Help me learn to like running........

pelleld

I've never liked running, I think it goes back to when I was a kid and my father used to make me run around our very long block for exercise. Its like I've had a mental block against it ever since. Fast forward to last week, we went to our place up North, where there is no gym. I decided to run, OK Jog, every morning as a way to get some exercise in. I did it, didn't love it, but I did it. Currently I go to the gym 5 days per week, half hour cardio half hour weights. I've decided I'd like to find a way to incorporate running into my regimen. I'm also looking to re-lose 5 pounds I've put on this summer and thinking this might help? So, to all you runners out there, please convince me why I should try this.....

What can I expect to gain health-wise?
At what point do those endorphins kick in? I'm beginning to think they are imaginary
Will I ever grow to actually LIKE to run?
What is a good pace? Last night I ran 1.5 miles in 19 minutes, burned 146 calories....is that good? What should I be aiming for?

Anything else you want to share would be most appreciated! TIA!!

JenMc14

I started and stopped couch to 5k numerous times. I also thought I "had" to run. I hated it, so I realized I should stop, so I did. Fast forward a bit, I was getting fitter, and I decided to start to walk/jog a mile as a warm up before lifting. Then I worked on my time, then it decided why not look at a 5k training plan for a local race, so I did that. A runner friend of mine saw I was running and convinced my to do a 10k with her this summer. So, I signed up for the local 5k as "practice" and continued running. Then I did another. Then the 10k, then more 5ks. I don't "love" running, but I've realized I like races! So, start slow. Don't worry about being fast. Honestly, for me, the first mile always sucks, then it gradually gets better, then my left knee starts to hurt, but the rest of me feels good! Lol. I don't get the "runner's high", and I don't love my training runs. But, I haven't been running lately, and I do miss it a bit. I'm excited and a bit dreading starting back up next week.

All that being said, you don't have to run to lose weight. If you hate it, find something else.

CarsonRuns

What can I expect to gain health-wise?

Stronger heart muscle. Muscle tone in your legs. Improved aerobic conditioning.

At what point do those endorphins kick in? I'm beginning to think they are imaginary

You'll know when they do. Just keep running. They aren't imaginary.

Will I ever grow to actually LIKE to run?

Maybe, maybe not. You'll have a better chance of liking it if you find interesting places to run and you slow down so you can enjoy them without feeling like your heart is going to explode through your chest. Slow and easy is the way to go.

What is a good pace? Last night I ran 1.5 miles in 19 minutes, burned 146 calories....is that good? What should I be aiming for?

A good pace is whatever pace is right for you. Don't worry about it. Just run easy. It will take as long as it takes.

Anything else you want to share would be most appreciated! TIA!!

Slow down. Also, maybe try starting with the Couch to 5K program. Google it, there are many iterations of it.

TurtleRunnerNC

Listen to Carsonruns.

Will_Thrust_For_Candy

Listen to Carsonruns.

x2

Running is probably one of the biggest mental challenges I have ever faced. Your mind will tell you to quit way sooner than your body is ready to. TBH, hitting some running milestones were some of the greatest accomplishments I have achieved since I became serious about fitness! Just go slow and enjoy it. It DOES get better. It just take some practice. C25K is a great place to start

Good luck!

Alidecker

I had no desire to run until I had hip surgery and the doctor told me never to run. I know, no help....I wouldn't reccomend surgery.

Like JenMc, doing races helps me get motivated to do things. I like to swim, but didn't make much effort to go to the pool until I signed up for a triathlon and knew I had to swim. I enjoy the races and the nerves that come with them, even though I compete with myself.

sandikegz

To me, I just love the freedom in running. I used to run in high school and recently started again about six months ago. Now I run a 5k (not officially) at least twice per week. I tend to go at a fairly good pace, somewhere in between 6.7 and 8 mph. I just consistently challenge myself to improve my times. I think switching it up between the treadmill at the gym and running in the neighborhood help as well. Get some good tunes to listen to while running and if outside just take in the scenery around you! Hope this helps. I think it really is something inside of us that make some of us love running!

bluefox9er

Everything Carson said. Running isn't for everyone , and it's important to enjoy the exercises that you do. Running for me became more enjoyable the more I persevered with it..I had attempted and given up on c25k 5 times before finally sticking with it.

More so than any other exercise I have done, Running perhaps makes even more psychological demands of a human being than physical ones...but as long as you run your own run and not get bogged down with 'other people's ability', you will meet those demands.


P.S My most satisfying achievement wasn't finishing a marathon with thousands of people at a finish line...it was completing my first ever mile without stopping at a dreary industrial estate with no crowds or family waiting...just knowing I did it in 15 minutes, little quicker than walking pace.

oisegl

for me it was a big game changer to listen to audiobooks. sounds silly but in fact i always thougt runing / cardio is sooooo boring - now i concentrate more on the audiobook than on what i'm doing while listening (ok you still should focus on the way )

rduhlir

C25K

ashandstuff

Carsonruns had it right!

I despised running before doing C25K. I really like it now, it's a great outlet for energy and also a good workout. :]

Melissa22G

Couch to 5 K is a good start.

Don't think you're going to immediately be able to do a 5k like I did

Take it slow, start walking then pick up the pace to a jog, then from a jog pick up the pace again to a steady run.

My goals when beginning were to run telephone pole to telephone pole (or mail box to mail box) and just kept adding to it.

Everytime I would try to add one more mail box, or one more pole.

That will help getting over your mental block too- to have small goals like that in mind.

Good luck :flowerforyou:

likitisplit

1) Slow down. As a matter of fact, run as slowly as you physically can for awhile.
2) The first 10-15 minutes suck. They suck for newbies and they suck for Olympic Marathoners. You need to run (slowly) for about 30 minutes before there is a hope of identifying running as feeling good.
3) You gain cardio fitness. In real terms, this means that your life becomes easier. You can spend all day at an amusement park without being completely drained. You can chase your two year old for as long as she wants without "Mommy needs to rest for a minute." Your friends will ask you to slow down on walks because you will unconsciously just be faster. You will take fewer breaks while gardening. You will easily walk up one, two or three flights of stairs.

If you try a Couch to 5k program, check out the message board:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/47-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k-

It's one of the most supportive places on MFP.

fyoufat

I don't run/jog as much as I would like and I am still super slow but I learned to love it when I:

Got nike fitness on my ipod which would track how fast and far I would go, then I could see how I progressed!

Didn't try to start out sprinting, I took it slow in general and eventually your body will just have the urge to push itself.

GET GOOD MUSIC and listen to it. If I didn't have music I probably wouldn't run

Make sure you eat healthy because that will really help you run and vice versa.

janatarnhem

I have just started the c25k...it is hard,as I'm not built to be a runner!
Big boobed with poor joints!
However, I'm just about to start week 3..... with trepidation!
But I'm losing weight just by doing it!
And I've been at a plateau for weeks!
Yep...just by three thirty minute sessions a week!
3lbs loss this week...
I feel less tired and after each session, I actually feel like I've had a good workout!

rduhlir

What can I expect to gain health-wise?

Stronger heart muscle. Muscle tone in your legs. Improved aerobic conditioning.

Not to mention stronger bones, larger blood volume, increased endurance in every day life

At what point do those endorphins kick in? I'm beginning to think they are imaginary

You'll know when they do. Just keep running. They aren't imaginary.

Runner's high....better than eatting an entire bag of chocolate. Believe me!

Will I ever grow to actually LIKE to run?

Maybe, maybe not. You'll have a better chance of liking it if you find interesting places to run and you slow down so you can enjoy them without feeling like your heart is going to explode through your chest. Slow and easy is the way to go.

Depends. You have to get to a point that you actually can say you like it. Took me 29 years to get into running. Now I love it. I used to hate it...that was until I was able to do it.

What is a good pace? Last night I ran 1.5 miles in 19 minutes, burned 146 calories....is that good? What should I be aiming for?

A good pace is whatever pace is right for you. Don't worry about it. Just run easy. It will take as long as it takes.

One of the big rules in running, don't judge yourself against others until you are ready (i.e. actually competing in races). Until then just focus on yourself. If your run is slower than you walk then so be it. The only way to improve pace is to run.

Anything else you want to share would be most appreciated! TIA!!

Slow down. Also, maybe try starting with the Couch to 5K program. Google it, there are many iterations of it.

[/quote]
Slow down, get good shoes, find a running group (i.e. at your running store), remember it takes the average person a month or longer to create a habit and honestly, running doesn't become fun until it is habit....at least that is when it happened for me.

running_shoe

This may not be what you want to hear, but .... I tried to like running for a period of five years. I got so I could do 2-3 km nonstop, and 5km with two 1-minute walk periods. Running always made me feel absolutely exhausted. I did not like the way it made me feel. I could never get comfortable running, and, though I tried to like it, I hated it.

I have decided I would rather hike uphill all day long with a weighted backpack than run for 30 minutes. So, I have stopped running, and I weight myself for hill walks, instead. And I don't mean leisurely hill walks, either. I hustle.

There are alternatives to running, with equal benefits to fitness and bonus calorie burns.

Just a thought.

SezxyStef

I personally have a love hate relationship with running.

I love it when I am done and feel amazing...hate it while I am doing it. (esp outside...ick), when I was running I could do a 6 minute mile on a treadmill easy...after working my way up.

I made the choice not to run even after getting to a great point.

You don't have to learn to like it....you can choose not to do it.

The part with not liking it now is how can you ensure it will become a regular thing?

That is what of the reasons I made my choice...because I knew it wouldn't become "regular" and I couldn't stick with it.

Not to discourage you...but to give you another side....

Myhaloslipped

I learned to enjoy running by running one minute walking one minute running one minute walking one minute....and so on and so forth for thirty minutes until I worked up to a decent pace and time. Now I love it! Once I got my first runner's high, it was on.

LuLuChick78

Find a cardio activity you actually enjoy.

NoAdditives

I have always hated running, so I don't do it. I find other ways of getting in some cardio. I mountain bike, do exercise videos, and walk my very hilly road.

susanr613

What can I expect to gain health-wise?
If you don't have knee issues, then you gain increased aerobic capacity, great legs, and lowered blood pressure (because your heart is working more efficiently). Your increased aerobic capacity will help you with other activities including workouts and every day stuff.

At what point do those endorphins kick in? I'm beginning to think they are imaginary
They kick in for me when I'm finished - I feel tired but happy/giddy.

Will I ever grow to actually LIKE to run?
It depends on what it does to your body and if an activity like running suits your personality. I am an extrovert, but I'm also independent enough that I need to do my own thing every so often (ie not follow along in a class). On the other hand, I enjoy races - I like all the positive energy.

What is a good pace? Last night I ran 1.5 miles in 19 minutes, burned 146 calories....is that good? What should I be aiming for? A good pace is what works for you. I highly recommend a couch to 5 k type program where you slowly increase your pace and endurance.

I agree with other posters that the first 5 - 10 minutes of a run are uncomfortable - your heart and lungs have to adjust from resting to running.

I believe that you do have to learn to like running and then you love it, your body can't take it, or you decide to get your cardio elsewhere.

Good luck!

FrauMama

Good tips above....for me, it's really, really good music. Running (other than sprinting or hill runs) is way too boring to me, but music helps if I NEED to do it (which is rare now). There are certainly a ton of other things you can do, though. What about HIIT training or plyometrics or swimming or hiking or a cardio machine or video (if you feel that straight cardio is a must).... Don't torture yourself . Find something you like and that also kicks your booty. Good luck!

jaysull21

It comes when it comes. I know when it hit for me. There was a switch that flipped in me when I saw the clock on my second 5k. Story below, stop reading if you don't wanna hear my life story lol.

On my first 5k , I hated it, I was not ready... but I committed, and it was 87 degrees and humid and I was overweight. I did not RUN the whole time, maybe 1.5 miles tops. 39:41 was my time. I gave up until the next spring. I walked in the spring. Not because I was going to run, because I topped out at 201 lbs in the winter. I told myself I might do the 5k again, but oh gee, my kid had a baseball game that night, sorry, I'm missing out...

But for whatever reason I started running in June anyway.... Not happily , just doing it to do it because I was still overweight. So, there was a torrential downpour + lightning on the night the 5k was supposed to take place and they postponed it for a few weeks. I could now do this race. So I prepped for a few weeks. I had expectations that I would do better..., a young co-worker asks me what my goal is as we're lining up, and I say 35:00, but I'm pretty sure I can do 33:00. I started timing myself at the track. I'd hit 33 a few times.

So, its now a year later, I was still overweight (down 10 pounds though), but the humidity was gone, the weather was a lovely 75 degrees. I never thought about NOT running at this point. My goal was to run this whole race.... no matter what..... The first mile was good. I was keeping up with a couple ladies from work..... The second mile was decent too... but I started over heating... Thank goodness they had lots of water stations, I doused myself in water, drank some too.... But mostly got it in my eyes. There was another station about 2.5 miles in .... doused again. So about three miles in , we're closing to the end, we just have to go around this one building , and I turned the corner and OH MY GOD, the clock says 28 something. 28 SOMETHING??? I SPRINTED AS HARD AS I COULD. I couldn't imagine I would ever get under 30, and here I am in the 28s!! I'm so excited.

THIS is when I started to enjoy running. Not when I crossed the line. When I saw the time, and I wasn't even there yet..... I had this immense feeling of pride that I hadn't felt in a while, and that was what did it.

So today, its October 4th, we're about three months since then, and I have my first 10K in two days, and my first Half Marathon the week after. I really do enjoy running. I'm not sure I LOVE it yet, but its something that makes me feel good.

mreichard

P.S My most satisfying achievement wasn't finishing a marathon with thousands of people at a finish line...it was completing my first ever mile without stopping at a dreary industrial estate with no crowds or family waiting...just knowing I did it in 15 minutes, little quicker than walking pace.

I read this and thought "yeah, this guy's a runner."

Everyone is different, but for me, some of the best moments of my life have come while running, usually alone, always outside and never with music. They are different depending on what I'm doing --- it's great pushing myself through a 9th 400M interval at a pace faster than I used to be able to run one, but it's also great running in the mountains near the Appalachian trail during a quiet snow fall.

I also think that the more accustomed to running you get, the easier it is go out and cruise for a few miles, and that's when it's really enjoyable --- your body doing something it's great at, eating up the distance and feeling like you could run forever.

pelleld

Wow...lots of great replies and great ideas. I think there might be a runner inside of me somewhere...I want to give it a try. I remember when my Dad made me do that run around the block and I HATED it. But that summer I spent a week at the beach with my grandparents and we (the kids) had races on the beach....running in sand is NOT EASY!!! I beat all the boys that year, could run faster than any of them and did that feel good!

I especially like the comments about stronger legs. Despite being in the best shape of my life I still carry any excess weight in my thighs. The gym has changed them and they are way better than they used to be, but I always think of them in a negative way. I know they will always be my least favorite body part but thinking of myself as having STRONG legs is really appealing and might be the push I need to give this a try!

Thanks everyone

FitCanuckChick

I started running when I weighed 230ish pounds. The only running I did before that was laps in a gym class or a short sprint to catch a bus. I took a ladies only clinic at our local running store. It was a completely unintimidating way to learn to run - they started you out slowly - 1 (walk) and 1 (run) - by the end of the clinic you could run 10 and 1. Not only that, you didn't feel like you were in it alone - there were others there with all different shapes and sizes wanting to accomplish the same goal. A year and a half later I registered for my first charity run (not a race) - it was a 5 km. It was awesome - just being out there with people running for a cause. I loved it. I loved the adrenaline rush of being with a group of people.

During that run, I decided I was going to train to run my first half marathon a year later. I 85% attribute losing over 100 pounds to training for the half marathon. Literally the weight started melting off. And, I got to eat SO MUCH FOOD - it was awesome. Fast forward 3 years and I have now decided I am going to train for my first marathon. I just find it exhilerating. Athletically I am pretty average (at sports and stuff) - I was never picked first in teams at school or anything like that. I also like the fact that you don't have to enter a race to beat anyone (unless you are elite) - it is all about beating myself, my own time (not 100% true - there are a few other runners that I secretly hope I beat their times - but being competitive is healthy and it drives you more). By the way, I have set a goal that I will run my first marathon in 4 hours or less - and I know I will do it. I won't win the race, but I will beat my own goals.

In terms of how it makes me feel, alot of people may do yoga or meditate to de-stress - for me running does that. I have gotten to the point where my mind just empties when I run - it doesn't matter what is going on, I am just in the moment. It also gave me this crazy determination and drive.

One big perk I find with running and especially when training, your long runs typically on a weekend. So, if you are prone to eat badly on the weekends this totally helps. If you go out and eat really bad food the night before a long run, your long run will suck (for me I did it once and got total stomach cramps). It will be hard, you will be tired, so that greasy burger and fries stops looking as appetizing and really starts looking like a road block). So, as a result, it helps you to keep dedicated to eating right becasue you know if you don't fuel your body correctly you will feel it the next day.

I guess that is my long winded way of saying, maybe register in a run - find a short charity race that raises money for a cause you really care about. And, register in a clinic. Not only will you feel like you aren't alone, you will also learn amazing tips from the clinic coach but you will also learn invaluable tips from speakers they bring in (if the clinic does that).

Getting you to the point of loving it. I love to listen to music. I made a playlist of upbeat songs that I love, that have a good beat (I try to find songs where the beat is about the same as my pace - I find it easier to keep up the pace when running to a beat). I have songs that will pull me through a wall (the craziest one is Rasputin by Bony M). When you get tired, slow down a bit. And, if you find yourself slumping, pretend someone is hovering above you with a string holding your head up. It will be easier to breath.

Good luck to you if you want to keep up running. Honeslty, I wish I would have a youtube to show the day I started - it would have been a before and after if I can do it anyone can do it inspirational clip.

likitisplit

Wow...lots of great replies and great ideas. I think there might be a runner inside of me somewhere...I want to give it a try. I remember when my Dad made me do that run around the block and I HATED it. But that summer I spent a week at the beach with my grandparents and we (the kids) had races on the beach....running in sand is NOT EASY!!! I beat all the boys that year, could run faster than any of them and did that feel good!

I especially like the comments about stronger legs. Despite being in the best shape of my life I still carry any excess weight in my thighs. The gym has changed them and they are way better than they used to be, but I always think of them in a negative way. I know they will always be my least favorite body part but thinking of myself as having STRONG legs is really appealing and might be the push I need to give this a try!

Thanks everyone

I was sure I could never be a runner either. Couch to 5k changed my life. I am less likely to underestimate myself like that now.

twinmom_112002

Everyone has great advice. My added two cents (especially if you are a competitive person) is to remember that you are only competing against yourself. It doesn't matter how fast anyone else can run a mile or a 5K or a half. My goal is to better my own time when I hit the starting line. Also know that there are going to be days when actually running sucks but its always a great feeling once you are done.

I suggest you find a goal race. Maybe an away race. Train for that race using a training plan. Its harder to skip a run when you know you have a race to attend in the future. Then start the race and race against yourself. Enjoy the atmosphere and don't worry about how fast everyone else is going.

JustAnotherGirlSuzanne

What everyone else said.

I didn't like running until I did it outdoors on a track. At first it was just once around, then it was twice around, then it was three times around... it's exciting to create a goal, see the "finish line", and then to cross it. I love topping my last high score.

FrostyBev

Deciding to complete a race helped me become motivated to run more. At first I dreaded every day I was supposed to run. I started c25k but found my cardio level and previous running experience made the first 4 weeks boringly easy but that I was struggling with enjoying anything past that. I ended up just repeating week 5 several times and like a light switch I was suddenly enjoying running again.

Once I had a known distance (race) to train for I found the free resources on http://halhigdon.com/ are fantastic. I first followed the training plan for a 5k, then 10k and finally the 15k and the distances almost came easily and my pace improved just by following the plans.

Good luck in your training endeavors.