Running tips?

lml1042

I'm doing C25K 3 days a week. I HATE running! Beyond hate, I don't know a word beyond that. I want to be a runner. Even though I hate it, I want to be a runner. I want to learn to love it. I run on my treadmill and I notice I get off balance a lot. Running just feels odd to me, I can't get a nice even pace and I just feel awkward.

Does anyone have good running tips for me? How do I get a nice even stride?

maddymama

Run outside. I hate hate hate running on a treadmill, but feel much better running outside. Also, get or use an MP3 player and listen to some of your favorite songs. I have a bunch of dorky songs I will not listen to on the radio bc my DH makes fun of me, but I love to hear them when I run.

LittleMissAlx

I don't really have any advice, but just stick with it. I hated the running for ages when I started, but now I'm training for a half marathon and I can't imagine life without the running. I motivate myself with running gear, and I totally agree running outside is waaaay better - even at this time of year. Equally, you could try music - you can download them based on beats per minute or similar and that works with your pace.

BobbyDaniel

I agree, I think getting off the treadmill and going outdoors will make a world of difference. I hated running when I started C25K last year and at week 3 I really thought death was a better option. Now I'm 3 weeks away from my first 1/2 marathon...so you can learn to like it, or at least like the end results!

lml1042

I have a great playlist that I only allow myself to listen to when I'm running which helps.

I'm embarrassed to admit this, but when it get's tough during my running segments, I imagine myself running a marathon and about to cross the finish line lol. It always get's me moving quicker.

therealangd

Definitely run outside. And I also suggest an MP3 to listen to some tunes. But to be honest, if you really hate it, the chance of sticking with it are very slim. Why don't you keep trying different things until you find one you do love.

But that's not what you asked.

If your balance is off, then my thought would be to try something like yoga to improve your form. Or strength training. Runners use both of those to improve their running performance.

Marig0ld

I noticed your comment about being "off balance" on the treadmill. My trainer had me jog on the treadmill barefoot for a few minutes. It really helped me to get on track. I practiced a few more times and now my weird stride is completely gone! Sounds odd, but you should give it a try. Just for a minute or two. It helps you to become aware of where you're leaning or pounding too hard.

it really does get easier. Best of luck to you!

beesareyellow

Just started week six and I agree with everyone here. When I first started C25K I used a treadmill and HATED it. This caused me to give up. Then, at the suggestion of one of my MFP pals, I tried running outside. I restarted from scratch, and now I can't wait for my runs. Outside is much better, give it a try:)

Dustinryan24

im obsessed with running! my advice is just keep at it. the more you do it, the better you will be. running outside is more enjoyable to me. although if you are running on a treadmill, make it challenging.. try running intervals, or changing the incline.. give yourself a challenge.
best of luck to you!

chevy88grl

Some people just aren't runners. Plain and simple. If you hate it THAT bad, perhaps you should look for something else to do. Just because other people enjoy running doesn't mean you have to enjoy it too. I never thought I'd be a runner, but once I started running I LOVED it. I don't know.. I guess I just feel like if you hate it that much - you won't ever grow to love it. Find something you DO love and stop wasting time on an activity you loathe.

I should mention that I ONLY run on a treadmill. Running outside is too hard on my back (I have steel rods in my spine). I need the support in the deck of a treadmill. There are some treadmills that are harder to run on than others (higher base deck treadmills cause me to feel "off balance" whereas lower decks feel better to me). Perhaps try a different treadmill? Maybe that would help with the balance issue?

But really. I stand behind my original comment - if you hate it, do something else. If I didn't love running - I wouldn't do it.

_Sally_

Maybe join a local running group and make it social?

If you are really determined, you can always contact a running coach and have them evaluate your form. One of the best books I've read on proper running form is CHI RUNNING. They also have a DVD available with the book and they used to have seminars as well.

Or.... perhaps you should evalutate why you want to become a runner and see if there are other exercises or competitive sports that you would be interested in as an alternative.

Have you thought about sweep rowing? Rowing is an excellent full body workout, and it is at least 75% effort from legs/lower body, which many people don't realize.

Many areas have community clubs with learn to row programs. Many even offer indoor rowing group workout sessions in the winter. Rowing can also be very competitive in terms of individual time splits (and there are indoor rowing competitions if competition and thirst for speed is your thing), as well as on water rowing regattas in 8 or 4 person rowing shells, or you can take up rowing in a single shell.

There are many options for fitness... I'm a runner because I enjoy it, but even I don't understand why it is such an important goal for so many people to force themselves to do it if they don't enjoy it. Life is too short not to enjoy every minute of it

bert16

I think some of the earlier posts hit upon what I'd suggest: find a running club and/or running buddy (I prefer to run alone, but a lot of others seem to really prefer to make it a social thang); run outside and people watch as you run; and put together a really upbeat playlist for the runs (whether you decide to stay on the treadmill or not).

I don't know very much about the C25K program, but is there any way you can sign up for a race earlier and just jog/walk it (with more walking than you'll eventually do)? As I mentioned, I prefer to run alone, but will admit to being motivated by getting race T-shirts and running the events themselves.

My sister made fun of me for years (as in, decades)... I finally roped her into trying a half marathon this January (where I'll be attempting my first marathon) and she's really grown to love running! And she does a lot (most?) of her runs on a treadmill!

Stick with it to get to your 5K goal... and if you decide running's not your sport, there are always others (but you might find out that running really is your thing, eventually!).

arc918

1) get off the dreadmill and hit the road
2) slow down - nice and easy (little or no huffing and puffing even if you have to alternate between running & walking)

jetscreaminagain

I tried C25K and hated it. I was trying to like running. I felt embarrassed to run outside (there's a high school across the street full of high school students who are not the nicest people in the whole wide world). So I ran exclusively on the treadmill. I also tended to overextend my knee and I hurt my knee. I gave up.

Then about a year later, I joined a weight loss challenge and started the Body for Life program. I did everything in my house BUT get on the treadmill for the cardio portions. Finally i started running outside for cardio. Then I started using the micoach app on my phone. Then I started liking running. Eventually I got to where I could run outside for an hour straight. That was rad. I REALLY liked it.

Then it started turning into fall. I went back to my treadmill. For reasons I don't want to get into because they involve my own stupidity, the treadmill ejected me. I twisted my ankle and cannot run for the next 6 weeks. This means I miss 2 races I really wanted to do, and there's no chance of running exclusively outside when I get back to it because it will be sub-zero at times, and I'll have to contend with people who don't shovel their walks.

*****do NOT run on your treadmill if you're slippy, off balance, or fear you will fall***** FALLING OFF YOUR TREADMILL RUINS YOUR FITNESS PLANS *****DON'T DO IT!

Seriously, if you really want to try to like running, do it outside. Wait until you CAN do it outside if you can't go out now due to weather. If you give it the college try and still hate it. Try something else. Weight lifting is awesome.

lml1042

Thank you all for your helpful suggestions. Tomorrow is suppose to be my rest day, but I may try to run outside a bit and just see how different it feels.

IDK why I want to run so bad, I think the idea that I really don't need any equipment appeals to me. I like the idea of throwing on my shoes, heading out the door and just let loose.