Runnng: How to NOT Hate it with a Passion

HealthyBodySickMind

I'm a lot like you in that I can literally walk all day and not get bored or tired, but I've been trying pick up running, too. And if you peek at my exercise diary, you'll see I havent' been wildly successful at making it a habit, but we're working on it.

Someone mentioned having goals will help, but also looking hard at *why* you want to run will also motivate (in other words give yourself a reason). You stated that you wanted a runner's body (presumably not in your freezer, sorry bad joke), so find pictures of runners and hang them maybe near your bed to get yourself up for a morning run.

I don't know if this is helpful.

For me (disclaimer: crazy dog woman rant) I just need to look at my dog for the reason I want to run. She and I walk every day for 2 -15 miles. Yes, that means we often would walk for more than three hours as part of our regular day, just me and her. I love that dog. I recently found out she was hypothyroid, and since she's been on the treatment for that, she's had more energy, so I've tried running with her, to burn off the extra energy. She's about 50lbs, but even at a run, she stays right at heel, so she makes a wonderful running partner. The one thing that will get me out running is knowing that it's good for my dog.

nerdyandilikeit

I asked my brother how he made running fun and he said, "Always pretend zombies are chasing you." He was being serious, too.

I have a pretty kick *kitten* brother.



But I still hate running.

ingot81

I hate running but I have a few ways to keep me on the treadmill. I've downloaded the series called Chuck and watch one episode a run, I see if I can run in time to the song I'm listening to (I make sure I have dance type music) and I cover the screen with my towel to hide the time. I also time my runs to cooincide with programs I like on the television. I can now run one hour without stopping and can do a 10k in 56 minutes. Goodness help me if I ever run on the road. I'd have to carry a TV with me!

dad106

I also hate running with a fiery passion.. and when my trainer made me jog two measly laps, I whined the entire way.

I think running is boring, stupid and pointless... I can get to the exact same place by walking or doing the elliptical, it just may take a little bit longer. I don't see any point in forcing yourself to do something that you clearly don't like.. So why don't you find something you love and do that instead?

Also running isn't everything.. Squats, lunges and weights in general, will do a lot more for the booty then running ever will.

lbetancourt

I love to run. But, I don't love running for any of the physical benefits. I simply love running because I long for the moment my shoe hits the pavement. I love the open road and feeling that I control it, I own it. I spend nights putting together my playlist and can't wait to put my earbuds in the next morning and take off. When I hit around mile 5.... I am free and I feel there is little that can stop me. I love to run. But, there are days that my runs can be sour because with each stride there is some sort of ache or pain in my knee, my thigh or some place new. I want to quit and I wonder why I am up at 600 am running when I could still be in bed. But, I dig deep & run through it and once again I find it... my freedom, my peace, my place away from the stresses of the world. I love running with a passion, I am a runner.

Back to you, here is my advice

1. Start slow. Very slow. Think jogging/trotting. Start and finish with where you feel comfortable, even if it's not even a mile. Pushing yourself too quickly and too far will of course make you hate it. You will build up the miles & the speed will come later.
2. Invest in good running shoes. Get fitted!
3. Invest in appropriate running attire.... to keep everything in check.
4. Music that inspires/motivates you.
5. Join a running group.
6. Map & Record. Locate great running routes in your area, map them and keep track of your progress. I use Run Keeper.
7. Later, change things up a bit & work on your speed. Look up how to do fartleks. This can be fun.
8. Most of all, have fun! Don't focus on how you want lean legs & tight bum so much. Find the joy in running and the rest will follow.

Good luck and good running!

mrsbadara

Thanks to everyone for their posts. I should say that it's not that I don't want to be a runner; it's that I do.... I just want to find a way to decrease the suckage to get good enough to enjoy it. I downloaded a C25K app on my phone......... we'll see if that helps keep me motivated......

sarah307

i wanted to be a runner for years ... never was... EVER

then i started running in september and thought i was going to absolutely die after 1 minute of running.. AND NOW: i love running - it's an escape for me i ran 6 miles yesterday!!!

***best thing i did that kept me going - slowed down my pace.. for some reason i thought i had to SPRINT the whole time i was running??? LOL. it took me a while to get that long distance runners have a slower pace lol

you can do it!

amelia_atlantic

1. RUN SLOWER. You should be able to have a conversation while running. If you're running alone, try mouthing the words to the song you're listening too. If you're running too fast, you'll use up all your energy and that is no fun.

2. GET BETTER WORKOUT CLOTHES. Starting with a good sports bra. I don't like my ladies to move AT ALL, but that's just me.

3. DO INTERVALS. Walk for 3 min/jog for 1 min. Work your way up to jogging 3 min/running 1 min. Whatever works for you. But it mixes it up so you're not plodding along loathing every minute.

As others have said: the more you do it, the more you'll like it. It's become meditation for me and I can't imagine my life without it. I hope you reach that point too!

catherine1979

I haven't read all of the responses, but I, much like you, wanted to run to get fit and not necessarily for the love of running. What worked for me:

1. Don't be cheap when it comes to proper gear. Make the investment in a good pair of running shoes. Go to a running store and get fitted. Buy some good socks. Invest in good quality technical shirts, some tights, and a good jacket. If you spend the whole run being uncomfortable you will never learn to love it.

2. Start out slow. Do C25K or another "learn to run" program. These programs are designed for beginners. They gradually increase your mileage over time so you can avoid injury. Don't over train. Take it easy when you start.

3. Reward yourself. When I graduated my Learn to Run class, I bought a Garmin. I love taking that thing out for a spin.

4. Make friends with runners. Even if you don't run with them frequently, it's nice to have people to talk to about running. Lots of cities and towns have free running clubs, you might have to seek them out but they do exist.

5. Don't force it. Some people will just never love running. For me, I love the way I feel after a run, so that is what I get out of it. Have fun. You can run just for the sake of running and keep it relaxed.