How to learn to enjoy running

TrishJimenez

I have ALWAYS hated running. Even as a child. I would rather walk REALLY fast then run. The only running I was good at growing up was the 100 yard dash. Usually won that during the school games for PE (probably only won cuz I wanted it to be over lol) but like I said. But I hear so much about the "high" that comes from running and well I WANT to like running. So how do I go about learning to like it?

Teach4Hisglory

I'm right with you! I'm hoping that soon I'll figure that one out so I can share. ) In the meantime, enjoy the work. LOL

PBmaria

Think of how convenient it is an how many calories you can burn in a relatively short amount of time.
That's what got me! :P

depurs20

I was the same way but now I officially consider myself a runner. Look up the C25K program and follow it. I finished it last week and am now doing Bridge to 10K. Good luck!

sc1572

bump!

KEShikes

Start slowly. Try the C25K (Couch to 5 km) program. If you google it, it's everywhere.

wozzy38

Im using an interval training app called personal running trainer..Ive always hated running too but am actually liking it now..:)

vaderandbill

The truth is that you may never get to like it...so do something else if that happens. Sprinting intervals? Cycling?

Any extended running I do needs to be on a trail as road running bores me to death.

BrentGetsFit

Another vote for Couch to 5k, I hated running until I started using that app.

SMarie10

My knees will never allow me to be a runner. I am much, much happier being a fast walker using the elyptical, treadmill or going biking or walking on a trail. I don't think you need to run to get the adrenaline rush or high associated with exercise. You have my permission Not to run if it isn't your thing.

Mommawarrior

Get out there and do it......you will feel that high and never turn back. There is nothing like the feeling after you have ran a good run. It is not something that someone can explain to you how to get to, you just have to get there yourself by doing it. Good luck.

MikeSEA

Given my apparent ability to get shin splints at the drop of a hat, I'd suggest swimming

JeffGDDG

One of my happiest moments was completing my first and third races. So for me it was accomplishing a goal more than the run itself.

SueInAz

I did 5 miles today and it sucked the entire time. My allergies were killing me and my heart rate kept going too high. I wanted to quit after two miles but made myself finish the 5 on my training schedule even if I was as slow as molasses getting it done. My point is, I don't think I've ever felt a "runner's high" but it sure feels good to finish and know you went beyond what you thought were your limits. I'll be back on the pavement in two days, doing it all over again, too (although hopefully it'll be a better day!)

angel79202

I hate running too, but the calorie burns are incredible

1horsetown

I run because walking is.........BORING!!! Running gets the whole thing over with faster.

I can't just run, though. I've got to have an audio book or a podcast going. Takes my brain off of what my legs are doing.

Cakepiebeer

It took me a while. I started power walking. Eventually i sped up the pace which propelled me to a light jog. The light jogging progressed into a longer stride. Eventually i started sprinting short distances. Also, just doing it for 30 minutes every other day was a good goal for me. 30 minutes is about 2.5 - 3 miles for me. Having a scenic route helps to like running too

Also an app like Cardio Trainer to track your distance makes it more fun too

maemiller

i took my frustrations out on the road. Seems that all my problems seem to lift off of my shoulders and my mind just wanders..just a relaxingl feeling

hopeful224

After about mile 1, something happens and I start to settle into my pace, my breathing is steady, my body feels lighter, my mind free. This is when the freedom and joy of running starts for me. When my body is warmed up and my breathing is controlled, I can really start to run hills, change paces, smile! I love running with a friend sometimes and also on my own with my mp3 filled with great tunes for running. I find pretending a hill is flat also helps!! Or pretending a long lost friend is standing at the top cheering me on. I am just getting my running program back into swing after some medical things and feeling a bit stronger again! Good luck!!! Most of all..... enjoy the fact that you can run and walk and dance... anything on your feet... a gift I think!

rcb722

I never was a runner until earlier this year. I had tried C25K late last year, but never really enjoyed it. I think the one thing that has really made me enjoy running was entering races. Even small local events. I have never even been close to placing at all, but just having that goal and that accomplishment when I was finished was really meaningful for me. Plus, it's really fun to have the medals to display (in my closet) so I can see those accomplishments after I had finished.

Also, for me to really enjoy a run in the morning, I have to have the right music or podcasts, and of course this changes from day to day. Just start slow, and discover what you like. Also, I will NEVER be a good treadmill runner. I HATE it. I'd much rather run 10 miles outdoors than 1 on a treadmill. But I know there are many people that love watching movies on a treadmill, so again, you just have to find what really fits with your style. Make sure you start out with some good running shoes too, that was one huge improvement for me. I was trying to run with the "cute" athletic shoes instead of the ones that are actually meant for running. There's a big difference.

Good luck! I have grown to really like my alone time in the morning when it's still dark and quiet outside. I have the time to think and plan that I wouldn't have if I had stuck with sleeping that additional hour.

Tonilynn70

I found C25k to aggressive for me (being 230 lbs and had not run in a good 30 years)...but I wanted to run soooo badly!!! So I researched and I found a book called "Run Your Butt Off" and I am in week 5 of the 12 week program, but find I want tun longer then they say.

So, try C25k, but if you want or need something that starts off slower.. try this.

Good luck!!!

hopeful224

Yes... I agree totally.... So much strength comes from letting go of stress while running.

jdod13

My 2 cents - don't know how much anyone really enjoys running (training for my second marathon right now) It is uncomfortable, there is always someone faster than you or in better shape than you, and it takes a huge commitment of time and energy. For me with 2 kids and a full time job most of that time and energy is spent while most are sound asleep in their warm beds.

But there is something amazing that happens as you get more and more comfortable with it. You start with everything hurting and feeling worse afterwards, then slowly as you get in better shape you realize what an amazing machine you body is. And soon as you are logging mile after mile and they are starting to add up you realize how much better you feel afterwards, how much more awake and aware you are. Finally you transition to feeling worse on the days that you don't run......

congrats you are a runner.

Plus is does't hurt that after my 20 mile run this Sunday, I will get to eat back an obscene amount of calories.

Enjoy and +1 on c25K

Shanahan09

Start out slow...run then walk etc. Once your body starts getting conditioned, run further. It is an amazing high, it truly is. I get it at the half way mark of a run everytime. I'm screaming in my head up to that point "I can't do this, OMG, I'm gong to die, my lungs, my legs, aaaargh"...LOL...but when I hit that halfway mark, it's like I just got shot with a syringe of adrenaline with a caffeine chaser and I feel like I can go forever, It's a very cool feeling to know your body can achieve and do this. Our bodies are wonderful machines. I'm in awe of athletes who can push themselves to great measures.

briarashley

i run very very slowly, like extremely slowly and i breath in my nose and out my mouth. i run bare feet around a park and i love it. its like meditation. it took me a couple runs to get use to the in the nose and out the mouth but it makes a huge difference to the enjoyment of it. i also never run on a full stomach i usually go first thing in the morning after ive drunk a litre of warm water with lemon juice. this means im never thirsty and sets me up for such a serene day. running energises me and helps me sleep well at night.i hated it for the first probablly 5 or 6 runs but after that its not torture its so rewarding. you can learn to love it once you experience the rewards

TrishJimenez

It took me a while. I started power walking. Eventually i sped up the pace which propelled me to a light jog. The light jogging progressed into a longer stride. Eventually i started sprinting short distances. Also, just doing it for 30 minutes every other day was a good goal for me. 30 minutes is about 2.5 - 3 miles for me. Having a scenic route helps to like running too

Also an app like Cardio Trainer to track your distance makes it more fun too

yes a scenic route would be nice. I actually bought running shoes when I lived in Portland Oregon thinking I wouldnt even mind running in the rain and then I moved back to Vegas lol. No scenic route for me and to run outside would fry my lungs most months of the year. But there are a month or two in the late summer like right now and in the very early spring where I could run outside for a few weeks. Usually I do elliptical or swimming for cardio it is all just so BORING I have read that for some people running becomes meditative and that sounds like it could be really nice and I would enjoy it. So going to give it a shot

PegasusDeb

One of my happiest moments was completing my first and third races. So for me it was accomplishing a goal more than the run itself.

What happened in race #2??

I am hearing ya, cuz I wanna be a runner too, but every time I try I feel like a flippin' rhino! I wanna be a gazelle...

_Sally_

I would suggest making it a social activity. Find a running pal and start with a couple of miles around the neighborhood followed by a shared light meal or tea, etc. That's how I got started 20+ years ago. You can also find a running group for beginner runners.

The social aspect of chatting will take your mind off of running while you gain fitness, and then it will be more enjoyable when you are on your own.

BTW - I've run four marathons and I've never gotten a runner's high, so you might want to adjust your expectations. Endorphins can kick in for any sustained cardio activity after a certain amount of time and intensity level - it is not uniqe to running.

gbelltx

Oh yea couch to 5k is the way to go. Then once you go to a couple 5k walk/runs you will see others like your self just trying to get healthy and the races are usually fun

jetscreaminagain

Don't stay on a treadmill. For me C2 5K didn't do it. Too easy for a while then all of a sudden too hard.

I downloaded micoach on my smart phone and love it. It coaches by pace and has several plans. I'm doing lose weight. Next may be for a 10 k. It's wonderful to realize I'm going longer further faster than before. Or that a green zone used to be walking and then it was stunningly slow running and now I can maintain running at what used to be yellow. I get excited that sometimes there's a mile between walking breaks. Or that my run ends up being 5k at least once per weekend.

I'm a nerd. I need the data to find a win each day.

mkaluzny

Which one are you using? I see another responder is using micoach. I would like to try these out. I am an old lady who is obsessed with the idea of a smart phone (I know at times it is smarter than I.)