Non-Runners - did you turn into a runner or quit?

fishsquishy

I'm 47 years old, female and about 5'2 and 185. Obviously I'm overweight. I have never liked running but haven't minded it when it's part of a sport like soccer. I also don't mind classes like Zumba or Step aerobics so it's not a matter of not wanting to do intense cardio. My question is for non-runners who have tried running, how many really convert to being runners and get the runners high and the fever to be a lifelong runner? Or do most try it or do it out of necessity but never fall in love and give it up or replace it with other things? I run heavy footed, not light footed. I know I should bring it into my routine especially since it would be the easiest exercise to do when my kids are in sports and not require going to a gym (when I don't have enough time for a full workout). If you have converted, did you follow a C25k method or just go out there and not let yourself quit? I want to quit after a block every single time. Just not finding the groove but maybe not sticking with it long enough? Thanks for your input/inspiration or your story or reality about whether non runners really ever convert?

Eric_DeCastro

I was a non runner. but now I run 4.8 miles 4-5 times a week and I run at least one 5K a month. I love running. it's the best thing in the world.

maryv83

I am a non-runner, but followed the C25K app for a while, and almost finished it. Even though, I didn't finish it, I was able to run maybe 3 miles. I have a difficult time running because it's really hard on my knees and hips. I bought special running shoes with the opinions of multiple professionals and still had issues with the impact on my lower body. Needless to say, I found that running isn't for me, although I enjoyed it. I have taken up biking and Zumba and walking instead of running. I wish I could run, just too hard on me.

Eric_DeCastro

wanting to quit is (right now for you) part being out of shape and your mind telling you that you can't do it. once you get into some kind of shape for running, it will be sky's the limit to what you can achieve. tell yourself you can do it not i wish i could do it. there is a reason why NIKE has the slogan just do it. JUST DO IT!!!! I didn't use C25K but if I were to do it over again I would probably do it.

I'll admit, it's hard. no one said it was easy. by mile 4 i'm ready to quit. but I keep trucking until my body is used to that mileage. I have just recently (this week) upped it from 4.4 miles to 4.8 miles. but I'm going to conquer it. then I will extend it a little further. I have let go of my fears and there is no blocking in my mind.

just work hard at it, you won't be a marathoner over night so take it slow and have fun doing so. run with a friend so you can chit chat while you run.

No_Finish_Line

I am a BB DVD boy. I've done many rounds of insanity and p90x.

Its like impossible to get my heart rate over 170 during those workouts now and i am lucky to get over 155 for 10 min in a 60 min workout.

I ran 2 miles in 18:45 and i hit 180 and was over 155 bpm for 13 min out of that 18:45

i didn't expect to be able to run a marathon, but i did think my HR was going to be more under control.

I think my biggest problem is being able to pace myself, but i almost don't want to learn how to because 2 miles as fast as you can do it is one hell of a work out.

odd thing is that i feel as tho i'm exerting myself much more during the BB workouts even tho my HR doesn't get nearly as high for as long

Eric_DeCastro

I am a non-runner, but followed the C25K app for a while, and almost finished it. Even though, I didn't finish it, I was able to run maybe 3 miles. I have a difficult time running because it's really hard on my knees and hips. I bought special running shoes with the opinions of multiple professionals and still had issues with the impact on my lower body. Needless to say, I found that running isn't for me, although I enjoyed it. I have taken up biking and Zumba and walking instead of running. I wish I could run, just too hard on me.

when I weighed 285lbs it was hard on my knees, well even at 200 lbs it's still hard on my knees but I ice them and don't let sore knees stop me from running. NO ONE will ever stop me.

katro111

I was a non-runner until 2009. Then my goal was do get through a 4-mile loop around my neighborhood. Completed. Kept running intermittently, but never did any major distance. 2012 hit and I decided to make my goal a half-marathon. I ran in two competitive events and did many 13-mile practice runs. Two days after the Rock N Roll Las Vegas half-marathon in December 2012, I sprained the f**k out of my ankle. Didn't let it heal properly or go to the doctor for months. It hurt soooo bad when I'd try to run on it. Finally went to the doc, had to wear an aircast for 3 months and of course, no running. When I was able to get the aircast off, I just didn't have the interest in running anymore and I still don't. I'm ok with 5k, but anything more and I just don't want to do it. lol. So now I consider myself a non-runner again.

TheGymGypsy

I used to absolutely despise running, but I realized that the reason I didn't like it was because I was "bad" at it. I could only run for about a minute at a time and it was discouraging. But once I started to improve, and made measurable progress with every run, I became addicted. Unlike weight loss, there is some instant gratification associated with running! After I ran my first mile without stopping I was so emotional I almost cried. Haha

maryv83

Trust me. I would run if I could, but per doctor's orders I am to stick to low impact exercise. I would like to not have to worry about knee surgery 20 years from

SolanumSunrise

I tried loosely following the C25K program for about three months last year. I was only able to jog 1-2 times/week and I couldn't always progress as fast as the program. I got to 20 minutes of slow jogging and was quite proud of that but then stopped because I started working a second job and couldn't fit it into my schedule any more. I never learned to like it and I don't think I'll go back to it once I have time to fit cardio back in to my schedule. I much prefer zumba or swimming and I don't want to spend time doing something I don't like.

ValeriePlz

I am a quitter. I jogged regularly for about 6 months last year, and could never really get above 5.5 m.p.h. for 2 miles. I switched to a combo of weights, swimming, walking, elliptical, and biking and I am personally much happier, although I really admire runners.

jayb0ne

I run out of necessity on a treadmill and I can go a couple miles, but I doubt it'll ever bring me joy like lifting does.

Tried road running and I know, it's something I really should do but I'm just bleh about it t'be honest...

Edit - I do intervals on treadmill, so I get up to 9 or 10 on sprints for 90 to 180 secs and walk at 4 for 60 to 90 secs

Jay

Jenky85

Runner runner chicken...wunner?! I had tried to run before and failed but this time I decided to do C25K and loved it! Completed it last week and now have a real obsession with running. This has just been my personal experience though, you need to make sure you find what works for you

ETA...lifting is my love though, I loved that from day 1 and it's now part of who I am.

bobbijodmb

I was a non runner until November-- felt the way that you did and last sunday I just completed my first half marathon

and I would have never even thought I would have done that. DIdn't believe in the runner's high until I felt it myself

MissLeelooDallas

I was a non-runner a little over 6 months ago when I joined. I worked my way up by running every morning for 5 days a week and added distance onto my runs slowly. I currently run 5k every weekday morning. I have definitely become a runner and I love it. The endorphins I get from my morning routine are priceless.

I should also say that I do this running on a treadmill that is in my house. It helped me stay on track because I could do this one my own (I prefer some privacy as opposed to gyms) and because I can watch tv shows with the captions on while I do it.

*edited for typos

Platform_Heels

I've always been a runner. I used to do it because it was good cardio then I ended up enjoying it. I realized how much I enjoyed running when I was sidelined for 3 months due to an injury. The majority of my running is done indoors but I do take it outside every now and then when the weather is warm. This year I want to add a 6 and 10 mile run once a week in addition to what I already do.

newpalfan

I have not been able to run due to my knees and lack of knee cartilage. Even brisk walking can cause problems, too. I have used a Nordic Track ski machine for over 20 years. Absolutely love it. It gives me a high like runners describe. I ski about 6 mph using arms, too.

Eric_DeCastro

I was a non-runner a little over 6 months ago when I joined. I worked my way up by running every morning for 5 days a week and added distance onto my runs slowly. I currently run 5k every weekday morning. I have definitely become a runner and I love it. The endorphins I get from my morning routine are priceless.

I should also say that I do this running on a treadmill that is in my house. It helped me stay on track because I could do this one my own (I prefer some privacy as opposed to gyms) and because I can watch tv shows with the captions on while I do it.

*edited for typos

try to run on the road one time just to see what it's like. it's a much different experience. I love it much more than a treadmil. plus I can unplug from the world for an hour at a time. I take no text msgs, emails, occasional phone call. but for the most part I'm in my own world just running like a kid would do at a park. and giving high 5's to passing runners is a great feeling.

Lpaduano17

I was a non-runner until the beginning of March. That's when I started the C25k program and now I love it! I look forward to my runs more than any other exercise I do. I never thought I'd love it but it works for me

Unknown

This content has been removed.

PHS7

Funny you should post this because I'm beginning to add running to my workout routine. I am reaching a point in my cardio workouts that I need something to give me a high calorie burn but not take 45 minutes to an hour on the treadmill. I've been walking at a 3.2 - 3.8 mph pace but need to get more out of it without being on it for an hour. I began intervals yesterday and hope to get myself up to 30 minutes at 5.2 - 5.6 mph. Understand that I have never enjoyed running. My workouts are usually elliptical and weight-lifting but it's time to try something new. I'm thinking about 5ks now. It must be because I've recently turned 50!!

buzybev

I quit initially. The first time I tried to run on a treadmill I almost died. Decided to try outside. Within 2 minutes of being outside I tripped over a sprinkler head and tore a hole in my brand-spanking-new neon Nikes. Oh and scrapped up my arm and hand pretty bad. Needless to say I was scared. So I stuck to the elliptical and home workouts for about a month and a half until I felt comfortable again and it wasn't too cold outside (this didn't take long since I live in South Texas). Currently on week 6 of a C25k program, and while it has been a struggle (had to repeat last week) I am really enjoying it and amazed at how much I've progressed in these few short weeks.

Edited: Stupid typos!

AZKristi

I hated running until a few years ago - I dreaded crosstraining days we had to run.

After I did C25k a few years back I would say I became a runner, although I never got to be particularly fast. I did a 5k race and found it was one of the most fun things I've ever done in my life, definitely looking forward to more. I had to stop running while I was pregnant but I'm going to do C25k again when it cools off again.

yo_andi

Why do you want to run if you dislike it so strongly? Pick a workout that you want to do and will stick with. It is the only way to ensure success.

lee91356

I always liked walking/ strolling and I HATE the gym and classes so as a way to add exercise I tried different things - exercise DVD, bike rides, treadmill and hated it all. I then also gave the C25K a try and LOVED it. It took a while for me to really get into it because I was over 200 pounds when I started but the longer I did it the easier it got. Due to problems with my phone I never finished the program but I still follow the idea (switching between intervals of walking and jogging/ running). Since I found that I had more stamina I even started hiking and finding new and different jogging trails and going for longer periods of time.

MSouthernbelle87

I turned into a runner and love it! I started at 222 and now I'm 185. At first I couldn't run a mile. Now I can run eight! Once you get your first runners high you will be addicted. Patience and ice is what I recommend.

ZenInTexas

I was a total non-runner. Started the C25K app when I was the same weight as you. I'm now 45 pounds less than that and fully converted to full fledged runner. Several half marathons and one full marathon in less than 2 years. Love running.

roosevelt

I can take it or leave it. My husband and I trail run in the summer for an alternative to distance cycling, but road running isn't really my thing and I've never been able to really learn to love it.

HerbertNenenger

5'4, started c25k at around 220 pounds. I loved running, but stopped after 3 weeks due to intense pain in my hip flexors. I looked up stretching for the hips, tried it again, then again and again, before I finally really hurt myself. Running can be great, but is also very very stressful to your joints and frame (sorry, runners). What it did do for me is I am now able to run short sprints, like running in the rain or wind to my car or from my car, without panting. I run short sprints whenever the opportunity arises, so I did benefit from it. Now I just walk and strength train. I think you should at least give it a try !

MagnumBurrito

I used to be a 3 miles a day, 5 times a week runner. I quit because it doesn't build muscle other than quads. If you hate constant running, don't do it. It's not necessary for any fitness goals other than long distance running.

If you still want to get that running fix occasionally, without the mental hang ups, do some sprints. Put on some cleats, go to an open field, and do 10 sprints. It should take no more than 15 minutes and it'll burn tons of calories while naturally increasing your HGH levels. There's a ton of other benefits too:

http://www.poliquingroup.com/ArticlesMultimedia/Articles/Article/989/Eight_Reasons_Everyone_Should_Do_Sprints.aspx

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/par46.htm

CandaceG514

When I started, I hated running and I could not run for 30 seconds without feeling like my chest was going to explode and now, 14 months later, I just ran my first half marathon. I am completely in love with running now. I have never felt more proud of myself as I do when I accomplish a faster time or add on an extra distance that I haven't been able to run before.