What was your motivation to start running?

lemanuelthelazy

I am looking for advice from people who run now, but who were once people like me and said NEVER I WILL NEVER EVER BE A RUNNER.

I want to do the couch to 5k program because it's the first thing i've seen that made me think "Yeah, that's doable!" But I can't turn off the excuses:

"I can't run because it's winter in Wisconsin which means dangerous ice, and my neighborhood is too sketchy, and I can't join a gym because it's too expensive, and I can't use my treadmill because the downstairs neighbors will get annoyed and I can't find the key for it anyway, and I don't have time to run in the morning, and I'm too skittish to run after dark, and my ipod is broken..."

They are endless!

What's your story? How did you make the transition between Not a Runner and Runner?

JenBrown0210

I love running now! I used to hate it. I got started with the couch to 5k. I highly recommend it! To quote Nike, just do it. Once you start you won't want to stop. Im now doing the couch to 10k.

longtimeterp

i could barely walk i was so out of shape, so i decided it was time to do something about it...didn't need a gym or a bike, just go run...

mjhedgehog

My motivation for running is that I play softball during the summer. I need to be able to run fast and a lot because I play center field and rover. And also base running. So I run to stay in shape for sports.

irjeffb

I always HATED running. I don't think I had ever run more than about a minute in my life. I started C25k almost a year ago at just under 270 pounds. I won't lie. It was hard, but I pushed through and did it. Since completing it last March, I run at least 5k 2-3 times per week. Sometimes longer, sometimes more often. I ran 10k on Saturday, and 5 miles on Sunday, just because I WANTED TO.

Shortly after I started running, my resting heart rate went from the 80s-90s to the 50s, and I went off of my blood pressure medication (some of that is, of course, attributed to the accompanying weight loss).

My current profile picture was taken about an hour ago after running 5k tonight in the cold, dark rain. I was actually under on my calories for the day, I just WANTED to run.

Crazy4Healthy

We are neighbors, I'm in Waukesha.

I did not set out to run, I started walking at lunch just to get some exercise. I would then run a little and then a little more. I had been walking an hour a day to go about three miles. I soon realized I could do 3 miles in half the time and burn more calories and it just kinda went from there. I definitely prefer running outside to the treadmill (NEVER thought I would say that). I, like you, don't care so much for running on the icy roads and have been finding alternatives for now until the weather is at least 30+ (stairs have been my cardio of choice these days).

RobinC37

I was always the slowest runner on my soccer team, and I was always jealous of people who could run for longer distances 5-10 miles. I wanted to be a runner but never thought I could be. Then last December I read something that said (paraphrased) "As soon as you walk out the door and start running you are a runner. Even if you can only run 50 yards at one time, you will run a little farther and faster every day and you can be proud to call yourself a runner"

I'm recovering from surgery and yesterday I jogged my first mile since it. It was an 11:30, and I had to walk at around 3/4 mile for a minute, but then I finished strong. Today I was back and took it easy: walk one, jog one, walk one, jog one. (Laps at the gym) I am trying not to overuse my muscles after 3 weeks off.

Do you like music? Choose upbeat music with about 140 bpm- this is a great heart beating pace. I don't listen to music except what is on at the gym. I like to use my runs to think through things in my life, good and bad. It distracts me from the burning in my thighs.

Can you find a running buddy in your area? That would make it safer to jog when the streets are plowed. I always have my dog and phone if I run outside. It can also help keep you motivated. Remember to set your own pace, but push yourself a little. The phrase "no pain, no gain" is true. A lot of running injuries happen the third week into a new program, so do light workouts and let your joints and muscles recuperate a little. And if you hate it and it isn't fun, find yourself something better for you!

sundog10

I used to drink and had to stop, -- completely. (ok, i got a DUI, got thrown in jail for a weekend, and had to go to rehab. to keep my license) Needless to say, I was a bit of a screw up. I wanted to prove to myself I could actually accomplish something good for myself . So I started running. It was a complete turnaround for me. A few years later I ran my first marathon at age 49 and now run one marathon a year and a few half marathons each month. I actually get up at 4 am to get miles in at the local high school track in the dark. . Its a great way to start the day.

For_the_Last_Time

Zombies!

No really a Zombie 5K, although I am not a runner yet just started C25K.

justal313

Last February my friends I was losing weight with wanted us to all sign up for the warrior dash in September. I figured it's only 3 miles and I could walk it and I had 8 months to get ready and get weight off.

Around April I decided maybe I try to ramp up to run 3 miles. I picked the treadmill in the back corner so I wouldn't embarrass myself and I could barely manage a half mile. By the Beginning of May I could run a mile with just a little bit of slowing down to a fast walk and then my buddy wants us to all run a 10K on the 3rd of July! Holy holy, 10k that's way to far..

But. The 10k ends by running out through the giant patriots helmet and across the 50 yard line in Gillette stadium. My buddy says we can walk/run if we have to, so I sign up.

I increase my running I can't really do 10k but I'm running. I had a blast and on that day I went from running because it burns a lot of calories and I need to be ready for the warrior dash to RUNNING IS FUN!!! I ran the 10k in 79 minutes which isn't breaking any records but I did it.

I ran a 5k in August.
In September we did the warrior dash and a 5k the next day where we all got to wear Kilts and there was an Irish festival after.
I found the Rail Trail where I did a lot of my running until it got all snowy and cold, cant wait for spring.

I've run 7 races since september and I have 15 already scheduled/planned for this year and I'm in two different running series. I am totally hooked.

Plus I get the most bang for time vs. calories burned buck by running.

I plan on a half marathon this fall.

erika0430

I used to love running! I all trough Jr. High and High School and I'm my heart still want to! But I am afraid my body won't let me I'm over 200 and over 30 and Ihave arthritis. I am worried about my back and knees Any advice for getting back into it without injuring myself? Now I swim but i miss running

RobinC37

I used to love running! I all trough Jr. High and High School and I'm my heart still want to! But I am afraid my body won't let me I'm over 200 and over 30 and Ihave arthritis. I am worried about my back and knees Any advice for getting back into it without injuring myself?

Go slow and listen to your body. If you don't already, ease into it by walking quckly a few weeks to make sure you can handle it. Talk to your doctor for any recommendations, and see if you need light braces to help stablilize and keep swelling at a minimum. If you have pain, cut back on what you are doing. Avoid walking and running on concrete.

emmgetsfit

I hate running.

I really hate running.

Have I mentioned that I hated running?

I enjoyed my outdoor run tonight...

But seriously... I hate running.

Like you, I'm a beginner. I just started my C25K program this week. Last week I started doing 20 min on the treadmill with a run/walk thing and so far so good. Had to run outside tonight because I was late getting to the gym... but I digress. I used to find every excuse in the book - and some were really good like "I have an exam to study for" or "homework" but I'd screw around for an hour before actually getting down to work. Bottom line is you gotta do it because you want to do it. Not because you have to. Once you "have" to do something it becomes a chore - like taking out the garbage or doing laundry.

Maybe you're not a runner. Maybe you're a swimmer, or a cyclist, or a kick boxer.



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brandiuntz

I'm currently training for a 5K. I'm training with a friend. We run together 3 nights a week. Having someone to run with has helped us stay committed.

emmgetsfit

Zombies!

No really a Zombie 5K, although I am not a runner yet just started C25K.

Rule #1 Cardio.

MPilotz

like a lot of them said, I was never a runner either. but my body got used to the running within a week or two. you have to STOP MAKING EXCUSES AND DO IT! thats the key to success

careyannal

I was always one of those people that thought runners were crazy. Nothing about it seemed appealing to me. Well, I started 6 months ago, barely running more than a minute at a time as a way to lose weight. Ended up gradually increasing my mileage and running my first half marathon in November. Now I'm currently training for my 2nd in March.

I'm not going to lie and say that I love it, but the feeling and sense of accomplishment when I'm done is enough to cancel out the cold weather and temporary discomfort of the actual run. Also I've noticed I am in a much better head space on days that I run than on my rest days.

Jonesyuno

I was always of the opinion that is I was going to run, I wanted to accomplish something. For instance, I love basketball. That gave my running a purpose. Floor hockey in college. that was with a purpose. But just running was, to me, duller than dirt.

But, once you get going, after a few days of consistant running and running longer or faster, I got more of a taste for it. Now, my motivation is the 5-miler my wife and I will be doing July 4th.

Keep it up!

omma_to_3

I've never been a runner and I will never be 'good' or 'fast'. When I started working out, it was walking on the treadmill. As I became more fit, it became harder and harder to get a good calorie burn from my walking. First I increased the speed and then the time. Then the incline. Still not enough (too much incline bothers my knees a lot). Then I added arm workouts while walking (punches, curls, and lateral raises). I was getting a decent burn, but it was taking up a LOT of time. At least an hour at each workout. So I decided to start C25K to get a better calorie burn.

So there you go. FOOD was my motivation LOL. I run so I can eat. People think I *LOVE* running. I don't. But I don't hate it either, and for me, that's almost the same as love LOL.

Im_NotPerfect

I used to walk A LOT. But when I noticed it wasn't really a strenuous exercise for me anymore, I figured I had to ramp it up. I've NEVER been a runner. But I always saw people out running and wished I could. So I thought I'd give it a try! Modified C25K later....I like to call myself a runner. Done a few 5Ks and looking to more, along with a 10K and a couple 5 milers this year!

VickyO1977

Like you I used to find every excuse going and then I found a new running club where I progressed and made lots of friends now I love it and hate missing a run plus I also have a great new social network who are all lovely.

FitBeto

A creepy guy with his wife and child

mhankosk

Honestly, I woke up one day and thought "yea I can do this" when I was thinking about doing the C25K program. We had a weightloss competition at work and I wanted to add more cardio to my workouts. I mentioned it to my friends and they wanted to join. If they wouldn't have done it with me, I probably would have never completed the whole thing. But since I had them depending on me, I went and bought cold weather running stuff and new shoes and we did it! It was awesome. Now I can't stop. Just signed up for my first half marathon.

The best advice I can give you is to sign up for a 5K race in your area. Once you put money on it, you might be more inclined to stay motivated. I know it definitely helped me!

dbaumgarn

Sounds like you just have a lot of excuses for not running. I began running in June of 2011 and trust me I hated every second I was doing it but I did want to complete my first 5k...I may have jumped the gun a bit to soon on that one because I tried it after only running for about 2 weeks...the good news is...I finished...the bad news...I was dead last...since then I was determined to finish a 5k in 30 min or less...and so I did...my new mission...I ran a few more and so far to date I have run my fastest 5k at 27 min!! Pretty proud, yes I am! I am certainly not a speedy run but I love the feeling when I am finished. So far to date my longest run has been about 5.6 miles...it is more my own drive that wants to do this now. I started because I was getting tired of my exercise videos and wanted to get outside and enjoy the spring, summer and fall weather...I loved my morning runs...and they will happen again...I am now 27 weeks pregnant so running has turned into a very slow jog/walk..stick with it...runners get addicted to running...sounds crazy but it is true!! Soo from one non-runner to another...if you will it you will achieve it;)

bumblebums

Short story: Laziness. It takes so much less time to work up a sweat running than any other form of cardio for me, I basically did it to save time.

Long story: Like many people, I have a love-hate relationship with running. I have been a "jogger" on and off for many years, and it used to give me stomach cramps and was generally miserable. I came back to running after a few years off when I started going to my current gym. I overcame my contempt for treadmills and found many things to like. I live in a place with bad weather, car traffic, and air pollution. I don't have to worry about any of these things on a treadmill. I have also increased my performance steadily because the treadmill tells me exactly how fast and how far I'm running--something that would be much harder to keep track of outdoors. The running surface agrees with my legs better, and I like the comfort of being able to stop whenever I want. Having that option, I still take at least 30 min every time I get on the treadmill.

GiddyupTim

Not exactly sure why I started. I suppose I just thought it would help me look better. I simply started doing it. I went one, single block each time, at first. My distances gradually, naturally, got longer. BTW I was living in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, at the time. So, weather is no excuse.

RideaYeti

I have always been a bike a rider for my aerobic workouts because I was up around 270-280 and didn't want o blow up my knees. When I got down to 220, my bike needed work and I couldn't afford to get it fixed and I needed to keep working out so I started running. I figured that since I could easily ride 40+ miles that running would be no big deal. Boy was I wrong! First time out I couldn't even run 1 mile.

I'm now training for a 10K and run 5K at lunch 3x week. Mixing it with biking has really helped keep everything fresh and fun so working out hasn't become a chore.

JesterMFP

I think the main motivation for me was that I had never been a runner, never imagined I could do that, and in fact, when I was a kid/teenager, I was kind of the "anti" runner. I wanted to prove myself wrong.

I would wholeheartedly recommend C25k. I can't promise you will love running, but it's definitely worth a try. If you hate it (after giving it a proper try!) you can just find something you like better.

If you really want to do this, obviously you're going to have to just go and do it, and disregard all your excuses. However, I don't honestly think there's any shame in waiting until the weather improves. I'm already into it, and find it hard going in icey, snowy weather, especially with the days being shorter at the moment. If you're going to do it, you need to make a commitment to do it, but you could make the commitment to start in the spring, and you might find it easier to motivate yourself when it's a little lighter, and warmer. I'm not trying to let you off the hook, but it's an option.

joe2626

I'm still very new to running, having only been going for a fortnight.
I started because a friend of mine inspired me to start it up. At 6ft tall, he went from 19 stone to 13 stone using running as his main form of cardio. I used to use the static bike when I was at my heaviest but, as somebody pointed out to me, the bike holds your weight, whereas running on a treadmill makes you shift your own body-weight. I hate people seeing me exercise as i'm still really unfit and unconfident, but near where I live there are several tracks and roads that hardly ever get used which provides me with almost 'my own' running route. Best of luck with it! x

kaltey

I always hated running as well. I started running because I was able to burn more calories in a shorter amount of time. Then a bunch or us signed up for run for your lives, and now I'm signed up for the color run at the beginning of April.

eoleary720

C25k is definitely a good place to start!

About a year ago, my cousin told me about Run for Your Lives 5k and I got really pumped for it, but there was no way I could even run a mile. I started doing C25k and would complete a few weeks, then fall off the wagon and pick it up a couple weeks later. I don't think I ever actually finished the program, but I did finish two 5k races this year! C25k helped motivate me to get started, but once I got used to running regularly, I liked doing my own thing.

My best advice is when it pops in your head and the excuses start, just grab your shoes, put them on and walk out the door. Stop thinking, just go!

That works for me, because I also tend to talk myself out of things.