Will I ever *love* running?

Mom2rh

Running is hard. BUT...I LOVE how I feel at the end of my run...all hot and panting and sweaty. Like I've really done something. I LOVE where I run. In a great park with huge trees, dirt paths...other runners, walkers, etc. It's such a beautiful place. It is better than therapy to run there. I LOVE how I can accomplish so much in a short run. And sometimes, rarely but it does happen, I'll have a run where everything clicks...nothing hurts, I don't feel winded, I feel strong and I can just keep going. I keep running to have another one of those runs.

On the days that it is so hard, I keep telling myself to keep going, I can do anything for 30 minutes, or one hour or 2 hours or however long I'm trying to go. I am strong. I am an athlete. I am a runner.

TS65

I was never a runner, but recently started training a running class. The problem most people have is that they try to run too fast. They get winded and don't allow themselves to enjoy it. Start really slowly and your body will naturally pick up the pace. I think then you'll really start to enjoy it!!! Start slower than you think you should. Your body will naturally find it's comfortable pace. Also, make sure you have the right shoes. :0)

Hope that helps!

^^^ THIS! It wasn't until I understood this that I started to enjoy running. Run at a pace where you can hold a conversation (or can sing along to your music) comfortably. It's even o.k. if your pace is slower than your walk! Don't worry about your speed - as you gain endurance, you'll pick up speed (I've actually gone from a 20:00 mile to 16:30 and am getting faster).

I think the hardest part sometimes is our egos (or being afraid of what someone might think). I walk at 3.0 and run at 3.5. I am constantly getting lapped by old ladies on the track! :laugh: But that's o.k. - while they are stopping at 1 mile, I'm running 4!

TexasGirl92

It can and most likely will happen. I have NEVER liked to run, I was in sports my whole school life (not at star or anything just loved to compete) I always hated to run. My sister on the other hand has always been a runner, cross county, track, etc. She talked me in to trying running back in April I also used C25K. I did it because I promised her I would at least try to do a 5K. Well it was a struggle to get myself motivated to run but I also signed up for a 5K so I would have some motivation to get up and run. I figured if I managed to complete the 5K run I could honestly say I tried it and then stop. Well on June 4 I did my first 5K (it was really hot and I had to walk a few times) but that day was I think the first time I could really say I liked running. I had set a goal time for myself I managed to make it by 5 seconds. On June 25 I did my second 5K and I'm scheduled to do another one in October. Now I have to say I actually enjoy running and if I don't get to run I miss it . I look at is a competition against myself I know I can now run 3.1 miles the entire way and I working on trying to do it faster by my run in October. I know one of my hardest times with the C25K program was getting over the mental hurdle of running the entire workout and not doing the walk/run thing anymore but don't beat yourself up if you have to walk at bit here and there. Listen to you body learn what it's telling you. I can now tell the difference between days I just feel lazy and days my body is telling me NO I need to rest today. Stick with it find a race if you can it's what made the difference between me having to run and wanting to run.

travisjw18

I absolutely HATE running. I find it boring. But I figure that if you push yourself really hard at the things you hate about getting fit that it will probably help you the most. I refuse to run around town or at the gym. I live in a place that i can take my dogs out on a five mile dirt trail and I have really started to enjoy it. I love the cross county feel with ups and down, running around big rocks and jumping off of ledges. You need to find what works for you and push yourself. Just keep reminding yourself of your goals and it will be easier. Good luck to everyone!!

TexasGirl92

Just something else I thought of my sister gave me a Nike SportBand and it allows me to get all the info on my run: Time, Pace, Calories Burned, etc. One of the things I like about it is the fact that I can post my runs to Nikerunning.com and my Facebook page. It allows me to have Virtual Running Buddies, my sister and another friend that runs can comment on my runs or say hey it's been a few day with no runs what's up. Just something else that helps keep me going.

http://nikerunning.nike.com/nikeos/p/nikeplus/en_US/products/sportband

themyriadthings

I have found the DoctorMama blog really encouraging and fun for new runners. www.doctormama.blogspot.com I think. She also stresses running slowly at first so you can build up your strength, and to run for time, not distance. The shutupandrun.com blog is also hilarious and very motivating. The more I run the more I love it! But just like anything you have to build up to it and not just fling yourself as fast as you can right away - that leads to pain and injury which is the opposite of fun. This sounds dorky I know, but really make friends with your body, give it the right conditions to succeed and it won't disappoint you!!

bcattoes

I don't think you can make yourself love it. I used to run regularly, 3 miles a day every day that I could for about 2 years. I never loved it. I loved the health benefits and I loved the sense of occomplishment (especially when I first started). But I pretty much loathed the running itself 90% of the time.

ursula0601k

I understand. I love the "idea" of being a runner. Now I just need to actually start loving running. However, I don't hate it and feel great when it's done so I am sure I will grow to love the actual running.

fridayjustleft04

I recently wrote a whole blog about this. I hated running. If a murderer was coming after me, I'd rather let him kill me than run away. So naturally I started c25k. HATED the first day. I could barely make it through the first minute. Day 2 was easier and day 3 was even easier than that. Time has gone on and I don't LOVE running yet, but I like it. It makes me feel accomplished. It's still really hard for me on the longer runs (20 minutes was the devil), but I feel good when I finish. I'd say give it more time and see if you start to like it. If you don't, no one's forcing you. Find something you like. All I know is that I'm no longer willing to let a murderer get me if I can outrun him :laugh:

lucky1304

It's hard to immediately love something that feels so challenging, maybe. What I would tell you is that I currently love running and have for a few years now. But I don't remember whether or not I felt that way when I was first getting more serious about it. I was completely hooked after I ran my first 8K, and it has been a great, great thing because it's an activity that has become less about burning calories and more about doing it because I enjoy it and also because I just need it. That is key because if you love the exercise you are doing just for the sake of the activity, you are less likely to blow it off, KWIM? I've also really found that training for a specific event is more motivating to me than training for the sake of trying to lose weight. So my advice would be that you continue the training for the 5K and see how you feel after the event. If you still don't love running, maybe there is another activity you *would* love, like biking or swimming or Zumba.

Also, Runner's World has tons and tons of great articles for beginner runners. It could simply be, as someone else suggested, a pace thing. Good luck!

maloryanne

bump

Fernandomike

Congratulations on your first 25 minutes.

I personally love running but I wasn't always this way. All I can tell you is that when you hit a comfortable pace something inside you just clicks and you hit this kind of of zen like trance - a bit like if you do meditation I guess. Your body just moves of its own account and all your mind focuses on is sensing that movement: its not a question of 'can I keep going' at all - more like when you have a piece of chocolate in your mouth and you let it melt on your tongue, savouring the flavour rather than just a mechanical in, chew, swallow. You savour the feeling of running.

Quite often I have music on and that carries me - I can still hear the song but its on a purely emotional level. I am a musician and normally I listen to each part and break it down and work out how to play it - but not when I run: when I run I just let it lift me.

This is probably the biggest bunch of hippy bollocks I've written on a forum and that's because its really hard to describe why I enjoy running... Just take my word for it - if you are running 25 minutes now then you are close to the point when this kind of auto-pilot mode kicks in and you can just sit back and enjoy the ride.

This is exactly how I feel about running. There is a definite zen in it where you body and mind are in perfect rhythm and it doesn't feel hard, but instead like the most natural thing in the world to do. As some others have mentioned, perhaps the biggest key is to run slow enough to where it's not torturous. You shouldn't be gasping for breath. After all, you are building toward distance running. Speed comes down the road a little later.

cornerofgreystreet

Congratulations on your first 25 minutes.

I personally love running but I wasn't always this way. All I can tell you is that when you hit a comfortable pace something inside you just clicks and you hit this kind of of zen like trance - a bit like if you do meditation I guess. Your body just moves of its own account and all your mind focuses on is sensing that movement: its not a question of 'can I keep going' at all - more like when you have a piece of chocolate in your mouth and you let it melt on your tongue, savouring the flavour rather than just a mechanical in, chew, swallow. You savour the feeling of running.

Quite often I have music on and that carries me - I can still hear the song but its on a purely emotional level. I am a musician and normally I listen to each part and break it down and work out how to play it - but not when I run: when I run I just let it lift me.

This is probably the biggest bunch of hippy bollocks I've written on a forum and that's because its really hard to describe why I enjoy running... Just take my word for it - if you are running 25 minutes now then you are close to the point when this kind of auto-pilot mode kicks in and you can just sit back and enjoy the ride.

I love this. It is a feeling that is so hard to describe but I think you' ve captured it pretty well. This is the reason that I love running too. I am always chasing this feeling!

chrisuy

I don't know what has people love running while others can't stand it. I can only speak for myself and say that I tolerate it.

- I love that it gives me the best bang for the buck; there is nothing else that I do that burns more calories for the time spent doing it.
- I love the fact that I'm healthy enough and fit enough to be able to run if I choose to do so.

But honestly, I look forward more to being done with my run than the actual run itself. These days, I run every other day anywhere between 6-8 miles at a time. Back in the day, I used to do longer runs once a week of 150 minutes (~17 miles for me). But even then, I could only really tolerate it at best. YMMV!

campi_mama

Here's the thing, some people aren't runners. They don't like it. THAT"S OKAY! Find something that you really enjoy and do that instead. See if biking is your thing, or swimming or play a sport. If you like running, but it's hard, it will get easier as you continue. If you just don't like it, try something else. You need to find something that you WANT to do. I want to run, even though it's hard sometimes. That's what keeps me coming back and keeps me active....

rat70

Thanks for all the encouraging responses! I have to admit that I didn't go out this morning for my run and I do have excuses (aching muscles from my weights workout yesterday being one) but I did get up to go so I'm taking that as a 'step' in the right direction!

Just to clarify, I have no intention of giving up and I certainly will be finishing the C25K. I set that goal and I am so close to achieving it, I'm not stopping now. I have also set myself the goal of competing in the Canberra Times Fun Run 5K event in September. I am lucky to have a number of other mums from school who run and support me and we will be at the CT event together.

Thanks for the tips on breathing. I think this is worth further investigation. As for going slower, if I go any slower, I'll stop altogether! Ha ha! I was a bit self-conscious to start with but I don't give a damn now - I'm running (well, jogging if you must)! I've taken the attitude that it doesn't matter how slowly I go, I just need to complete the time. Speed will come later as some of you have said. I wonder where it is possible to get tips on your form?

I have had some moments of that 'zen' feeling and when you can get into a rhythm it is lovely. And the feeling I have when I stop is fabulous. I like to like down for a few minutes after I stretch, if I can, and enjoy the endorphin rush!

I want to continue running. I can't get my heartrate high enough walking. I enjoy using the cardio machines at the gym but I also like to get outdoors to exercise too (when it is not so bl**dy cold!) As a family, we like to hike (well, the little ones are are starting to!) so I see running as a way of building fitness for that too. It is just so damned convenient too!

But thanks everyone for your encouragement. It is interesting to hear that everyone has different interpretations of *love* and that, despite best efforts, some people never got to love running. I never expected it to be easy but you just hear so many people waxing lyrical about it!

However, I will persevere and see what happens for me over time, particularly as I lose weight - I'm carrying around a 25kg backpack when I run at the moment!

Thank you all you wonderful MFP people!

rat70

I have found the DoctorMama blog really encouraging and fun for new runners. www.doctormama.blogspot.com I think. She also stresses running slowly at first so you can build up your strength, and to run for time, not distance. The shutupandrun.com blog is also hilarious and very motivating. The more I run the more I love it! But just like anything you have to build up to it and not just fling yourself as fast as you can right away - that leads to pain and injury which is the opposite of fun. This sounds dorky I know, but really make friends with your body, give it the right conditions to succeed and it won't disappoint you!!

OMG - DoctorMama is so great - Thank you for putting me on to this! Also like Shutupandrun.

Amy_B

I like running because it helps me clear my mind, and it gives me a chance to listen to my music away from my kiddos. LOL I also feel a huge sense of accomplishment when I am done, particularly running a length I've never run before. When I finished my first half in June, despite the time not being great because of the awful heat, I feel SOOO good about myself. It's like a high that I want to keep accomplishing.

BUT I have my moments where I think "why am I still doing this?" It just depends on my mood.

Jinji

My solution has been to focus on my breathing or the environment. If I focus on my body then I feel every ache and strain, and am full of hate for the exercise. But if I focus on breathing or focus on how lovely the day is, I enjoy the time.

The easy path is never the right one, right?

BerryH

I wonder where it is possible to get tips on your form?

There are a million and one books, websites and videos on good running form, and it's easy to get bogged down in Chi Running, Barefoot Running, heel strike, mid-foot strike, toe strike etc. etc. Google "running form" and see how many hits you get! The YouTube videos are worth a watch.

My top tips for form are:
1. Run like you're finding it easy. Relax your upper body, keep your head up, let your legs swing easily forward and only use energy to drive yourself forward.
2. Land quietly - not only are you saving yourself from injury, but you're helping establish your most natural footfall.
3. Once a week go out without your watch and just run, thinking about what every bit of your body's doing and how it feels.
4. Imagine you're holing a butterfly or a Pringle in your hands - don't waste energy clenching, your arms balance and drive you while your legs do the majority of the hard work.

rat70

Hey everyone!

An update... I ran 28 minutes this morning and really enjoyed it. It turns out I CAN run slower and not actually come to a halt! LOL! I could have kept going! And I didn't just stay on the flat. I'm running far enough now that if I don't want to run back and forth on the same bit of path, I have to go up and down a bit!

A big thank you to you all!

fridayjustleft04

Woo hoo!!!!!! Awesome job!!

mikeyrp

Really glad we collectively made a difference to you

Happy Running

lucky1304

Yay!!

As someone else mentioned, Shut Up and Run is pretty funny. But another really great source for beginning runners (and I'm not sure I mentioned this previously) is Another Mother Runner. They have a book called Run Like a Mother, and it's hilarious and informative. I've been following them for years, and you'll learn a lot of great stuff from them. Their FB feed is particularly useful.

http://anothermotherrunner.com/

Rae6503

Um. I hate running. I've done it to get in shape for rugby or when there are no other options (like vising the in-laws) but I still hate it. Truthfully when I go for a run, usually the first 5 minutes are occupied by me singing "I hate running" over and over again in my head until I get into the rhythm of it.