I run because I need to and I hate it

BrunetteRunner87

I started running in junior high. I hated it, I was just on the CC team so I could be with my friends. Years afterward I began running while I was in law school. I was already in pretty good shape from other cardio activities, so I enjoyed running and got pretty good at it quickly. Then I quit and got out of shape. When I started running again I hated it, but I remembered how great it felt when I was good at it and when I was setting personal records, so that kept me going. After being consistent I have finally gotten to the point where I like running again. I don't think it's fun for most people when they first start out.

StaciMarie1974

I like running. But that does not always mean my mind is at peace when I'm running. I most enjoy outdoor, nice weather runs. And I prefer running 5k, 10k events over solo runs. I like to people watch, and I like the charged atmosphere of a race. BUT not all runs can be like that. So I listen to music, focus on my pace, etc. to keep my mind busy when necessary.

If you truly hate it though, try to find some other activity that you DO enjoy. Biking, swimming, or some sport for example.

jadebuniel wrote: »

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

ValleyHooper

I feel ya. I am not a runner and have always hated it. I love going on long distance walks and I will jog at times. I just cannot get into running. I say find an exercise you enjoy doing and have fun with it!!! If you're doing something you hate you are more likely to give up and quit. I highly encourage walking though. It's something that is easy to do, it's free, can do it anywhere, and has so many health benefits to it. I aim for 10,000 plus steps a day. Good luck on your fitness journey!! You've got this!!

cerise_noir

Why do you need to run?

fitmom4lifemfp

jadebuniel wrote: »

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

I love to run. I seriously crave it. I had a meniscus tear that was repaired this past June, and so far my knee is not liking running yet. Hopefully I will be able to get back to it. I also love music. The two combined, are probably the most exhilarating, stress-beating, feel-good good-for-you activity that I can do, that costs nothing, and takes very little time. It doesn't matter what I start out thinking about, because within a few minutes I am thinking of nothing except moving my legs, and the music. It's completely mind-clearing, for me.

I don't like carrying my phone with me when running or working out, so I have a small mp3 player that clips onto my sports bra. It's weightless.

charlesdphillips3

Try walking...with music you like. That will give you success without some of the suck

jms1902

I hate running also. Detest it. I do it though (nothing crazy-- 30 minutes of intervals on the treadmill) because it makes me make better food choices throughout the day. I don't want my run to have "gone to waste" by overindulging.

JessicaMcB

When I was obese (and even when I was a sedentary as hell thin person years and years ago) I loathed running because I put zero value into hard PHYSICAL work.

I started running during my weight loss phase for a change of exercise pace and it ended up changing my life instead. I live with OCD and my mind has never been a quiet place, but when I run it is. My brain is not screaming at me about the back door and the lights and 8000 other things- running has afforded me a window of time where I can feel like everybody else. My mind is nowhere and everywhere. It is freedom.

If you truly find you hate running though there is no point in torturing yourself- find your exercise bliss. Lots of people who abhor cardio do well with lifting regimes. Other people enjoy the social setting of classes. Running, while amazing, is not requisite to weight loss or health.

Running_and_Coffee

I really love running. The endorphins, being outside in nature, listening to my music, not having anyone telling me what to do, the freedom to go further one day just because you feel like it, seeing other people out on the trail, that sense of accomplishment you get after every single run, and every single race, even the bad ones....it's awesome. For me. But if I didn't love it, I wouldn't do it, and you don't have to, either!

TxTiffani

Someone once told me that the best exercise is the one that you'll do. Best way to ensure you keep doing it? To find something you like;) I don't like running either and I find it harder to fit in my schedule anyway (I have kids that are too big to put in a running stroller and too small to leave home alone & I don't like treadmills), but I do like using my exercise bike at my house & it makes we want to bike outdoors (our city is a lousy place to cycle but that's another story:P).

Francl27

I ran for a while, before I messed up my foot, and never really enjoyed it. That runner 'high' I keep hearing about? I did feel it... once. Out of what, 20+ runs? Now I just walk at an incline (or outside of course when it's nice). Similar calorie burn, if not better, safer on the joints, and I enjoy it more. I love hiking too.

You just have to find something you enjoy, otherwise you'll never stuck to it anyway.

snickerscharlie

I lost the 75lbs I was wanting to and reached my goal weight simply by managing my caloric intake and adding walking to my daily routine.

At first, I could barely lap the couch.

As my fitness and stamina improved I gradually increased my distance/speed.

Don't do exercise you hate. You don't have to punish yourself to manage your weight.

MissMaggieMuffin

Much more important to find an activity that you at least like but, preferably, can love. Improves the odds of sticking with it for the long term.
Having said that, there are some activities that I learned to like as I got better at them - for example, golfing. I guess my point is that if you hate it after giving it a fair chance, move on and find something that is a better fit for you.

jjpptt2

When I first started running, it was a struggle. And I hated it. I took me a long time to get my conditioning to the point where I could sustain a decent rhythm with my stride and my breathing. My speed/pace was still really slow, but I could get into a rhythm where I didn't feel like I was fighting myself. That was when things started to click for me. Once I stopped thinking about how much I hated what I was doing, I was able to think about whatever else was on my mind - could be whatever was going on in my life, could be the scenery or the weather, or any number of other things.

stevencloser

Don't force yourself. There's a million things you can do instead of running, find what you like. Me, I like martial arts so that's what I'm doing, gets the blood pumping and burns calories all the same.

Harbin2017

Just checked my runtastic log, i was running about 50 km per week 2 years ago before the pregnancy.
What i love about running the most is that you don't need anything like gear, tool, car to get you someplace to exercise. all you need is some shoes. I don't have a gym membership or a treadmill at home so for me running is a way to keep my figure for free. It is nice to be outside, fresh air, birds chirping, sun shining, listening to fav music and just getting your head free. I had my favourite routes but also alternated between park/forest/concrete/local track at the soccer field. I am from Europe so we have lots of places to run outside. It is of course hard at first but once you conditioned yourself to a certain point you will enjoy it. Of course i also had bad days too when everything ached after only 4 km. My usual run was between 8-13 km. I guess there is no way to force yourself, try swimming, its easier on your joints.

MelanieCN77

I also learned to love it. It's not that I disliked it to start, but that doing it at a certain weight feels all kinds of wrong. I started really being consistent and doing it often last June, and I get antsy now to do it most days. I started out with my treadmill and this last few months tried to get going outside which felt like starting all over again but I just ran a sedate 5k out in my neighbourhood and didn't die. It's great cardio for contributing to calories out and it really does get easier as the weight comes off and also your muscles and joints get with the program. Only thing I still get annoyed with is carrying water, that's annoying but if it's really hot out it kinda has to be done.

donjtomasco

I hate tread milling, but I do it so that I can eat more. Sometimes this way of thinking is necessary for people like me!

Tacklewasher

donjtomasco wrote: »

I hate tread milling, but I do it so that I can eat more. Sometimes this way of thinking is necessary for people like me!

Ditto. But it's warming up a little where I live so I think it's time to move from the treadmill to the great outdoors.

deputy_randolph

I HATE running long distances. I'm pretty fit...some people just hate running and that's ok. I've started sprinting after lifting, and it's not as taxing physically or mentally for me.

You don't have to run to lose weight. You just need a calorie deficit. If you want the cardiovascular benefits...try a recumbant bike or a different piece of equipment.

Rushgirl82

It's tough starting out that's for sure. When I started I could barely run a minute! I used the C25K app and it works! I'm up to 22 minutes running straight. Also like someone else mentioned running outside somewhere beautiful like a park is super rejuvenating and hardly seems like a chore!
The hardest part, for me, is getting out the door and doing it! After I've done it I feel fantastic and proud of mysef!

kgirlhart

I used to hate running. I rarely did it. When I started on mfp I started out walking with my dog. As I lost weight and became more fit I started to feel the urge to run some. So I downloaded the C25K app from Zen labs and I loved it. It really helped me ease into running. When I finished C25K I moved on to the C210K app. My advice is to only run if you want to, not because you think you should. I used to do aerobics because i thought I should. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it and I could always come up with an excuse to not do it. I have discovered yoga and I love it. I never make excuses not to do it and sometimes I even do it on a day I haven't scheduled it just because. The best exercise is going to be the one you can stick to, so just keep looking around until you find something you enjoy. If you do want to run then I certainly recommend the C25K app.

LessCookiess

I love walking I walk an hour at least every day so running isn't necessary, and as others mentioned even working out isn't needed to lose weight.

dpwellman

Running works because it is inefficient. One can get very rapid results running. Apart from cross country skiing and swimming, there's not much to rival running as the top strategy towards weight loss.

Tips:
1) Always run outside unless circumstances beyond your control and. . .
2) Vary routes and terrain. Run streets, MUPs, trails
3) Leave the HEADPHONES at home. Never try to escape the fact that you're running.
4) Join a club.
5) Have a goal. A training goal. Usually a 5K. Register. Get a training plan and stick to it.
6) Try neutral, minimal shoes. . . lighter shoes. Weight on foot translates to carrying about five times that.

UK2ME

I loathe and despise running. Hate it. My knees hurt, my hips hurt, my shoulders hurt, and I never get that gosh-darned "runner's high".

That said - yesterday I ran eight miles, in preparation for a Ragnar relay in May and a half Ironman in August. As much as I hate running, I *love* being a triathlete. I'm slow and unwieldy and totally not built for distance, but the anticipation at the start line, the atmosphere during the race, and the triumph at the finish line... Personally, THAT is why I run.

If I were solely doing it for weight loss, I'd stick with the swimming and the biking. They're much kinder to my body and I enjoy them much more. You don't have to run

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jessiferrrb

i recently stopped running. i didn't hate it. i actually really enjoyed mornings out with my dog and the zombies, run! app. but between that and lifting i was literally ALWAYS sore and aching. and that i don't enjoy at all. i've tried all sorts of cardio because i do want that level of fitness and honestly i want to eat some of those calories back. i must have tried 100 things. i picked up a hula hoop recently though and i've been learning how to hoop for cardio and i actually really look forward to that. i can do it while i'm watching tv (and i actually do instead of it being within the realm of possibility but not actualized), i suck at it right now but that in and of itself is motivation for me. and it's easy on my joints. i would love to get back to running occasionally though if i can get my sciatica under control.

Ready2Rock206

I'd find an exercise you actually enjoy and would want to do. There's no reason to run if that's not something you want to do.

brittyn3

I think it's important to do something you enjoy so you can keep with it.. BUT, coming from someone who's had a love/hate relationship with running all their life... I encourage you to give it a fair shot before you cut it out. It's so freeing and stress relieving to run in the summer. People watching, enjoying nature, challenging yourself to go further run faster. It's exhilarating!

Like anything in life, you gotta work at it. It'll become easier eventually. And you don't have to run fast to enjoy it. I used to hate running when I was competing in it. Then I hated running when I gained weight and sucked at it. Then I hated running when I got ok with it again. Now I'm back at it, slower - but loving every second about it. Something about seeing the miles tick away as your running, is pretty fantastic.

Moral of the story - give it a chance. You don't have to be good at something to enjoy it.

earlnabby

jadebuniel wrote: »

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

Why force yourself to do an exercise you don't like? There are many good ways to get your cardio in. Swimming is my personal favorite, second is walking. You can also bicycle.