Must I run?

Pandasarecool

It seems like EVERYONE runs. EVERYONE i talk to is in to running and likes it. I HATE it. I mean, how can you run for 2 hours straight and not be bored/tired/out of breath? Does anyone NOT run and never plans to run? I don't have time to run for hours on end, let alone the strength and will power. I do a workout video for 30 minutes 5 times a week. I don't know what it is about running, it just scares me...

quebot

I used to feel this way about running. I still don't love it like some people do. But I love the way I feel when I'm running regularly. I'm generally more happy, more optimistic, and more energetic. I simply started running because I'm a mom and it was a simple workout that I could do without spending extra money or wasting too much time.

lyttlewon

You don't need to run, but if you WANT to run, you don't need to run for 2 hours either. I run 5K in about 40 minutes.

Determinednoob

You forgot to include what you want to accomplish without running in your question. If it helps any, I don't run.

sabolfitwife

I'm going to give it a go. Granted my "running" is more of a steady jog, with walking intervals to catch my breath. I just downloaded Endomondo (mapmyrun kept shutting my phone down mid jog and was irritating!!) and tonight it said I jogged 1.57 miles in 17:16 and it said I averaged 11 min/mile which I've never ran! Needless to say I feel very accomplished and am going to attempt to jog every other night and see if I can improve my time/distance.

Good luck to you on figuring out whether it's for you or not.

lulukittie

While I have run in the past, it's not part of my workout mix right now. Nobody *has to* run to get/be fit. It's a really good cardiovascular workout that doesn't require a gym membership or special equipment besides shoes and a good sports bra. Plus it gets addicting after a while.

EricaRuns27

While I have run in the past, it's not part of my workout mix right now. Nobody *has to* run to get/be fit. It's a really good cardiovascular workout that doesn't require a gym membership or special equipment besides shoes and a good sports bra. Plus it gets addicting after a while.

Exactly! I love running because it's free, & I can walk out my front door, & I'm at my "gym.". I love getting new running shoes, & everything about it! I'm training for a half marathon right now, I'm over halfway there. Its so addicting. 

AmyRhubarb

I never liked running. Never wanted to run. Ditched basketball for volleyball in high school because there was less running.

After two years of working out and losing weight (without running!), something clicked in my head last January and challenged me to try running. I think it was the fact that it is something that I could do anywhere, and maybe it would keeping from falling off the workout wagon while I was on vacation, up at my parents house, or whatever.

But I don't like running! But I do like a challenge, so I looked up the c25k program, downloaded an app, ignored the crazy looks I was getting from my husband, and I went for it. I enjoyed the program - I've always been a walker, so starting out was easy, because it was mostly walking. Finished in the allotted nine weeks and was proud of myself for having accomplished it.

And then I signed up for a race - and I loved it! So I kept running. I tried during the summer to move up to 10k distance, using another app. I started dreading my runs. I had no desire to get out there. Not sure if I was just burned out, if it was the summer heat, or if I just don't like running for longer than 30-45 minutes, but I stopped the program.

Around that time, school started for my kiddo, so I had to get a quick run before taking her to school (since it was still stinkin' hot here, so run early or not at all), and started loving my quick 2 mile runs at sunrise. :bigsmile:

So I learned to love running, and am still figuring out my limits. I may try the longer distance again as the weather cools. If you really want to give it a go, try c25k. If you really don't like running and have no desire to try it - don't! It's not for everyone! Plenty of other ways to get good cardio.

myfitnessval

absolutely not. in fact in my 4 months at this today was my first time running, and it was only to time my mile because i want to work on sprinting one. lol i strongly believe in circuit training & HIIT, with those you dont really NEED to run. sure its great for your cardiovascular system and burns calories like crazy, but id rather tone and shape and burn fat because of my muscles and raised metabolic rate rather than run it off and look frail at the end of this.

contingencyplan

Nope you don't have to. I hate running and I'm doing fine. Jumping rope burns more calories anyway. Plus strength training is awesome.

NareenaTheGypsy

I don't run... I walk. I do circuit/cardio DVDs. I do simple exercises like pushups (girl style still), situps, stretching, etc. I watch my calories and I try to keep my goals small.. something I can do in less than a month usually. I started in Aug and I am officially at the 20 lb mark (ok, 19.6 according to MFP).
I don't like to run. I have this crazy visually minded image of me running outside and rolling an ankle, falling and destroying said ankle. Or running on the treadmill and slipping and falling flat on my face. When I am able and want to, I put on my headset and listen to my audiobook and I go out and I walk around the neighborhood. There's lots of streets I never knew were so close by! lol

DenyseMarieL

I just did my first 10k after a 12 yr hiatus from running. It was a last minute decision, and had 4 wks to train for it. My body seemed to remember, because I loved every minute of it. Now I am going to try and run at least 4 miles every other day. I regret ever having stopped running, but having 4 kids and a busy life, my workout times were always sporadic at best. Now I have more time to dedicate to me!
Running is not for everyone. And I don't think you can 'force' yourself to enjoy an exercise routine. It also has to fit you.
Good luck in finding what works for you!

ashumeow

5 minutes running = 16 minutes walking...

I run everyday for atleast 30 minutes taking some intervals.

ktmmom189

No I do not run or jog at all. Not planning on it either. I have a knee that was injured in a motorcycle accident and its up for knee replacement as well as 2 bulging discs. I do Zumba, walk, lots of stairs, and starting Wednesday some weight training as well as the elliptical. I also like kickboxing (slowly) and have lots of workout videos. I guess I look at it whatever keeps me moving. If I don't like I won't do it.

AnnaVee84

It seems like EVERYONE runs. EVERYONE i talk to is in to running and likes it. I HATE it. I mean, how can you run for 2 hours straight and not be bored/tired/out of breath? Does anyone NOT run and never plans to run? I don't have time to run for hours on end, let alone the strength and will power. I do a workout video for 30 minutes 5 times a week. I don't know what it is about running, it just scares me...

I'm with you, I just don't like the 'feel' of it, on a treadmill or outside! so I do everything else, swimming, gym classes, yoga, hiking, walking 5ks for charity, even the elliptical machine...but I am definitely not a runner!

SomeoneSomeplace

Runner's high happens for me. First 2-3 miles I want to die sometimes my chest is burning my legs are burning and I want to stop and I think DAMN I HATE RUNNING but one I push past that I feel free I'm in my own world I feel like I can keep going forever...it's a completely undesirable feeling. I haven't been able to go there on a track or treadmill mostly cos I get so freaking bored that I can't do long runs but out on the road I can. When you build up stamina and learn to pace yourself running can be REALLY enjoyable. Some people go out feeling like they have to sprint the entire time but that's not the case at all you gotta find a nice even steady pace. I used to hate running, barely be able to run a mile and now I LOVE it. Nothing burns calories faster for me, nothing feels better and nothing clears my head like running. But there ARE plenty of other exercises you can do! A lot of people who don't run much do a lot of strenth training and other forms of cardio and look GREAT.

JohnMessmer

No, you must pay taxes in one form or another and you must die eventually. Everything else is optional and offers different levels of rewards and or penalties.

DavPul

You forgot to include what you want to accomplish without running in your question. If it helps any, I don't run.

I only run when i have to catch a bus. and yeah, if you let us know what your goals are, we can answer if you must run or not. sounds like the answer is "No".

hal1968

I second the C25K app. It's FANTASTIC!! I HATE running, but I finished the 9 week course this evening and now I can jog 30 minutes at a pretty good pace by my standards (10 min miles). I still hate running, but it's the only way I can squeeze a quick workout that burns a decent number of calories into 40 minutes. And even though I say that I hate running, after about 2-3 days since my last "run" I start to look forward to my next one.

Did you see the Nike commercial during the Olympics of the fat kid jogging? That's me when I started; I'm 6' 2", 275 lbs. Now I almost look like a jogger.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JnYcuRW_qo