Runners.... when does it start to get fun???

dsak

Thanks everyone for all of the posts... and advice!!!!

I've been only running on the treadmill up until now for two primary reasons... 1) I live in FL, and... I gotta say... I really don't enjoy being out doing physical activity in the heat/humidity. The humidity is killer for me and makes it hard to breathe. 2) It's easier for me to get in a 30-40 minute workout on the treadmill. I work full-time, albeit from home, so.... I try to block out 30 minutes on my calendar during the day to get in some exercise. I just don't have the job flexibility to leave during the day and go for a run. I have to stay close to the phone/computer.

But... all that being said.... I think I need to start branching out and adding more scenery to my runs. Once the weather cools down, I'll scope out some trails, etc.

THANKS again for all the info and advice.... it's been really helpful!

DancinSMartiPants

Stop thinking about your pace. Stop thinking about you time. Just run and breathe and if you can't get into a rhythm (gasp) slow down. I have a blog post about this, but I didn't start to love running (and I do love running despite being obese) until I stopped pushing myself to go farther/faster every time. It may be harder to find your naturaly rhythm on a treadmill since you have to program the pace, but when you do, it's worth it.

TheKitsune6

Running became fun, when I started running outdoors. I found a beautiful trail and I love running it. Try getting off the treadmill. You will see faster results with outdoors running

This!!!

ImperfektAngel

I can't say I really enjoy any kind of workout except for zumba, its just something I have to do! I am trying out a new trail today and hope to enjoy it so that I will enjoy my run more! I want to be able to run 3 miles without stopping

melsinct

This is another big belief I have, if you want your exercise program to be successful in the long term, you have to find something you enjoy. If you don't like running on a treadmill and can't find a way to make it enjoyable, try something else.

I completely agree! I find running to be a bore, whether it is on a treadmill, outside, doesn't matter. To me, running will always suck.

I do like to hike, because I like the challenge of climbing steep hills and being rewarded with phenomenal views at the summit. I like to swim (seasonally!). I am starting a new exercise class this week to try something new (Pilates). You have to find what you LIKE to do, not just some calorie burning activity that feels like a chore.

datzun

I agree with what others have said. I do run on the treadmill on some days, but on others I go outside. Different routes too. It's good to have variety, keeps it more interesting.

carilyn39

To be honest, I tried running-Couch to 5k, then Gateway to 8k and then I started a half-marathon training plan and I realized, after almost a year, I don't like running! It's boring and there's no good reason to be able to run for an hour.
If your goal is calorie burn, you should try interval running and not for more than 20 minutes.
There is some evidence that steady state cardio isn't great for fat loss:
http://figureathlete.t-nation.com/free_online_article/training/the_final_nail_in_the_cardio_coffin
I think some people really enjoy it, they get a runner's high or they like the quiet time to themselves.
I liked the challenge, to some extent, but I never liked running and couldn't get enough music on my ipod to train for a half marathon!

that made me laugh. i feel that way sometimes too "why am i doing this. I DON'T LIKE TO RUN." it hurts and i can't breath. but when i do it, it is a sense of accoumplishment.

SueInAz

1) I live in FL, and... I gotta say... I really don't enjoy being out doing physical activity in the heat/humidity. The humidity is killer for me and makes it hard to breathe.

I wondered if it might be the weather. I'm in AZ which is why I end up on the bike indoors most days, instead of outside running. I have to get up at around 5am to get in a run before it gets too hot and that just doesn't happen most days.

Inlet

So true... the first 2 miles or so are very hard.
When I do them, I feel like I'm old and stiff... out of breath... and then it eases into a nice relaxed workout. I also hated running until I signed up to train for a marathon... (my first race ever, but it's nearly a year away) and I got a training plan that has speed drills and varying length runs. I try to always run outdoors. I also have a gps tracker on my phone that will tell me (out loud) my speed and total distance and time every quarter mile and/five minutes. That, along with Pandora, saved my running.

So to sum it up...
1.) First 2.5 miles will almost always be very hard and unfun
2.) Goals: pay attention to times, improvement, future races, etc (my gps also keeps track of new personal bests for both distance and time)
3.) GPS, I have a smartphone and the app was free. I love it. It's called runkeeper.
4.) Music (if you like) or podcasts
5.) Didn't mention before... but make sure to hydrate all day long or it will really affect your run. Drinking only a half hour or so before a run won't help if you've not been drinking enough water before.

Hope it helps!

rybo

Congrats on the progress so far.
The only advice I have is get off the treadmill if at all possible. I love to run, but as much as I love it, I absolutely despise the treadmill. I would never, ever run if my only option was a treadmill.

rodneyderrick

Running isn't fun for you because you're using it to lose weight. All your weight-loss should come from your diet, and exercise should help keep you fit and looking good. Only a minimal amount of your weight-loss should depend on exercising. Why do I say this? I say this because the day you hurt yourself exercising, then that'll be your excuse for regaining the weight. However, if you learn how to manage your weight through diet, you can continue to lose weight, even with an injury. So, I can run anywhere from six miles to fifteen miles a day, depending on how I feel. Tomorrow, I will plan on running ten miles, and I'll enjoy every bit of it. Why? Because I'm not running to lose weight, but for the simple fact that I'm going to enjoy choking down all those exercise calories like you wouldn't believe. My weight-loss will happen because of the deficit that MFP created for me when I signed up for the program.