Runners, when does running become enjoyable?

crista_b

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?

Sorry, I didn't read through the whole thread (only read the first page), but I wanted to say, for A LOT of people week 4 is kind of the hump. It feels the hardest for some reason, but once you can get past it and finish week 5, you start to feel unstoppable.

Personally, week 5 is when I started to love running, and in the past I never would have thought that was possible. I'm now finishing the Zen Labs c210k program and doing a full 60-minute run on Thursday (if I can get out of bed at 4:15am :grumble: ). I'm planning to continue and sign up for the Feb 2015 Disney Princess half-marathon in June and hope to do a full-marathon before I turn 30. I definitely caught the running bug! :laugh:

With that said, you may not ever enjoy it, and that's okay. You don't have to run. If you like to dance, try Zumba; if you like to ride your bike, do that; etc. I think the key is finding something active that you enjoy and doing that, but from personal experience and a lot of discussions in the c25k group (http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/30-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k ), try to get through week 5 before deciding you don't want to do it.

PauliePCC

up to 2 years ago, I hated running. I only lifted weights, but barely ran. I decided to start running and at first, I would have to stop for air multiple times during a 3 mile run. I just keep on going because I was using the tracking app Endomondo which is awesome and always ran with my favorite music. Now I can 5k's and 10k's non-stop with pretty good speed because my lung capacity has increased dramatically. So to answer your question, it become fun to me when I saw the incremental progress I was making despite the grind. It won't be that fun at first because you are doing something that can be very challenging to the inexperienced body, but chip away and you will be awarded with progress and you'll def start to enjoy it much more. Btw, listen to your body. When you are sore and achy, take a rest day or two. Just don't extent the rest days into weeks or months like so many tend to do. Good luck.

gobonas99

Huh. Ok, now looking up minimalist running shoes. Didn't even know they were used for running. I thought minimalist shoes were more for weightlifting! Hey, does anyone have any recommendations for places to look for pain-free or low injury running tips? I've read Chi Running, but it's not entirely clicking.

Be cautioned, transitioning from a normal shoe to a minimalist shoe can cause a lot of calf pain as your stride and foot placement changes. Go slow in those. I would recommend going to a real running store (not a chain store) and getting fitted. They should watch you run and help you get what is right for you. Try on all sorts, and go with what feels best. A good shoe shouldn't need breaking in (the exception being your first pair of minimalist shoes if you are used to traditional heel-toe drops). A good store will let you return them if they don't work out.

I completely agree with this. most standard sneakers have a 12MM drop (the drop is the difference between the ball of your foot and your heel when standing on a flat surface - ie the sole of the sneaker is flat, but your heel is 12MM higher than the ball of your foot). When I last got fitted in July, I got a sneaker with an 8MM drop. It seriously took me about 4 weeks before it felt somewhat normal, and my calves were CRAZY sore after my runs. There are still days now (after almost two months and more than 80 miles using them), that the drop feels a bit weird and my calves still get sore - especially on my long run days. The guy at my running store who fitted me recommended sticking with the 8MM for at least 6 months before trying a sneaker with the next drop (4MM)....and even then, he said you should alternate between the 8MM drop and the 4MM drop for at least a month, because that is even more difficult to adjust to than going from 12MM to 8MM. Then stick with the 4MM for at least 6 months (he said many people wind up staying at 4MM for a year or more) before moving down to a "true" barefoot running shoe like Vibram that has no drop....but he also said that a lot of people end up sticking with a 4MM drop and not going further.

as far as when it becomes enjoyable, I'm hoping soon LOL I restarted running in May to train for a triathlon. I HATED it. WIth a fiery hot passion. I couldn't even run for 2 minutes without having to stop and walk. But I stuck with it. I've gone from a 15 minute mile to a fairly consistent 11:30 minute mile in about 12 weeks. I've gone from barely making it through 2 miles in a half hour to running 5 miles (with only about 2 minutes of walking) in under an hour. Now, I am working on my speed, because I want to get to a sub-30 minute 5k time. Are there still days when I have to walk a bit? Definitely. But there are also days where I run the entire time. Do I love running now? Not even close. But I don't hate it any more. I am starting to kinda like it a little bit. Of course, that may change once it gets too cold and snowy to run outside, and I have to run on the dreadmill...but hopefully I will survive winter and come spring, be consistently running sub-10 minute miles for 10k's

contingencyplan

It's a sensory thing for me. I find that the only way I can run for extended periods is on smooth, level surfaces and while wearing densely padded shoes. Even then I need some sort of mental distraction. It never really became "enjoyable" for me. But that's because the motion produced doesn't appeal to me on a sensory level. Up and down pogo jumping, on the other hand, does. Running isn't for everybody and you shouldn't force it on yourself if you don't want to. The only reason I'm even so much as attempting it is for my dog's sake.

barrpc

Didn't take but about a month before I really started to enjoy it. I don't think it is for everyone. My daughter runs and always tells me she hates it. I told her she should try some other forms of exercise. I know people who love cycling and that is all they do, some weights and body building. If you are not enjoying it find something you do enjoy, life is too short.

CARBLEGEND

its enjoyable immediately....from the first step...YOU ARE DOING IT WRONG....Run slowly...the first sign of pain..and stress...STOP...this is a big secret..its enjoyable because I never strain or stress....You will love this method...I began runnng 100 feet..the 150 etc. almost up to 13 miles now....you gotta love it ALL FUN WHEN YOU RUN...chuck the pain

DanIsACyclingFool

It's only enjoyable for me when I stop.

I've experimented with it for various purposes. Personally, I have no idea how people enjoy this!

You either enjoy it or you don't, IMO. If you're hoping you'll start liking it later on I'd pick another exercise. If fitness is too much like work you won't stick with it long term. Kudos to those who enjoy running for its own sake or enjoy the challenge but no force on earth will convert me from a cyclist to a runner!

mazmataz

If you run often and enough and for long enough, every now and then you will feel a big surge of energy mid-run. It feels like you're flying, like you could go on forever. This is the high that runners chase, and this is what makes it occassionally enjoyable

Also, you will always feel better for doing a run than not doing it!

Templar_Cullen

When I see how many miles I've done, am able to actually -run- long periods of times, It's such a rush of adrenline, that I can do this with my body and that I've improved from where I've come.

I used to not be able to do even 2.5mph for a long period of time, now I can do 4.5 for 20 minutes, It's just about taking the time to train your body and get used to the stress/endurance that comes with it.

Mommybug2

I am a firm believer that running isn't for everyone. I hate it and I will NEVER enjoy it. Being a DD-DDD all my life I have always detested running. I have tried 100s of bras but nothing that makes it "comfortable" for me to run. Then I broke my ankle in college and it didn't set right so now it causes me lots of issues especially when I try to run. Not to mention that as I get older my knees seem to "pop" and while it doesn't hurt in the moment - I get a lot of discomfort later in the day.

So instead I chose the elliptical, I can do @5 miles in 60 minutes, who needs the extra stress and pain of running when there are other alternatives? Not this girl!

MzPix

Hey, we are actually in a similar boat. I also have compromised lung function. I was diagnosed with emphysema in 2009. I also experience hip and knee pain, but not *while* I am jogging. (I use the term jogging because I am nowhere near an actual “run.”) The knee pain tends to flare up more when cycling. The hip pain acts up at night.

I actually look hysterical when I jog. I’m short and fat. I have no speed whatsoever. My full on run-as-fast-as-you-can-sprint is like 3.8 mph. I pant. I’m all bad-posture bent forward taking little baby steps like those old men shuffling down the nursing home hallway in slippers when they have to pee really bad. Yup. That’s what I look like when I’m running.

So, based on all of that, I darn well better get some kind of enjoyment out of it! Most of my enjoyment of jogging is more when I’m done than during my workout. It is a bit grueling at the time, but the satisfaction afterward trumps any unpleasantness. I feel like it strengthens my mind as much as my body. It’s a break for me too. I can get away from all the demands of my home and family, all the demands of work, all the demands of society, and just think about me, or think about nature, or not think at all.

Oh, and +1 to the relaxing with a drink afterward, although my choice is Merlot.

jenn26point2

Huh. Ok, now looking up minimalist running shoes. Didn't even know they were used for running. I thought minimalist shoes were more for weightlifting! Hey, does anyone have any recommendations for places to look for pain-free or low injury running tips? I've read Chi Running, but it's not entirely clicking.

Be cautioned, transitioning from a normal shoe to a minimalist shoe can cause a lot of calf pain as your stride and foot placement changes. Go slow in those. I would recommend going to a real running store (not a chain store) and getting fitted. They should watch you run and help you get what is right for you. Try on all sorts, and go with what feels best. A good shoe shouldn't need breaking in (the exception being your first pair of minimalist shoes if you are used to traditional heel-toe drops). A good store will let you return them if they don't work out.

I completely agree with this. most standard sneakers have a 12MM drop (the drop is the difference between the ball of your foot and your heel when standing on a flat surface - ie the sole of the sneaker is flat, but your heel is 12MM higher than the ball of your foot). When I last got fitted in July, I got a sneaker with an 8MM drop. It seriously took me about 4 weeks before it felt somewhat normal, and my calves were CRAZY sore after my runs. There are still days now (after almost two months and more than 80 miles using them), that the drop feels a bit weird and my calves still get sore - especially on my long run days. The guy at my running store who fitted me recommended sticking with the 8MM for at least 6 months before trying a sneaker with the next drop (4MM)....and even then, he said you should alternate between the 8MM drop and the 4MM drop for at least a month, because that is even more difficult to adjust to than going from 12MM to 8MM. Then stick with the 4MM for at least 6 months (he said many people wind up staying at 4MM for a year or more) before moving down to a "true" barefoot running shoe like Vibram that has no drop....but he also said that a lot of people end up sticking with a 4MM drop and not going further.

as far as when it becomes enjoyable, I'm hoping soon LOL I restarted running in May to train for a triathlon. I HATED it. WIth a fiery hot passion. I couldn't even run for 2 minutes without having to stop and walk. But I stuck with it. I've gone from a 15 minute mile to a fairly consistent 11:30 minute mile in about 12 weeks. I've gone from barely making it through 2 miles in a half hour to running 5 miles (with only about 2 minutes of walking) in under an hour. Now, I am working on my speed, because I want to get to a sub-30 minute 5k time. Are there still days when I have to walk a bit? Definitely. But there are also days where I run the entire time. Do I love running now? Not even close. But I don't hate it any more. I am starting to kinda like it a little bit. Of course, that may change once it gets too cold and snowy to run outside, and I have to run on the dreadmill...but hopefully I will survive winter and come spring, be consistently running sub-10 minute miles for 10k's

I agree with most of this regarding the transition period, but I cannot say any of it is untrue, so try it and see if it works. For ME, I had quit running for about 8 months. While I was off, I wore VFFs to walk in for my daily walks and wore minimalist shoes at work. If I wasn't in VFFs or my minimalist work shoes, I was barefoot. Given all that time off and out of "proper" shoes, my dr told me I could start running in VFFs and would likely have no issues (she's a marathoner and knows a thing or two about athletics). I had no calf pain and no complications that others experience. But i was also extra cautious about stretching and backing off if things felt weird. I started running in my VFFs doing C25k and now I'm up to 13 miles in them with zero complications. I'll be running my first half in them this weekend. I love them.

Anyhow, definitely consider changing the style of shoe for that knee/hip pain. You might find that alone will help you enjoy running. Running in pain is anything but enjoyable. My first 6 half marathons were done in an injured/recovering state thanks to stupid heel toe drop throwing things out of alignment and causing strain. Good luck!

USMCnetty90

I have just started running again and found this to be pretty motivating:

http://theoatmeal.com/comics/running

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS!!!! thank you for sharing.

I too have just started running - ran last week just because i was super crabby and was hoping to "uncrabby" myself... it worked but more because I ran into swarms of gnats and had little gnat carcasses stuck to my sweaty face after my run!!! (last time I run by the river in the dark!

SRB8710

Running is about beating yourself. For me it was AMAZING when I ran my first 5k. After that I was hooked with always beating my time or the distance I thought I could run.

lilfurson

If you're looking for it to become easy, that'll never happen. To me it's about staying healthy and the benefits it has. It gives me goals and things to strive towards. I find it weird to not run most days now.

bcf7683

When I'm finished and I crack open the first beer

:drinker:

scottb81

It becomes really enjoyable after your aerobic fitness has increased to the point that you can do an easy run at a reasonable pace at a relaxed effort level.

In my experience, to get to that point requires a lot of non-enjoyable running for a long time.

meeper123

I like to zone out and watch the world around me it helps me feel more peaceful and honestly makes me want to go on

alison2429

When I'm finished and I crack open the first beer

Agree with this. I can't run at the moment but when I did I don't think I ever really ENJOYED it. I ran so that I could tell everyone I was a runner, it kept my weight under control and I could still eat (and drink) within reason what I liked. I hope to get back to it but even at my 'peak' I wasn't that great - I did get my breathing under control after a few years (yes YEARS!) and the feeling at the end when you are showered and dressed is awesome. I'll get back to it one day..........:drinker:

walzllw

I accidently became a runner. I started out walking faster and faster. One day I decided to jog and would jog for 3 minutes or so at a time. Now I regularly run 4 miles and sometimes 5. I hate the first 1.5 miles or so until I get a good sweat going and I think about the fact that I can run over a mile..........3 miles. When I am done and I am sweaty and feel relaxed and sore I get a sense of pride and know I have done my body good. It also helps that I am getting toned fast and my clothes fit better!

Vivian06703188

You talking about runners high and it can be achieved after a whole lot of work. It is addictive and makes you feel great. But you probably won't start getting runners high until you get into great physical condition. You will know when you get it. But if you have having problems with your leg and hip you might want to consider a different type of activity.

madmiss

Running is like a bad marriage. You end up getting hurt, you drink a lot, and you keep coming back for more.

Haha this is awesome

I've also been doing the c25k program and am on wk 7 right now. Absolutely loving the longer runs. To think I could barely run 60 seconds a few short weeks ago is an amazing achievement and inspiration to me. I love trying to beat my personal best every time - I'm very competitive, even if it is only with myself! There hasn't been a day yet I have not wanted to run, I wish I could go every day! I never thought I could do this. It's not easy or effortless by any stretch, and my knees hurt like crazy for the first 5 weeks, even with proper shoes - but now it's starting to get better, I'm starting to get a stride, and I can see a light at the end of the tunnel which is the 5k I signed up for in 3 weeks! Oh and im pretty sure my music is the ONLY way I could do this!!!!

madmiss

I have just started running again and found this to be pretty motivating:

http://theoatmeal.com/comics/running

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS!!!! thank you for sharing.

I too have just started running - ran last week just because i was super crabby and was hoping to "uncrabby" myself... it worked but more because I ran into swarms of gnats and had little gnat carcasses stuck to my sweaty face after my run!!! (last time I run by the river in the dark!

Omg that stuff is funny!!!!!!