Hate running?

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kgray4
kgray4 Posts: 1
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm not sure if anyone else really hates running the same way I do. I know it's necessary to reach my goal, but every time I get started I make it about five minutes, then stop. It seems too high-impact, and for an asthmatic like me, really bugs my lungs. I recently discovered a new machine at my student rec center, and I fell in LOVE! I think it's called the ArcTrainer, and it lets me work out at the speed of running, but with almost none of the impact, and my lungs love it too! It's actually made working out fun for me, and now I go every day because it makes me feel so good! Finally, a solution to my running woes!

Replies

  • lydiabeth4
    lydiabeth4 Posts: 13
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    It's good you found something you like!
    And, for the record, i share your passionate hatred for running...but i still attempt it frequently, but in more recent times i find the Elliptical machine is better for my knees and gives me just as much of a workout! =)
    Good luck!!
  • wannabe
    wannabe Posts: 29
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    i hate it too! hurts my legs and boobs lol. never heard of the arctrainer is it by chance an elliptical machine??? the motion of running,,,,you're legs are moving in circles but there is not impact...i love it. also swimming is amazing, fun and you dont feel like you're getting a serious work out but you are
  • Sunsh1ne
    Sunsh1ne Posts: 879 Member
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    Ditto that, I LOVE the elliptical but I hate running. Like, really, really hate it. I get frustrated by the monotony of tracks and treadmills but with my poor level of fitness and the bad area my campus is in, running outside is a bad idea.
  • lydiabeth4
    lydiabeth4 Posts: 13
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    Oh yeah!
    Swimming is my favorite!!! =)
    Good suggestion!
  • tayner
    tayner Posts: 372
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    I am right there with you... i hate running. I am not sure if it is for the same reasons... I have never been a runner, but that could be because for nearly my entire life I have carried around "another person" since I have always been overweight, and it is like a normal sized person running with someone strapped to them.. not a pretty picture. My knees and joints cry every time i tried to run.

    Even now after a significant amount of weight loss, although not at my goal, I am not sure running is something I should be doing, it is high impact. I do have a goal to get to a place where I can run a mile, just so i can say I can, but I am going to wait until I get down to my goal weight so I dont have as much weight on my already beat up joints. I will, for now, stick with cycling and spinning, low impact, and works out my lungs :)

    Good luck to you!
  • Deweypc20
    Deweypc20 Posts: 68 Member
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    hurts my boobs too!

    haha kidding. I have committed to trying to be able to have a decent 5k time by spring or summer. So I have to run, but I agree, I hate running, and any given day, I see so much improvement in my endurance, but there is always something, my knees, shin splints, my back, etc, that keeps me from running as long as I'd like to. My heart and lungs can now handle so much more simply from running the last 3 weeks.

    But when I get stuck, and something acts up, I just quickly transition to the elliptical, and keep the heart rate up, and it just takes the pressure off of my joints and back. As long as I am burning calories, and working my heart, that is the main goal, the rest will come.
  • Iceprincessk25
    Iceprincessk25 Posts: 1,888 Member
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    I've started the couch to 5 k program. I have never been a runner and it has always been SOOOO hard for me to do but this program is pretty manageable. At the end of 9 weeks it trains you to be able to run a half hour straight! That to me will be a HUGE accomplishment!!!

    The elliptical trainer is a GOD SEND for sure! I always burn a ton of calories on that thing and it's much easier on my body. My feet hate the running but I keep pushing on.
  • Sunsh1ne
    Sunsh1ne Posts: 879 Member
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    It looks like I'm gonna have to bite the C25K bullet because I got to school and found out that the gym is CLOSED for renovations until mid-February. :sad: No more elliptical trainer for me!
  • iplayoutside19
    iplayoutside19 Posts: 2,304 Member
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    I understand that running isn't for everyone. When I started this whole process I didn't run because I was afraid I would blow out a knee. And a lesser reason was I have asthama too. So I walked, Once some weight came off and I started feeling stronger I kept looking for new challanges.

    When I started the Couch to 5K last fall I was still over 300 lbs. I followed the program to a tee. Mainly, 1 day off between running sessions, and two days off between weeks. That's it, 3 times a week. While there were some moments of discomfort with the program I never felt anything I would call pain. If you're going to run, I think you have to expect to be un-comfortable at some point.

    I completed Couch-to-5K and I have to say it is definatly life changing. I rave run three races since Thanksgiving. I don't even know where my asthama inhalers are because I haven't needed them, my lungs are that much more efficient. This includes running frequently in temps below freezing. My knees don't hurt because they're stronger and have less weight on them. I am addicted, it's like a drug. I ran a little over 4 miles this morning and can't wait to go again on Thursday.

    Like I said at the begginning. I understand running isn't for everyone, but I can honestly tell you it's been the most effective activity I have done when it comes to weight loss.
  • MadHatter
    MadHatter Posts: 12
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    I've been using a stationary bike for 20-30 minutes a day, but I'm starting on walks today. I feel self conscious when I run, so I'm thinking I might start taking runs, or jogs, at night when everyone else is asleep >.<.
  • john2811
    john2811 Posts: 1
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    Another recommendation I would make is walking up a steepish incline, either a hill or inclined treadmill for an extended period. It's a fast way to build a base aerobic fitness and strength.

    As a smoking, 30 BMI, couch to marathon runner in 16 weeks can I offer the following observations about getting fit by running.

    1. Go to a running shop and invest in a decent pair of specialist running shoes, if you are overweight get "cushioned" trainers, I use Adistar Salvation and have never gotten an injury or blister. Also women need a correctly fitting sports bra.

    2. Never start running the streets until your legs and used to it, pavements and to a lesser extent roads are very unforgiving and cause injury if your knees, ankles are not first aclimatised.. Find a local grass football pitch and start by slowly running the short lengths and walking the long lengths for the first week. Later run 2 long sides, walk 2 short then 3 sides etc until you can run for at least 20 mins.

    3. Follow one of the training programs on a website runnersworld.co.uk is a good source.

    Most people hate running because their bodies are not used to that intensity of exercise and give up. I know it feels uncomfortable to start with, but dont give up take it slowly get your body accustomed, and after 10/12 weeks you'll find that you can run for a 1-2 hours+ and burn masses of calories.

    Thanks


    John
  • DrBorkBork
    DrBorkBork Posts: 4,099 Member
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    MadHatter, don't be self concious when you run... nobody is looking at you, I promise. Unless you're that guy that just lapped me for the 3rd time in 2 mins... or insanely muscly, tan, and smokin' cute ;)
    If you're running with other people, they're there to work, not check out the competition.

    I am running my first 5k this weekend. Well, probably walking most of it, but going to try & run at least a total of half. The last mile is up a 5% grade, very steep hill, right by my house, in 30 degree temperatures. The race is appropriately called Hale Freezes Over, LOL

    In February, I'll be starting an official C25K program. I know that's kinda backwards (run a 5k, and THEN start training), but I'm looking forward to the challenge & the benefits it will bring my body. I want to be a strong, fast MACHINE!
  • FireMonkey
    FireMonkey Posts: 500 Member
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    My knees are okay, but my ankles feel like they're held together by rubber bands when I'm running. I do short little sprints with my dog but I'd rather have a root canal than run any kind of distance. Fortunately there are so many ways to get cardio that I don't feel obligated to force myself to run. I :heart: the elliptical, the recumbent bike and the rowing machine. Incidentally, tai chi also is good cardio, even though the movements are slow. :happy:
  • annhjk
    annhjk Posts: 794 Member
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    I don't think anyone likes running when they start because IT"S HARD and it's been a punishment forever. If you did something wrong in sport or gym - what did you have to do -RUN.

    If you take it slow and aren't afraid to be slow(pace) you might actually like it. For me it turned into an accomplishment. I could do a 5K, I did do a 10K, I've done a half marathon. I use it as a goal to push myself beyond my comfort zone. Yep - marathon is next on the list and I NEVER wanted to do one. Now I just need my IT band to cooperate with me so I can train for it one in May.

    My point is you don't have to run fast, or far, or even look good doing it. If you want to get better at running you have to start slowly and build slowly. I don't know anyone that races to be the best - 95% or more do it to improve their OWN time and improve themselves.
  • DrBorkBork
    DrBorkBork Posts: 4,099 Member
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    I saw a great t-shirt a few days ago about running:
    "My sport is your sport's punishment"

    I thought that was pretty funny!
  • Sunsh1ne
    Sunsh1ne Posts: 879 Member
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    Bit the C25K bullet today and while I still hate running, I have to admit that after a stretch and a shower I feel pretty freaking amazing.
  • sweetteacher123
    sweetteacher123 Posts: 178
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    I absolutely hate running! And I have for years, even though I try to make myself do it. What I often do is "wog." I will run a mile then walk a mile, then run a mile, then walk. Or run ten minutes, walk ten minute, run ten minutes, walk. It makes it a little better.

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