Re-evaluation of my running career

missevil
missevil Posts: 113 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hello,

this is a collection of thoughts and maybe it helps to shape them into words and maybe some of you have some wise comments as well.

I hate sports! Always have. I try to do a bit to get in shape and support my weight loss. I commute by bike to work and was in a studio about 2 years back. I didn't have a plan other than "everything should become better" and gave up after a few months and very little body improvement. My weight is ok (upper limit of the normal BMI) but my body fat is still above 30% and I'm soft and round everywhere.

About 10 weeks ago, I decided to start running. I did the C25K program and seeing the daily improvements was very motivating. I didn't enjoy the runs but I went out to see whether or not I master the next step. Yesterday, I joined my very first 5K and now I am at a point where I have to decide how to proceed.

My performance is now ok. I finish the 5-6K on my regular route depending on my daily form. But there are no real improvements anymore. Sure, the more often I run, the better my endurance will become, I know that but I'll stay at this level.

So either, I keep running just for fun and all the nice positive things, like feeling relaxed, free, energised, getting my head free, loving the fresh air... problem: I don't feel any of those. I simply don't enjoy it. it's a fight every morning and I only do it because I have to (leading to yesterday's race). The Scenery along the river is very nice but that's the only positive thing - well, and the 200-300 extra calories of course ;)

Or I start investing and improving. Working on the tempo, the form, adding strength training and probably even joining a gym. This time, with a more concrete plan of what I want and need and one with real trainers and consistent supervision, rather than a very cheap one where nobody cares what you do.

Option b would be the clever one and the one that hopefully finally helps with my very high BF. But I'm afraid that I still hate it and only participate half-assed. I haven't found anything yet that I really like. I simply hate sweating and not seeing any results in a reasonable time. (I'm not talking 2Kilos per week or visible abs in two months here, I'm more realistic like that ;) )

How long did it take for you to embrace running? I know that I'm not the only one who hated it in the beginning.
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Replies

  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,616 Member
    I did a few runs on the treadmill toward the end of November last year. That seemed to go OK, so I tried it outside in December. I surprised myself. I didn't think I could run more than about 1 km, but there I was doing 2 and 3. So I signed up for a 10K run in mid-January ... built up to it ... and did it. :)

    Then I returned to cycling until recently.

    Recently, I've been running again because I've signed up for a 5K in a couple weeks ... and I'm sort of thinking of trying for a half marathon in mid-January.

    Maybe you need to find an event.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    i hated running until i trained for a half marathon, which made a 5k feel 'easy'. but actually, it never gets easier, you just get faster.

    i was a very inconsistent runner - train for 3 months, do a race, stop running for 2 months, sign up for a race, train for 3 months etc etc its only been the last 2 and a half years where i have been consistently training (even when i didn't have a race planned) that i have seen the most improvement and enjoyed what i have been doing.

    if you are feeling too squishy then i would highly recommend strength training. i have recently added in a full body workout programme 2 x a week, and it is making a massive difference - and its helping my running too. (i run 3-4 x a week, cross train on stationary bike 1-2 x a week and strength train 2 x a week)

    overall my advice to you would be to think about your goals. there are certainly many more options than the 2 you have provided in your post, IMO
  • Wen2Run
    Wen2Run Posts: 62 Member
    missevil wrote: »
    Hello,

    this is a collection of thoughts and maybe it helps to shape them into words and maybe some of you have some wise comments as well.

    I hate sports! Always have. I try to do a bit to get in shape and support my weight loss. I commute by bike to work and was in a studio about 2 years back. I didn't have a plan other than "everything should become better" and gave up after a few months and very little body improvement. My weight is ok (upper limit of the normal BMI) but my body fat is still above 30% and I'm soft and round everywhere.

    About 10 weeks ago, I decided to start running. I did the C25K program and seeing the daily improvements was very motivating. I didn't enjoy the runs but I went out to see whether or not I master the next step. Yesterday, I joined my very first 5K and now I am at a point where I have to decide how to proceed.

    My performance is now ok. I finish the 5-6K on my regular route depending on my daily form. But there are no real improvements anymore. Sure, the more often I run, the better my endurance will become, I know that but I'll stay at this level.

    So either, I keep running just for fun and all the nice positive things, like feeling relaxed, free, energised, getting my head free, loving the fresh air... problem: I don't feel any of those. I simply don't enjoy it. it's a fight every morning and I only do it because I have to (leading to yesterday's race). The Scenery along the river is very nice but that's the only positive thing - well, and the 200-300 extra calories of course ;)

    Or I start investing and improving. Working on the tempo, the form, adding strength training and probably even joining a gym. This time, with a more concrete plan of what I want and need and one with real trainers and consistent supervision, rather than a very cheap one where nobody cares what you do.

    Option b would be the clever one and the one that hopefully finally helps with my very high BF. But I'm afraid that I still hate it and only participate half-assed. I haven't found anything yet that I really like. I simply hate sweating and not seeing any results in a reasonable time. (I'm not talking 2Kilos per week or visible abs in two months here, I'm more realistic like that ;) )

    How long did it take for you to embrace running? I know that I'm not the only one who hated it in the beginning.

    I don't think anything will make you enjoy running if you don't already enjoy it. I disliked maybe my first 2 or 3 runs but very quickly after that I really started to enjoy it.

    You might as well just stick to running for "fun" because the tempo work, fartlek training, vo2 max, lactic threshold stuff that you need to work on to really take your running to the next level is even less fun.

    I'm currently reading the guide to ultrarunning training and one of the big points in that is that you need to be emotionally connected with what you want to do. You have got to enjoy it because at the end of the day you just won't really put the effort in for something you really don't want to do.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    Wen2Run wrote: »
    missevil wrote: »
    Hello,

    this is a collection of thoughts and maybe it helps to shape them into words and maybe some of you have some wise comments as well.

    I hate sports! Always have. I try to do a bit to get in shape and support my weight loss. I commute by bike to work and was in a studio about 2 years back. I didn't have a plan other than "everything should become better" and gave up after a few months and very little body improvement. My weight is ok (upper limit of the normal BMI) but my body fat is still above 30% and I'm soft and round everywhere.

    About 10 weeks ago, I decided to start running. I did the C25K program and seeing the daily improvements was very motivating. I didn't enjoy the runs but I went out to see whether or not I master the next step. Yesterday, I joined my very first 5K and now I am at a point where I have to decide how to proceed.

    My performance is now ok. I finish the 5-6K on my regular route depending on my daily form. But there are no real improvements anymore. Sure, the more often I run, the better my endurance will become, I know that but I'll stay at this level.

    So either, I keep running just for fun and all the nice positive things, like feeling relaxed, free, energised, getting my head free, loving the fresh air... problem: I don't feel any of those. I simply don't enjoy it. it's a fight every morning and I only do it because I have to (leading to yesterday's race). The Scenery along the river is very nice but that's the only positive thing - well, and the 200-300 extra calories of course ;)

    Or I start investing and improving. Working on the tempo, the form, adding strength training and probably even joining a gym. This time, with a more concrete plan of what I want and need and one with real trainers and consistent supervision, rather than a very cheap one where nobody cares what you do.

    Option b would be the clever one and the one that hopefully finally helps with my very high BF. But I'm afraid that I still hate it and only participate half-assed. I haven't found anything yet that I really like. I simply hate sweating and not seeing any results in a reasonable time. (I'm not talking 2Kilos per week or visible abs in two months here, I'm more realistic like that ;) )

    How long did it take for you to embrace running? I know that I'm not the only one who hated it in the beginning.

    I don't think anything will make you enjoy running if you don't already enjoy it. I disliked maybe my first 2 or 3 runs but very quickly after that I really started to enjoy it.

    You might as well just stick to running for "fun" because the tempo work, fartlek training, vo2 max, lactic threshold stuff that you need to work on to really take your running to the next level is even less fun.

    I'm currently reading the guide to ultrarunning training and one of the big points in that is that you need to be emotionally connected with what you want to do. You have got to enjoy it because at the end of the day you just won't really put the effort in for something you really don't want to do.

    i don't do it often, but i actually really enjoy speed work - sprinting is like being a kid again, its great!!!
  • missevil
    missevil Posts: 113 Member
    LivingtheLeanDream wrote: »
    It sounds like you are pretty good at running already... but if you really don't like it then why not find an activity you would like?

    I'm certainly not ;)

    No, but it's a valid question. And the answer is: I've tried a few things and hated everything the same. And out of all those activities, running is the most "simple" one. Just get out, whenever you feel like and do something for your fitness. No need to go somewhere, no fixed appointments, just you and your shoes. And even if I continue doing it "for fun" it's something valuable for fitness and weight loss. That's why I think about continuing.
  • MikePfirrman
    MikePfirrman Posts: 3,307 Member
    I didn't enjoy running for around 5 months. Then one day, after gradually doing more and more, I wasn't hurting. The physical pain of running should eventually lessen. When that does, it's more enjoyable. I never liked running on concrete or asphalt but found I loved trail running. I eventually competed for around 3 years on trail runs around my area and gained a huge appreciation for some of my city's and region's parks. I'm in Cincy and we don't have a Natl park nearby but some of the local parks are gorgeous once you get deep inside them. Plus the elevations were a huge challenge (we have surprisingly some of the hardest hills in the US -- the winner of Badwater a few years ago was from Cincy and said our hills were as challenging as anywhere in the US).

    I ended up getting chronic knee pain from running and went to rowing and now I love rowing. Find what you like. Keep with running long enough to get your cardio really improved, then try different things. Try trails, try biking, try rowing. Lift. Do other things and cross train once you're in much better shape.

    Would agree with others, until the base training isn't hard for you, don't move on to intervals/sprints. You would hate those. 10 weeks is nothing in terms of running.
  • missevil
    missevil Posts: 113 Member
    TavistockToad wrote: »
    overall my advice to you would be to think about your goals. there are certainly many more options than the 2 you have provided in your post, IMO
    Sure, there are definitely more goals, I was just mentioning the ones that the people around me, who all just run for fun, quote when I talk to them about running. They don't have goals, they just love being out and doing something against the desk-stiffness and having some quality me-time. The calories are the most obvious plus, but certainly not a goal.

    I got a voucher for a day in a nearby gym yesterday and will try it out. Strength training is always a good thing, and I just hope that those two things can motivate each other. Needing the muscles for running and seeing the improvement during the runs.

    Thank you for the input :)
  • missevil
    missevil Posts: 113 Member
    MikePfirrman wrote: »
    I didn't enjoy running for around 5 months.
    Finally, someone who agrees that it doesn't have to click in the first month. That is the input I was asking about :) I, fortunately, don't hurt (only after getting a new pair of shoes, before they were broken in). If I'd hurt, I would have stopped weeks ago.

    I know that 10 weeks is nothing but it's hard to keep going if you don't feel anything positive, which is why I appreciate stories like yours. Thank you
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    missevil wrote: »
    MikePfirrman wrote: »
    I didn't enjoy running for around 5 months.
    Finally, someone who agrees that it doesn't have to click in the first month. That is the input I was asking about :) I, fortunately, don't hurt (only after getting a new pair of shoes, before they were broken in). If I'd hurt, I would have stopped weeks ago.

    I know that 10 weeks is nothing but it's hard to keep going if you don't feel anything positive, which is why I appreciate stories like yours. Thank you

    I found that I don't particularly enjoy short distances. I don't race anything less than half marathon.
  • kdbulger
    kdbulger Posts: 396 Member
    edited September 2018
    I started in February just to see if I COULD get to the point where I could run 5k. I fully expected to hate it and then move on to something else but I loved it.

    My advice:
    - Try changing things about your running routine. Try playing with pace (when I found my true 'easy' pace, things really clicked for me! The absence of struggle was really freeing, even though it was a LOT slower than I had been running). It's hard to enjoy running when you are going hard every run.
    - Try switching to podcasts from music, or vice versa. Try running with no audio at all.
    - If you normally run on sidewalks, go run in a park with nice groomed trails. Sometimes those little changes can really make all the difference.
    - Switch your normal time of day and see if maybe you're more of a morning person or an evening runner, etc.
    - You could try running with a friend or a new running group. It's surprisingly nice to run with another human.
    - New gear? E.G., for me a properly fitted sportsbra for HIGH impact made it way more comfortable and even improved my pace. A running belt for my phone and a pair of wireless headphones removed the frustration of getting the cord tangled. New sneakers made my runs way more comfortable, and again improved my pace.

    You're not obligated to love running, and you're not obligated to continue. But maybe with some tweaks you'll find a way to enjoy it. It sounds like you really want to love it.

    Oh, and if summer was at its peak for most of your training, you may feel MUCH better when the weather cools down again. Many of my summer runs were run via struggle-bus.
  • Purplebunnysarah
    Purplebunnysarah Posts: 3,252 Member
    The most accomplished and amazing I ever felt was after my first 10K trail race. Something about hauling my fat *kitten* up over essentially a sand cliff and then sliding back down the other side on my *kitten* and finishing the whole thing just felt awesome. Actually better than finishing a half marathon!

    So maybe try hitting the trails :). Mud is fun too, although not on a curving downhill with a steep dropoff on the other side ;)
  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
    running is a personal thing
    i don't like getting started. i sometimes don't like while i do it. but i love it and especially the feeling after i've completed a long run.
    i'm not fast. i'm working with a plan. i do better when i have a plan.
    so if you don't like it even when you are done, maybe it's not for you. maybe you need a challenge like running a middle distance (race or not race). maybe you need to give it up for a bit and see if you miss it. maybe you could try running with a group to see if the comradrie is what you are missing
  • Panini911
    Panini911 Posts: 2,325 Member
    edited September 2018
    If training makes you feel motivated nothing wrong with that. I found that highly motivated (possibly too motivating...)

    I have been running for years. Year round, 4-5x a day. I can't say I ever WANTED to go beforehand until recently, but I felt better after. But I scheduled it when it was a bit easier (lunch break or right afterwork). I could never do morning runs, i tried and it was horrible, just not for me. I recently stated training with a group (10k clsas) then training for races (which I've had to cancel unfortunately) which reallly got me going and exited. But even there, sometimes the weather is crap, or i feel like crap and tired and don't want to go. But I push myself to just get it started. then things usually sorta sort themselves out.

    Maybe running with someone else? running group? making it more social?
  • MsMaeFlowers
    MsMaeFlowers Posts: 261 Member
    I don't enjoy my runs so much. I have to push myself to even do them most days. And I have been running on and off for over a year now (had to take a couple breaks for surgery and now have some bladder issues that can make it a pain to try and run so I skip the bad days).

    What I do love is how I feel after the run. So I push myself to do the run to get the reward. Do you enjoy anything at all about running? If not, maybe there is something else out there that you could find at least 1 aspect of to enjoy. Even if it's just the feeling after you finish it, like me.
  • thisPGHlife
    thisPGHlife Posts: 440 Member
    I was going to recommend trying trail running and I noticed others have mentioned it. I would like to also point out that it's different and you won't end up having the same timing as doing road or treadmill running. Because of the terrain you have to work more on stabilizing yourself. The newness could help you. Or, training for a 10k. Maybe find a C210K program.

    Another thing to think about is that you don't necessarily have to go to the gym to get less squishy. You could look into body weight fitness. If you think this something that could work for you, maybe look for a minimalist routine to start off and work up to a full routine.

    At the end of the day, it's much easier to stick with working out if it's something you enjoy. Whether or not you'll learn to love running, or learn to love it enough, only time will tell. And your the only one that can make that decision. I am not as far as you in my journey with running. I know it still kinda sucks but I still look forward to it. Not the hurting, but seeing that my body can do things that I thought it couldn't. I'm also the type of person that lives for the "I told you so,." I would never say it but I love accomplishing the thing. That pushes me to set high goals and planning helps me get there.

    So maybe your workout needs perspective. Or a reason. If accomplishing something like a marathon or an ultra isn't a reason that keeps you going, maybe something else is. There are so many things that are enjoyable that can be exercise that we wouldn't normally think of. Rock climbing, walls or outdoors. It's not so much about cardio but definitely involves your muscles and gets you moving. Skateboarding. Ice skating.

    Good luck and I hope you find something you enjoy.
  • thisPGHlife
    thisPGHlife Posts: 440 Member
    I also forgot to mention, maybe look into SMART goals. Do a little soul searching once you land on something you want to do. Then set a goal. Not nebulous like everything being better 😁, but something VERY specific and then outline how your going to get there. Break it down into long, medium, and short term goals.
  • ecrosby512
    ecrosby512 Posts: 55 Member
    I hate running around in circles (like on a track) and even worse the treadmill. But I do like these things about it:

    Running TO somewhere;
    Running in a soccer game or basketball game- so much more fun when in running shape;
    Running with a friend at a pace we can both talk;
    Running intervals or sprints or fartlek, as others have said-feels like being a kid again;
    Having a workout that only takes 45 minutes;
    Spacing out on a long run.

    It takes me months to get in shape enough to really enjoy it. Strength training helps a lot. It doesn’t have to be in a gym. It can be sprinting uphill, or running up stairs or bleachers at the high school, or lunges on a bridge watching the sun go down.

    Keep at it! You’ve come this far, don’t give up yet! Still likely you may find the aspect of it that you enjoy.
  • CSARdiver
    CSARdiver Posts: 6,252 Member
    I'm 47 and have been running my whole life. I've been in competitive programs and I hate certain elements of running, but I love what running provides me. Similar to studying I don't know if anyone enjoys the hard work building up to the culmination, but they enjoy sitting back at the end and witnessing the results of effort.

    When I was in track my joy came from records and being the best on the field - the competition. 30 years later and I still dread the first couple miles, then my body just slips into gear and I go on autopilot. I do much of my planning and thinking on runs.

    I've also shifted more to trail running and different competitions - triathlons, multi-sport, obstacle course races, etc. In this regard running serves a greater purpose
  • GiddyupTim
    GiddyupTim Posts: 2,819 Member
    Bodies are made for movement.
    If you dislike running, quit doing it.
    But you'll have to find some kind of activity you do like doing.
    Just sitting is not an option for a human being.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    GiddyupTim wrote: »
    Bodies are made for movement.
    If you dislike running, quit doing it.
    But you'll have to find some kind of activity you do like doing.
    Just sitting is not an option for a human being.

    Unfortunately a lot of people do think it's an option!
  • sgt1372
    sgt1372 Posts: 3,997 Member
    edited September 2018
    I hate running. Always have and always will.

    There are other forms,of exercise that provide equivalent (and arguably greater) health benefits with less,risk of physical injury, such as biking, rowing and swimming.

    My exercise of choice is rowing daily and some occasional long distance hiking.

    Run if you enjoy it but there's no need to run if you don't.
  • jdubois5351
    jdubois5351 Posts: 460 Member
    I have tried running several times, but I just don't enjoy it. One time I got to the point were I could run 30 minutes at a time at a decent pace, but I still had to force myself every. single. time. Nope, not worth my valuable life time to do something I really hate (when I don't HAVE to do it). Instead, I turned to walking, which I enjoy much more.

    I am like you, though. I've never really like doing regularly scheduled sports. I do something when I feel like it, but I hate, hate, hate to have to go the gym regularly and stuff like that.
  • missevil
    missevil Posts: 113 Member
    Thank you all for your input, I really appreciate it. Love to read about your personal struggles/developments <3
    One more question, especially for @MikePfirrman and @TavistockToad (I'd love to read answers from anyone) What kept you continuing during the period in which you didn't enjoy it?
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    missevil wrote: »
    Thank you all for your input, I really appreciate it. Love to read about your personal struggles/developments <3
    One more question, especially for @MikePfirrman and @TavistockToad (I'd love to read answers from anyone) What kept you continuing during the period in which you didn't enjoy it?

    It turns out I'm super competitive with myself, so I wanted to get better and beat my PBs!!!!

    Thinking back, i got injured training for a 10k, and realised I actually missed running, and once I was recovered I became more consistent. That was the beginning of 2016 and when I signed up for my first half.
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    edited September 2018
    missevil wrote: »
    Thank you all for your input, I really appreciate it. Love to read about your personal struggles/developments <3
    One more question, especially for @MikePfirrman and @TavistockToad (I'd love to read answers from anyone) What kept you continuing during the period in which you didn't enjoy it?

    For me, doing C25K, I was traveling a lot for work. Running was easy to facilitate, consistent and not vulnerable to hotel facilities. Once I got to 10K I was finding more enjoyment in it. The first ten minutes or so were still a chore but I was finding that 45 minutes of an hour long run were enjoyable.
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    I bore easily. When it starts to creep up on my latest activity, I change something. When I first started running I thought the obvious answer was “longer runs” but I found my performance declined over the months. I found my most natural run is about 5K. I add variety by what I do for those 5K. I might sign up for a run. Or try that Zombies, Run app.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    I can honestly say that running was a chore for me for about the 1st year and as it became less painful (I was horribly out of shape) I started thinking about it less and enjoying it more. I also changed my mindset from doing it because it as good for me to thinking of it as play time.

    Another thing that changed running for me was racing. I'm still definitely a middle of the pack runner but I found a tangible way of measuring my improvement and I met a whole community that I hadn't known existed. i'm still mostly a solo runner but that's largely because I'm blessed with great recreational paths just a few hundred metres from my front door and my runs are like a form of meditation.

    Having said that, running isn't for everybody. What's important is that you're active and healthy. It may take some time to find your bliss but stay open to new experiences and have fun!

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