I run because I need to and I hate it

fitmom4lifemfp

dpwellman wrote: »

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.

Different strokes dude. I love running with music - always have. It's certainly not "escaping", LOL!

wellthenwhat

I love obstacle running, hills, all sorts of that kind of thing. However to do that, I need to train. I hate the mundane difficulty of training. I've found that when I stick with something long enough, I get past the hate it/dying to oh, this isn't so bad, after a while.

crooked_left_hook

dpwellman wrote: »

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.

Run without music? Worst. Idea. Ever. Having uninterrupted time to listen to my music is part of why I run.

annacole94

I hate running, so I do kettlebells.

I like kettlebells, and the calorie burn is similar to running, if not better.

jessiferrrb

annacole94 wrote: »

I hate running, so I do kettlebells.

I like kettlebells, and the calorie burn is similar to running, if not better.

definitely not to derail, and can take this to message instead, but what kettlebell workouts do you like?

kmorrow0712

I hate running. I hated running when I was fit, I hated it jogging by the lake, I hated it inside. I realized I'm just not a runner, it never seemed to get much easier for me so I stopped. Losing weight can be hard enough, there's no need to torture yourself. Find something you enjoy!

annacole94

jessiferrrb wrote: »

annacole94 wrote: »

I hate running, so I do kettlebells.

I like kettlebells, and the calorie burn is similar to running, if not better.

definitely not to derail, and can take this to message instead, but what kettlebell workouts do you like?

Fitnessblender is my go-to. I try for two short workouts/week and one longer one. I'd recommend these to beginners (with the general advice to watch your form and start a little light to get the movements down, as you can hurt yourself with bad form):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6k4jH_qLUY&list=PLsfTiCAo3FTh_jvDAhgY57AwyXVyVFNEV&index=3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pDMOIlPLFE&index=2&list=PLsfTiCAo3FTh_jvDAhgY57AwyXVyVFNEV

And my level-up short workout:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4JmGtoe9UM&index=1&list=PLsfTiCAo3FTh_jvDAhgY57AwyXVyVFNEV

Exercise shouldn't be punishment, and honestly, running is so hard on the knees. I tried to like it. I did couch to 5 K several times over several years. It's just not my thing. That's ok.

jessiferrrb

@annacole94 thanks! i've done a couple of those and i really like fitness blender.

autumnblade75

msf74 wrote: »

Floatingpencil wrote: »

msf74 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.

http://www.virtuix.com/ VR treadmill with special frictionless shoes. I want one, SO BAD!!! I would play hours and hours of VR Skyrim, if possible. My poor quads - I do a lot of sneaking - I'd probably have to change my playstyle. LOL.

Ahem. Yeah, Zombies, Run! is pretty awesome, in the meantime.

jbirdgreen

I agree with the fact that you don't have to run. I have never been able to really run -- I get out of breath and give up quickly. Zumba and spinning are my cardio of choice because I enjoy them.

However, I started running as kind of a personal goal, and I needed a cardio switch. I still don't run far or fast, but I'm getting better every time I lace up my shoes.

You know what helps me? Music. I do intervals, and my longest working interval was about five minutes. I listened to an upbeat, pumping song and concentrated on jamming to it and getting through it. While those last few seconds were torture, knowing exactly how many words I had until it was over helped tremendously.

Rusty740

I hate running, but have always been good at it.

I tried the Zombies Run app too, it's fun. I find the best thing for me is to have something to listen to. Some good music or radio to keep me distracted.

theowlbox

Maybe running can wait. You can make yourself like it. You totally can, there are a ton of strategies. Or you can ditch it, not do something you hate. But another option could be to just put it off for a while. If you want to be a runner, by not running now, it doesn't mean you never will! Get a month or so down of something else then revisit it. It's like frisee (the salad thing). I try it every few months to see if I like it. So far I have always decided that it tastes like hair, and I skipped it, but that may not always be the case. Good luck!

ninerbuff

annacole94 wrote: »

I hate running, so I do kettlebells.

I like kettlebells, and the calorie burn is similar to running, if not better.

That depends. Again the difference is between aerobic and anaerobic exercise and anaerobic doesn't burn that many calories versus aerobic.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

annacole94

ninerbuff wrote: »

annacole94 wrote: »

I hate running, so I do kettlebells.

I like kettlebells, and the calorie burn is similar to running, if not better.

That depends. Again the difference is between aerobic and anaerobic exercise and anaerobic doesn't burn that many calories versus aerobic.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

I see you're ACE certified. They agree with me.
https://www.acefitness.org/acefit/expert-insight-article/47/3233/kettlebells-kick-butt/

Kettlebells provide a great cardio workout in addition to strength gains.

dragon_girl26

I don't like running either. Hated it when I was obese, still hate it now that I'm overweight, so I think the chances of me taking it up are pretty slim. I do, however, love to walk, dance, and cycle...all of which are great cardio exercises. Find something you love to do and it won't feel like a miserable chore.

Tsoggo

Maybe I don't need to run but that is what I always think when I go to run. I want to love running because of what the advantages I've seen not to lose weight.

Tsoggo

Thanks for the replies tho. I needed a help for those experienced runners to give me some advice on how to start

Tacklewasher

jadebuniel wrote: »

Thanks for the replies tho. I needed a help for those experienced runners to give me some advice on how to start

C25K. I used the Zen Labs app for it, but there are others. Make sure you are able to walk for an hour or so before starting the program, and then follow it but don't be afraid to repeat days or weeks. And go slower than you want to.

Theo166

Running isn't kind to the leg joints of obese people, better that you stick with walking and biking. Read up on speed walking if you feel you need to 'up your game'

When you get slim, don't pick up running unless you then find you like it. Exercise that persists must be enjoyable.

timdeeseven

I was the same way, wtf am I going to run for..... no really I saw people running and thought suckers. At that point the only time I ran was if there was a beer waiting for me.
Sooooo I started walking because well it helped with the weight loss. Then on here I found the C25K app.
It was great but my feet and shins hurt. So I went to a running store and got fitted for running shoes, wow that was a huge help.
At some point while running I get this euphoric emotion or feeling that is greater than any high I've experienced.
Cocaine is a helluva drug but that running high is amazing.

tomteboda

I cannot stand running. I hated it in high school, when I was slim and I actually lettered in track. And I HATED every minute of it. Swimming, on the other hand, I can zone out in. And I enjoy taking long walks on nature trails and hiking, and dancing. So I do the things I enjoy, because life is too short to engage in self-torture.

CornflakeGirl01

Well, I LOVE running! I need to run and do get the "runners high"! I am a 47 year old women, who started seriously running two years ago. I ran before that, but it was not until I entered my first 5k that I became a serious runner. I am not very fast, but really enjoy the camaraderie that is part of the running community. I started walking first, because of how heavy I was, then as time went on, I walked-jogged and now I am working on my 4th half marathon and will complete my first FULL marathon in May of this year.

It is not for everyone. Try it, with small achievable goals. Perhaps a 5k with a friend. There are a ton of races every weekend! You can walk-jog it. Runners come in all shapes and sizes and finding someone who would be at about your speed might be just what you need to get the "high"! Good luck!

blueiii31062

I used to run because I felt like it was the most efficient way to burn calories. I kept waiting for the day when I would fall in love with it and get that "runner's high" that they talk about. Long story short - it never happened and it ended up speeding up the degeneration of osteoarthritis on my knees. I didn't even know I had the condition until 2 years into running, when I started having chronic pain in both knees (right one was a little worse). So now I can't run (doctor's orders) although I am able to simulate it somewhat more safely on an elliptical.

I agree with a few other posters - if you don't love it, find something that you DO love and check with your doctor before throwing yourself into it. If you like to dance, dance - if you enjoy hiking, then do that. If you end up still running, get a cheap MP3 player and develop a kick-*kitten* playlist that you only are "allowed" to listen to when you exercise.

If you want some song suggestions - message me. (My workout always starts out with Tom Petty's American Girl.)

The more you can enjoy what you do, the more committed to it you'll be.

AmyOutOfControl

I love running - outside, in parks, with friends, in the early morning, etc. I stared when I was 60 pounds overweight. I hated it for a few week but grew to love it as my stamina grew.

Maybe you should try something else. Cycling? Zumba? Yoga? Hiking? Mountain climbing? Soccer? Tennis? Find what you love!!! You won't stick with it if you don't enjoy it.

BABetter1

I used to love jogging, but cannot do it anymore. Due to a damaged cervical disc, running compresses my vertebrae resulting in nerve irritation with potential for permanent nerve damage. Basically I would experience non stop itching down both arms until the damage became so severe it would switch to numbness. I'm jealous that you can and don't want to. But my advice to you is figure out what cardio you DO like and enjoy the crap out of it for as long as you can.

Hearts_2015

Tacklewasher wrote: »

jadebuniel wrote: »

Thanks for the replies tho. I needed a help for those experienced runners to give me some advice on how to start

C25K. I used the Zen Labs app for it, but there are others. Make sure you are able to walk for an hour or so before starting the program, and then follow it but don't be afraid to repeat days or weeks. And go slower than you want to.

Great advice!

zdyb23456

When first starting out you really can't go slow enough. The trick is building a base of endurance. It does not happen quickly. It takes time and patience.

I get a lot of motivation from reading Runners World. I seek out other runners, ask them for tips. I just started talking with another mom in my daughter's swim lesson class -she's an ultra runner! Very inspiring.

I can't say even after years of runners that I love it, but I love how I feel after getting a good run in. I love the stamina and endurance I have from running. So I keep doing it because I love the benefits.

Running in races can be fun and motivating too. I just ran a St. Patrick's day race and it was awesome to see all sorts of runners out there. Young, old, fat, skinny at all levels of speed - you truly can do it!

Tsoggo

I enjoy sports a lot. But I'm not that good at it. And you need someone to play with you. That's my problem, I'm an introvert. I don't have lots of friends who can play with me. Also the area where I live doesn't have free basketball courts or tennis courts or table tennis table

lorrpb

Yes, start with lots of walking. Consider cycling or swimmimg for alternative activities to running.

Blitzia

I'm with you OP - I hated running but I felt like I needed to, so I've stuck with it and now I hate it significantly less. I disagree with people saying to find another exercise - for me, I hated running because it was hard. Any exercise would have been hard, so sticking through it helped me and now it's less hard and less miserable. I wouldn't give up on running until you're certain you hate running, not just that you hate vigorous exercise. Here are my tips to make it a little more bearable:

1. Zombies run - as other posters have said, it's super fun. You can combine it with other programs or music, and it works even if you're a beginner just walking.
2. Merge it with things you enjoy - if you can run on a treadmill, pick an awesome movie or tv show to watch while you run. If you're outside, consider a fun audiobook or podcast. You'll go slower than you might if you listened to music, but the more you practice, the faster you'll get.
3. Sign up for a 5k as soon as possible. They are super fun and it's really helpful to have a goal to work towards. If you're worried about being slow, don't be! I'm slow myself, so when I find a race that sounds good, I look up the last year's results for that race on active.com. I have yet to see a race where there wasn't at least one person who finished over 55 minutes, so chances are, as long as you can walk 5k, you'll fit right in even if you're still a beginning runner.

Other posters are right, you don't *have* to run to lose weight, but it helps and there are a lot of other benefits. I think you should try out some suggestions to make it a little more tolerable before you completely throw in the towel.

Oh and my last suggestion, just be proud of yourself for trying your best. If you plan to go out and run but you end up walking more than you planned, so what! You got out and moving and you got some exercise. I really believe every bit helps, so each time you practice you're getting a little bit better.