won't lose any weight or get any fitter if you do that, but it is a choice you can make.
But you want to lose weight and get more fit? Great! That makes all the difference, because now nothing and nobody is forcing you to do anything. Instead, you are making choices about what to do to achieve what you want.
The good news is that you don't need to run to lose weight. All you have to do to lose weight is eat less calories than you burn each day. MFP makes that easy, whether you exercise or not. Just set it up, log your meals, and meet whatever daily calorie target it gives you. If you do that, you will lose weight.
BUT, exercise does have many advantages: better health, better fitness, better looks (at least, I think so), and once you get into it, it makes you feel really good. It also means you can eat more while losing weight, because you are burning more calories.
Running has the additional advantage that you can do it almost anywhere, with minimal equipment (decent shoes), but there are lots of other good ways to get similar exercise. I used an elliptical machine for about 18 months until I lost enough weight and felt fit enough to start running.
Ultimately, though, if you really want a runner's body then you have to do what runners do: run. That means accepting that you ARE doing it because you want to. Not because you need to, but because you want to. Going from an obese non-runner to a fit runner is hard and a bit painful, but it is absolutely possible. It just takes determination. Fortunately, over time the pain decreases and the good feelings increase.
To answer your original question, my thoughts when I run are extremely varied, but typically with respect to my running, at the beginning of a run they are about how much everything hurts, toward the middle they are about how well it is going and how good it feels, and toward the end they are about how I am almost done. It helps if I stay focused on why I am doing it: because I want to and I want the benefits that come with doing it. The good news is that each week the "Oh god, it hurts!" and the "Keep going, you are almost done!" phases are growing shorter and the "This feels really good today!" phase is growing longer.8 -
I lost all my weight without exercise, and *then* I started running, so there's that.
I also second those folks who are recommending walk/run mixes to start. I've recommended Robert Ullrey's C25K podcasts before; Google them. He starts you off easy, and they worked for me.
I would find running boring, too, if I didn't listen to audio books while I ran. If you have a membership to your local library, you may be able to borrow audiobooks and download them to your phone using Overdrive or Hoopla. I'm currently finishing James A. Michener's The_Source, which is a huge 40-hour epic, but I've also listened to Carrie Fisher's Wishful_Drinking and more creamy-white-thigh novels than I care to admit to. Good luck! I hope you find your method.2 -
I always hated running.
This last year I started running in the nature reserve near my house. Trees and rocks and lizards and butterflies and ferns and trees again.
Now I really enjoy it.
Thought I'd do a road run to compare distance/time. Still kitten hate that. Exhaust and sun and footpaths and cars. Blerg.
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I always hated running.
This last year I started running in the nature reserve near my house. Trees and rocks and lizards and butterflies and ferns and trees again.
Now I really enjoy it.
Thought I'd do a road run to compare distance/time. Still kitten hate that. Exhaust and sun and footpaths and cars. Blerg.
Wow--that's a beautiful trail! Nicely maintained...1 -
If you don't like running, find an exercise you DO like.2
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I used to hate running when I wsa overweight. Only took it up after I really wanted to do it for a while and when my weight came down.
Not hving it as a main excersise but an add on
My main excersise is and was always walking (longer distances)/hiking - I cycle, do yoga and other cardio stuff now and love love love weights. Used to do a lot of swimming/aquarobics until recurring earinfections stopped that for now
Just just don't have to run if you don't like it. Find a form of excersise you love and keep doing that3 -
There seems to be a trend here: people all hate running until they get good at it. I think that is probably true of every exercise. I do more cycling than running. It used to be that I always had trouble getting started in the Spring and I would always avoid cycling on windy days. My problem was that my fitness level wasn't high enough to deal with the conditions. It was always mid-summer before I was fit and then it was 105 degrees outside. But once I started riding through the winter it changed. My fitness level never really drops significantly and I am able to pick locations in my city as destinations and ride there without having to consider whether I am fit enough to make it there and back. I don't even have to consider how steep the hills are. I've gone from deciding that it is too windy to ride since the flags are standing straight out to looking forward to my evening ride because the flags are standing straight out. Overcoming the challenges changes everything.6
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You don't have to run. There are many activities out there but whatever you do if you are not used to exercise start slow.
Maybe walk briskly more before you tackle running.2
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