I HATE running!

Daisy374

There.. I said it.. I hate running! I have never loved running, except when I was little and was outside running and playing.

Now don’t get me wrong… I do it every day at the gym and I LOVE how I feel after I do it…but I hate doing it lol

I believe part of the problem is I am frustrated… I started adding running to my cardio last summer…but got more serious about running in January when I got serious about losing this weight once and for all.

I am frustrated because I feel I should be better at it by now and able to do longer distances without still having to stop and walk in between runs. I am currently running at a speed of 4.4, and feel any slower would be too slow…so I really don’t want to drop my speed…but I am walking for 1-2 minutes after every 5 minutes of running (I usually run for about 30-45 mins. a day) I know part of it is mental- I tell myself that if I run for 5 minutes I can walk and catch my breath before running again...but I can’t make myself get out of that habit!

I love how running makes me feel and want to love doing it and look forward to it instead of dreading it every day… So I am writing this for any help that you runners out there can give me…

What do you do to help you get through it, and how did you learn to love it?

Thank you to everyone that stops and gives me advice :flowerforyou:

YeOldeLancer

I hate running too!! I never enjoyed it! So what I do, is I don't run. I find other cardio that I actually enjoy! I find that cycling is a great alternative to running. I can get going, get my heart rate in my zone and keep it for a sustained period of time. If you have the resources to do other forms of cardio such as cycling or swimming, I would do that to break up the monotony of running every day.

Good luck and keep in there!

nurse_carolyn

me too.......I hope people have some good advice cause I need it...
thanks Daisy

Daisy374

I do cycling once in a while... but I need to do it more often so I can find the setting that works for me to make it worth doing. Each time I did it, I didn't feel I had a good workout... But thanks for the suggestion I also use the Arc Trainer, but I just usually start off with running.

FORKDOWN

When I was running I also hated the during but felt gret after it. Thats what kept me doing it.

Zinz6610

The best advise I can give you is to get comfortable with discomfort. In order to improve with running, you're going to have to get a little uncomfortable. Learn your thresholds- and push past them when you feel it's safe to do so. It sounds like you're sticking well within your comfort zone- try pushing yourself out of it, and you might be surprised what you're capable of.

best of luck!

Lizzy_Sunflower

correct me if I am wrong, but you run on the treadmill right Daisy?

My suggestion is try running outside. I hear it is easier, and you might just enjoy it more too.

I give you BIG Kudos for sticking to it. One day I WILL get on the C25k plan...


...but not today

Daisy374

That is what keeps me doing it right now too

Daisy374

When I was running I also hated the during but felt gret after it. Thats what kept me doing it.

That is what keeps me doing it now too...

alyssamiller77

I really hate running for fitness too. I just can't do it. I too have taken up cycling instead. For me it's the fact that the same (or similar) amount of effort results in far greater speed and therefore distance achieved. I get to see more of the country side in a 90 minute ride than I would on a 90 minute run.

If you're intent on running still here are some thoughts that might help you. First, you said you're running in the gym. Try running outside. Use MapMyRun.com or a similar site to find good routes in your area. Another thing that might help you with extending your run time is something I do when I'm feeling tired during a game and need to get myself to continue on. Break down your expected run time into small intervals. So say you're going to run for 10 minutes straight, break that down into five, two minute segments. Focus on getting through those two minutes, telling yourself it's just two minutes. Do that five times and you've just completed a 10 minute run. It's a lot easier to think of "I just have to do five of these little 2 minute segments" than to think "man I gotta run for 10 minutes".

lilapr

If you are running for 5 mins at your top speed and then walking for 1-2mins, it sounds like interval training and I've heard that those are even better for you than running the whole time at a set speed!!

Daisy374

correct me if I am wrong, but you run on the treadmill right Daisy?

My suggestion is try running outside. I hear it is easier, and you might just enjoy it more too.

I give you BIG Kudos for sticking to it. One day I WILL get on the C25k plan...


...but not today

Yes Lizzy... I do mostly run on the treadmill... I occasionally run outside, and usually do better than I think I will, but I think I mostly do the treadmill because I can control the pace... but I really need to not worry so much about my pace and just do what feels comfortable when I am outside... I think I get too focused on the burn too...

TinaDay1114

I think you're doing GREAT for only getting serious in January. If it makes you feel any better, it's taken me 12 years (off and on) of jogging to run for 3-4 miles+ w/out stopping. It's hard work, and most of us aren't "naturally-born" runners (perfectly aligned, built like gazelles, never get tired), so give yourself a break.

And if this makes you feel any better, too -- even after 12 years, I have a love/hate thing with running sometimes. It's like that goofy joke "I like hitting myself in the head with a hammer because it feels so good when I STOP." :}

BerryH

Running isn't compulsory!

Try and run outside, leave your watch and GPS phone or whatever at home and just enjoy the feeling.

You could also set mini goals for each session so you don't get bored - a minute longer before a walk break, a 30 second sprint every 5 minutes, some hills etc.

Running doesn't have to be the be-all and end-all of your exercise, just an ENJOYABLE session somewhere in your routine.

Have fun! :flowerforyou:

EnS1110

Try doing intervals..run at about 5.5 for 30 seconds, then walk at a 3.5 for 1 minute. It not only elevates your heart rate for those bursts but allows you time to work on your breathing. I hate running too! and have always had asthma so its hard for me to control my breathing, but the intervals helped and it feels like you're doing less running. Its like tricking your body into a better overall burn! Try it 1 or 2 times a week as an alternative to plain running.

Cherrycandy

I have to run outside, I cant do it on a treadmill. I used to run in hs, and I think its just that we are older and our bodies are different now.

Will_is_the_Power

Daisy, It is all about the "after-glow"

Not that after-glow the "running after-glow"

I recently got back (heavier) into running. I am doing between 15 and 20 miles a week and OMG does it hurt but then you feel that great feeling once your system returns from the shock!

Keep going, you will be so glad you did!

bry_all01

I hate running too!! I never enjoyed it! So what I do, is I don't run. I find other cardio that I actually enjoy! I find that cycling is a great alternative to running. I can get going, get my heart rate in my zone and keep it for a sustained period of time. If you have the resources to do other forms of cardio such as cycling or swimming, I would do that to break up the monotony of running every day.

Good luck and keep in there!

I'm with you on that one. I do not enjoy it, never did, so I use the treadmill or the bike. The elliptical and the stair monter try to kill me, too...

Daisy374

Thanks These are some great ideas! I agree with the running outside.. but that is pretty much only an option on the weekends because of my work schedule and a long commute every day. But I am going to start doing it outside more on the weekends just to get out of the gym once in a while...

whiskey9890

i second going outside to run, to start with you'll be slower due to not being on a controlled surface with a controlled incline, but in time you'll improve and you won't be staring at the same wall/screen for ages

ehs5mw

This may or may not apply to you, but seems true for me:

I recently read a very long post on some running forum about lactate threshold and why some people never seem to get comfortable running. Essentially, many people (myself included, and numbers proved it during recent metabolic testing) have a low anaerobic threshold. Those in this category often get frustrated because they are pushing themselves too hard. Basically, my mentality was always about running a mile at a certain speed and then adding distance to that each time I go out in order to try to improve my endurance. This is more about mental endurance than physical, because your muscles will simply not allow you to get comfortable training this way. What I need to do, and you may need to do also, is run at a much lower heart rate so that my body increases its anaerobic threshold and its aerobic base. Basically, I need to train at slower speeds so that my heart rate is still low enough to benefit long-term from my cardio. Maybe you are in a similar position? Elite marathon training professionals often use this approach, though I am admittedly much worse in terms of my anaerobic threshold than the runners they probably start with.

megteg

I definitely can relate to you sometimes! I run on a treadmill all the time for fitness, trying for around 6 miles a week currently. I think if you vary your treadmill workouts to do a few speed drills, that really spices up an otherwise boring routine (and sometimes you are done faster!)

What's really important for me is motivating music - try changing up your running playlist and getting an arm band so you don't have to hold anything while you run!

Runs4Wine

correct me if I am wrong, but you run on the treadmill right Daisy?

My suggestion is try running outside. I hear it is easier, and you might just enjoy it more too.

I give you BIG Kudos for sticking to it. One day I WILL get on the C25k plan...


...but not today

Ditto - I DESPISE running on a TM, and will only do it while traveling in the hotel gym when I have no other options. Lucky for me I live in a climate that allows me to run outdoors virtually year round.

I find TM incredibly boring and difficult (I'm apparently uncoordinated LOL). When I do run on them, I can only max about 3.5 miles - well beyond that.

Also have you tried following any program like the C25K? I find it helped not only with my endurance, but my confidence as a runner. It gave me the structure I didn't know I had. I'm currently following a different program while training for my first half marathon

crystalslight

I HATE running on a treadmill. Plus I'm much faster outside. I only run inside in then winter.
What makes me LOVE running is the freedom of it. Which I think is from being outside.
Sometimes I listen to my Ipod and other times I like the sound of my feet hitting the pavement.
What pumps me up is when I see a hill coming up and I power to the top. It feels like such an accomplishment.
I think the feeling your getting after you run is why most runners run.
Have you ever done a race? I suggest signing up for one. Then you'll be training for something. Which helps keep you motivated. And races are SO much FUN! Good luck sweetie..

bunchesonothing

I HATE running on a treadmill. Plus I'm much faster outside. I only run inside in then winter.
What makes me LOVE running is the freedom of it. Which I think is from being outside.
Sometimes I listen to my Ipod and other times I like the sound of my feet hitting the pavement.
What pumps me up is when I see a hill coming up and I power to the top. It feels like such an accomplishment.
I think the feeling your getting after you run is why most runners run.
Have you ever done a race? I suggest signing up for one. Then you'll be training for something. Which helps keep you motivated. And races are SO much FUN! Good luck sweetie..

Completely agree with every word of this post.

1FitMom326

There are days that I hate running and wish that there was some magic way to be able to run farther or longer but I haven't found that yet. I have followed the couch to 10k program that has helped to increase my distance over time. I also use the Nike + running app on my phone. It is fun to compete with friends and with my competitive nature it pushes me a little farther when I can see the progress. Even if you don't have the app I would start keeping a log of distance and time so that you can see the progression. When I am feeling down I can go back and look how far I have progressed and feel much better.

Daisy374

This may or may not apply to you, but seems true for me:

I recently read a very long post on some running forum about lactate threshold and why some people never seem to get comfortable running. Essentially, many people (myself included, and numbers proved it during recent metabolic testing) have a low anaerobic threshold. Those in this category often get frustrated because they are pushing themselves too hard. Basically, my mentality was always about running a mile at a certain speed and then adding distance to that each time I go out in order to try to improve my endurance. This is more about mental endurance than physical, because your muscles will simply not allow you to get comfortable training this way. What I need to do, and you may need to do also, is run at a much lower heart rate so that my body increases its anaerobic threshold and its aerobic base. Basically, I need to train at slower speeds so that my heart rate is still low enough to benefit long-term from my cardio. Maybe you are in a similar position? Elite marathon training professionals often use this approach, though I am admittedly much worse in terms of my anaerobic threshold than the runners they probably start with.

Definitely something to think about...my heart rate does normally stay around 90-93 when I'm running, so it may be a little too high..

Daisy374

There are days that I hate running and wish that there was some magic way to be able to run farther or longer but I haven't found that yet. I have followed the couch to 10k program that has helped to increase my distance over time. I also use the Nike + running app on my phone. It is fun to compete with friends and with my competitive nature it pushes me a little farther when I can see the progress. Even if you don't have the app I would start keeping a log of distance and time so that you can see the progression. When I am feeling down I can go back and look how far I have progressed and feel much better.

I do have that app on my iPod... but it seems to take a while for the sensor to work... so I get tired of waiting for that step. I am going to try setting it before I get to the gym today. Thanks!

dsak

First of all... congrats on the 44lb weight loss... that is awesome!!!!

I share your pain about running... I hate it too!!! I do it because it's great cardio, and... it has helped my butt and thighs get stronger and smaller!!!! I posted a similar topic earlier this week -- check it out for some good advice....

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/305528-runners-when-does-it-start-to-get-fun

We may never be the kind of people who enjoy running, but... I'm gonna stick with it for a while because it's good for me, and... I like the way I feel when I'm done.

Fatty_Fatass

I am not sure if this will be any help to you or not, and if it isn't then please just go ahead and disregard it.

I have been sort of training to run longer distances lately and at first I found myself at odds with it because I was often out of breath, which made me slow down, which made me want to speed up, which made me slow down, which made me want to speed up.......

Which eventually ended with me walking for a couple minutes until I could catch my breath.

So I tried a couple things that really made a lot of difference in my runs, they may not work for you and I am by no means an expert at anything.......

First I turned OFF the music for a little while so that I could concentrate on breathing. There is a rythym to the way I breathe when I run. Its very controlled and if I can keep that rythym I find I don't run out of breath nearly as quickly and my runs are stronger and more even. Once I was able to recognize my breathing pattern I was able to turn the music back on because I no longer had to think about breathing or finding the rythym, it was part of me.

I know I am absolutely terrible at explaining things and I doubt what I said made much sense , but, the principle of rythmic breathing is more easily expressed / explained / understood thru the idea of Cadence. Cadence is a way that soldiers control rythmic breathing, gauge running speed and find motivation. You might try googling Army Cadence or something to get more info. You can buy cadences on pretty much any music sites, they are not the most fun thing to listen too, but if you spend some time listening to them as you run you will sort of just automatically fall into a controlled breathing rythym.

I have some free Cadences that I would be so happy to send you if you'd like, just let me know.

Secondly, I decided to try controlling my route and using it to my advantage, which REALLY worked for me. I adjusted my route so that I would climb a big hill just BEFORE hitting the distance where I would start to poop out. Going up the hill was taxing and would take me far out of breath, but, once I got "over the hump" and back onto level ground (or even a declining grade) breath would come much more easily.

I would slow down a little bit once I was "over the hump" but never to a walk, just to a 5-6 mph pace (which I can easily gauge by the speed of my breathing rythym. Once my breath caught up to me I would kick back into full gear and I would find that my capacity seemed to be greater and even tho I was moving faster my breath and calves stayed strong.

Thirdly, I started hitting a track once in a while. I don't try to do huge distances on the track. I am there to work towards building a "set of gears". Basically I will jog around it a couple times to warm up, and then I will really start moving. I will start a lap at a normal pace and then once I get around the corner I will run very fast, lifting my knees high and breathing with all I got untill I get to the next corner where I will slow down to my normal pace until I hit the next corner where I will increase my speed further and further until I am in a dead sprint. Once I hit the tracks finish line (which is where the next corner begins) I slow down and repeat the process.

The track is 1/4 mile and I usually do this about 10 times. I won't do anymore running / jogging that day, tho I always take a long fast walk afterwards. This workout always remains taxing because the faster you get, the faster you go. If it is really hard the first few times add a fast walking laps every 5th go round, feel no guilt, just keep moving.

The way this translated into help for my run was that because I was spending time running at high and higher speeds, it became easier to maintain my "normal" pace.

I notice you talking about 10k programs and stuff and its obvious from your picture that you are very fit, I am sure you are probably a much better runner than I am and I dunno if the stuff I just mentioned was so novice as to be assumed........

But....... no one else mentioned any of them, and , they really helped me, not only to find some speed and balance , but to take the dread out of the run. I used to hate walking out the door to run. It would take me 10 minutes to tie my shoes and I would always stall for a few more minutes before taking my first steps. Nowadays I love to run, I buy ostentatious shoes with huge shocks in the back that could never match any outfit and I don't care. Where I used to stall walking out the door, now I can't wait. I am moving and hopping around in the house before I even get my shoes on, and I can't tie them fast enough.

I am by no means an accomplished runner. My BEST runs are 5 miles in under 35 minutes and my average pace is actually closer to 8 minutes per mile than 7 minutes per mile. I know this is not very good performance, but, I am pretty heavy and believe it or not it took me awhile to even get this far. When I started my run miles were around 13 minutes, considering I walk an easy easy relaxed mile in 15 minutes I know thats not very fast. I actually amped up the speeds pretty fast. It took only a few weeks to turn that 13 minutes into 9 and instead of running 1 -2 miles I was running 3-5. 9 minute miles were my wall and its taken awhile (3 months or so) to get down to 8's. I can run 7's, but, its still too hard to do it consistenly. 8 is a comfortable pace for me.

Again I am not really sure if any of this helps, and I apologize if I didn't understand the question.... feel totally free to disregard if its not what you are looking for...... I just hoped maybe I could add something to the conversation. Thank You for reading it if you did.

kunibob

Some folks love it, some folks hate it, some folks tolerate it.

One thing that helped flip me over from "hate" to "love" was improving my stride motion/gait. I used to bounce a LOT when I was running (my earbuds kept flying out of my ears, haha), which was making me extremely inefficient and was draining my stamina. Once I learned how to direct my momentum forward, I suddenly got a lot quicker and could run further, and it became fun. Some gyms offer free stride analysis to help you figure out how to improve your stride -- maybe that might help? I also like to vary up my route outdoors.

You may never love it -- some folks never will -- but I hope you do!