Runners, when does running become enjoyable?

13

Replies

  • skashi1
    skashi1 Posts: 8 Member
    I also want to mention, if you're having pain, you need to be fitted for sneakers and inserts. I paid almost 200 for both and now I'm virtually pain free. Initially kept popping something in my calf, but after a month of Chiropractic appointments and new gear, I'm 100% better. Sneakers need to be replaced every 6 months.
  • lmckillo
    lmckillo Posts: 127 Member
    I find the trick for me is to not think about running while I am running. I listen to music and I let my mind wander to the events of the day or to pleasant things. Of course you have to be focused enough to watch for traffic. The moment I stop thinking about running the more pleasant it becomes
  • JL2513
    JL2513 Posts: 867 Member
    I wouldn't call myself a "runner", but I run once or twice a week and about 5K each time. I only started a few months ago and was pretty sporadic, but have gradually made it more of a regular thing. There's a great quote I found online about running that really resonates with me:

    "Running is the human body's most raw form of freedom."

    That about sums up the appeal of it and why I do enjoy it. To be able to pump my arms and legs continuously, pounding the pavement, going at whatever speed I want, feeling my heart rate accelerate and gulping in fresh air while passing beautiful scenery- nothing really can compare. It makes me appreciate the fact that I'm healthy and don't have any physical ailments holding me back.

    Being able to run further and increasing my endurance is great motivation. I take pride in the little achievements. I also get a lot of thinking done during my runs, so they always pass by quicker. As my weight drops, running gets easier- less baggage to haul around :)
  • AprilRenewed
    AprilRenewed Posts: 691 Member
    I can't remember. Honestly. Whenever I start out on a run, I'm not really excited or thrilled about it. But somewhere along the line, I start to feel this...exhilarating feeling of accomplishment. Of freedom. I can't explain it. This feeling of pushing myself beyond where I thought my limits were and finding I can do so much more than I ever thought. I get there at some point during every run.

    I'll try to pay attention tomorrow and let you know. :)
  • Adrianachiarato
    Adrianachiarato Posts: 362 Member
    When I'm finished and I crack open the first beer

    Indeed.
  • JAGgirl47
    JAGgirl47 Posts: 70 Member
    I'm still waiting for it to be pleasant after a year and a half. However, I am training for a triathlon and all of my bike training and swimming is making me into a better runner and making it a little less miserable. Note, however, that I am not yet saying it is pleasant. I am excited about the fact that I had gone 20 years without running and didn't think I would again and C25K got me going again. I love my sense of accomplishment after the run!
  • plateaued
    plateaued Posts: 199 Member
    When you are running at least 3/week. It creates endorphins which are pleasant and also addictive. Thus, withdrawal and crankiness if you stop running. Lose weight. Running heavy is never fun.
  • guessrs
    guessrs Posts: 358 Member
    The last few miles, the finish and the high after I finish.
    Also when I beat my personal best.
    Finally, when my legs are strong and well rested.
  • AbbeyDove
    AbbeyDove Posts: 317 Member

    "Running is the human body's most raw form of freedom."

    That's a nice quote--motivating, too! I'm off to go find some better shoes, and I might switch to an elliptical for a little while until my knee feels better. Pretty achey after my run this morning.
  • asp415
    asp415 Posts: 1,492 Member
    I've been running regularly for about 10 years. Sometimes it still sucks. A lot of the time, after I warm up for a mile or so, then I'm good to go. And then there are times, especially when I'm trail running, that it's so much fun I don't ever want to stop.

    But even the worst run - when I'm done - feels better than not having run at all.

    This.

    I feel like a machine usually about 45 minutes+ into a good run. I love the way I'm pounding along with music in my ears, rhythmic breathing, sweat pouring... I love it. When you get in that aerobic groove pace that you feel like you could keep up forever. That's the spot right there.

    This.

    You find your pace, your heart beating strong, the music in your ears, your footfalls on the earth. It's a total zen moment & your just like awhhhh I can keep going forever. Some days though I don't get it right, but like the others said, I still feel good that I did it. BTW I was never a runner & never in a million years thought I would ever run & those first 60 seconds felt like hell, my knee joints burned, I was laid up w/PF for a few weeks, everyday felt like torture, but I kept going & now after 2mos. I say, I'm a runner. BTW the shoes are a must, get fitted & see what works for you. I tried minimalist & that didn't work, I needed more support. So go get fitted & don't skimp.
  • madtownjeremy
    madtownjeremy Posts: 249

    How weird, I am different! I had developed pain in my knee running in "barefoot" shoes. I treated it as "runner's knee", and the pain got better until i started increasing my miles again. I finally switched to more supportive shoes, and I love running now! Plus, i seem to be trail runniing a lot, and the stability shoes prevent me from rolling my ankles in gravel...

    Good luck! Definatley check out a LOCAL running shoe store where they fit you and watch your stride when you test jog. :drinker:

    You may not have taken enough time to transition, or there could be other issues.

    As much as I want to say 'the bottom line is that the foot wasn't designed to require ANY external support', the bottom line really is that as long as you're out there running, then rock on.

    Just remember that your foot (your whole leg actually) is designed to absorb the shock from a mid/fore foot landing...so if you're heel striking, you're in the wrong shoes. Period.
  • _Zardoz_
    _Zardoz_ Posts: 3,987 Member
    There are three times running is enjoyable for me

    1. When I am finished
    2. When I am so into the run that I forget I am running
    3. When I wake up the next morning and feel my body tighter, firmer and lighter

    Regarding shoes...go to your local running shoe store and they will put you on a treadmill, rate your stride, see if you are a pronator, etc and tell you the best shoe to buy. You may be tempted to go cheaper online...but don't! Buy local and ask if they have a running group. That is how I started. Now I love running and you know the rest of my story...
    Not everyone has a local running store
  • kf5ljp
    kf5ljp Posts: 31
    I ran almost everyday for three years in the USMC. I hated it but it kept me in shape. I just had one question for the USMC. If we are the ones to attack and never retreat,,,why is it that we are focusing on the the cowardly act of running? Today after 30 years later it dawned on me that those calories that we burned up were actually keeping us going. I finally get my degree in the University of Hard Knocks
  • jayjay12345654321
    jayjay12345654321 Posts: 653 Member
    At what point in your training, if ever, did you start to actually enjoy running?

    Never. :laugh: I found it to be monotonous and boring and as a woman with DD cups, a pain in the chest to find a bra substantial enough to last for 10 or more miles on a regular basis.
  • jayjay12345654321
    jayjay12345654321 Posts: 653 Member
    I ran almost everyday for three years in the USMC. I hated it but it kept me in shape. I just had one question for the USMC. If we are the ones to attack and never retreat,,,why is it that we are focusing on the the cowardly act of running? Today after 30 years later it dawned on me that those calories that we burned up were actually keeping us going. I finally get my degree in the University of Hard Knocks

    I suppose you could go waltzing into a foot charge, but you might lose the element of surprise by the time you get there.
  • kf5ljp
    kf5ljp Posts: 31
    I prefer bang bang you're dead LOL
  • Sonj1973
    Sonj1973 Posts: 188 Member
    Bump....foam rolling?? will google later :) thanx
  • mjpTennis
    mjpTennis Posts: 6,165 Member
    Lots of good advice out here....for me running became enjoyable when I focused on the gains - getting into smaller clothes, feeling healthier, walking for longer periods of time, then running for longer periods of time. I realized it was the most efficient way for me to get the cardio workouts in. The most important factor for me is the ability to see my gains over time. I logged all of my runs so I could see the gains. Some times it was that I ran for 30 seconds longer than the previous week, sometimes it was that I ran a little faster. When I started I even repeated weeks on the C25k if I didn't think that I was ready.

    Definitely take some time to explore some different shoes as that could be the problem with the leg pains. I did the same thing and it was a huge difference.

    Hope you found your answer out here. I can tell you want to be running!
  • CherryOnionKiss
    CherryOnionKiss Posts: 376 Member
    May I suggest aqua-jogging? It's still cardio but it's so much easier on the joints.
  • katscoots
    katscoots Posts: 255 Member
    Usually at the end of the run - at least for me lately. Some days I could run forever, other days, it's painful to take 3 steps. BUT - I'm always glad I did it when I'm done.
  • jenn26point2
    jenn26point2 Posts: 429 Member
    I'm working on a C25K program, and I've just started week 4. I have compromised lung function, but the intense aerobic exercise is making it better-my lung function was up to 83% from 74% at the last office visit! And the extra cardio is definitely making it easier for me to lose weight. So, this has done good things for me. But here's the thing. At present, I really don't like running. It feels grueling. It also hurts my hip and my knee right now, though as my weight goes down that may change. At what point in your training, if ever, did you start to actually enjoy running?

    If your hip and knee hurts, chances are your shoes are wrong. I had similar issues. I didn't find relief in my hip and knee pain until I ventured into the realm of barefoot running (I wear vibram toe shoes). That being said, it took 6 years to finally enjoy running. Now it's easy and pain free and I love it.
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    OP, I don't want to burst your bubble, but it doesn't get enjoyable for everyone. I ran regularly for a couple of years and always found it grueling. Everything I liked about it had to do with it being over. :laugh:

    I liked the sense of accomplishment, as I'd never been able to run any distance whatsoever before. I loved the calorie burn because I didn't really worry about calories when I was running. But the actual running? I never liked it. It was a means to and end, but that was enough to keep me going.
  • running_free_1984
    running_free_1984 Posts: 115 Member
    I'm not sure when it happened. I was training just to reach distance goals and to lose weight. I had an operation just as i was really starting to pick up speed and distance. The depression that ensued while having to recover from 4 holes in my abdomen was awful. I was desperate to 'feel' running again, even just to go on a walk. It made me realise how vital it was to me as a person and not just for fitness or any superficial reason. And i NEVER take for granted my ability to go out, try my best and enjoy it for what it is and how it makes me feel...
  • running_free_1984
    running_free_1984 Posts: 115 Member
    I've been running regularly for about 10 years. Sometimes it still sucks. A lot of the time, after I warm up for a mile or so, then I'm good to go. And then there are times, especially when I'm trail running, that it's so much fun I don't ever want to stop.

    But even the worst run - when I'm done - feels better than not having run at all.

    This.

    I feel like a machine usually about 45 minutes+ into a good run. I love the way I'm pounding along with music in my ears, rhythmic breathing, sweat pouring... I love it. When you get in that aerobic groove pace that you feel like you could keep up forever. That's the spot right there.

    this
  • SoDamnHungry
    SoDamnHungry Posts: 6,998 Member
    Some people never enjoy running. I have enjoyed it precisely once. During my first and only 5k. Not at all during the training for it.
  • JennetteMac
    JennetteMac Posts: 763 Member
    Same time as sticking needles in your eyeballs.


    I made myself train and run for Race for Life twice, after a relative and a friend died from cancer.
    Only that made me do it.
    I hated it, but hated cancer more.

    Never got back in to it.
    Given my motivations, hope I never have to either.
  • Greywalk
    Greywalk Posts: 193 Member
    After every workout about 30 minutes when I finished and the endrophins kicked in major. Seriously I tried running off and on for a number of years but always got shin splits and hip pains. The last time I took the trouble to go to a running store and have them recommend a shoe. I used a running store that really analyzed my gait and the sales man came highly recommended by a running friend. It worked my shoes were like running on clouds and I could run without the shin splints or the pain. I normally run about 10 to 20 miles a week depending on what I am doing and then play soccer for an additional 5 to 12 miles. I am still not skinny but I am alive and enjoy my sport at age 56. I run in the morning. A few times I have run and got to thinking about things completely forgetting about the time. I urge everyone correct shoes...pay the extra coin to get the right ones...then work your way up to it. I am a runner and know this because I run rain or shine cold or hot...and sometimes when I hate it but often when I don't feel one way or another.
  • sarah_lou22
    sarah_lou22 Posts: 79
    running isn't for everyone. personally, I HATED to run when I was younger, and now have started to really appreciate it. It makes me sweat the most, and when I am really stressed out -- I crave sweat!

    try running in different areas, running on the treadmill while watching a movie or listening to an audio book, or run outside around a beautiful wooded park -- find what keeps you motivated. do you give up when you know how far you have gone? when your lungs start to hurt? when you get tired? when you are done?

    frankly, if you don't like to run -- then don't! do something else that you enjoy so that you continue to do it. that is the point, right? to stay active? if your distain for running is causing you not to want to do it, then take my advice and find something else. especially something that is easier on your knees/hips like the elliptical or swimming!
  • melmckay99
    melmckay99 Posts: 358
    I'm not sure I understand why people want to do things they don't enjoy? I have this feeling that most of you who say you HATE running secretly enjoy it, but complaining about it gives you oppurtunity to talk about it and brag in front of your friends about your secret awesomeness without sounding like an egotistical fitness freak. Running is not always easy though, I agree with that much. Some days running is better than others, but I never regret a run. They are a Sunday ritual for me now. I get up bright and early and put in about 10K every Sunday morning while the rest of the world is sleeping in. Best. Feeling. Ever. :)
  • spoiledpuppies
    spoiledpuppies Posts: 675 Member
    I do absolutely love running! When I started, I could barely go a block or two without stopping to walk. I'm not sure how long it took to love it, but I can tell you that I literally cried in the doctor's office when I was told I have plantar fasciitis and shouldn't run for awhile (which has turned into five years!). I love it so much, that I've decided to run with the pain because I've found that if I take it easy and only do it every week or so, it doesn't actually make the pain any worse than it would be anyway.

    I think my favorite thing is that, though it can be hard--especially at the beginning, it really feels like the easiest way to get a good workout. I can get my heart rate up doing other things, but I actually feel like I'm really working hard to do so. With running, I just go and the heart rate's up before I know it!

    Good luck! (I'm jealous!)

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