Does anyone just run anymore?

Everyone who runs (it seems) is on a "program". New runners do C25K. Others are training for a marathon using Hal (or someone similar). Am I the only one that just leaves the house and runs?

When I started running, I couldnt even go 1 mile. I just started running. When I couldnt go any further, I walked until I caught my breath. Then I ran some more. Eventually I could run a mile....then 2....then 3. So I did a 5k. Then I tried to run 4 miles, then 5...and on and on. I just kept going. Then I did a half marathon. Now I am scheduled for a full. Maybe I 'm an idiot but my plan is to just keep running...farther and farther.

Why does it need to be so scheduled, scientific and regimented?

Does anyone else just RUN?

NO, no one else but you. And Forest Gump.

I started on C25K, but now I just run! Everyday at least 30 minutes. I love it

Programs provide small attainable goals, which helps a non-runner become a runner. Everyone is different. I needed that. You don't. We're different. It also provides a sense of community which we all need. I can talk to other people who completed C25K and we can compare journeys. We can bond over common ground. Someone else's running experience may be different than mine, but the basic program is the same. Don't like running programs? Don't do them. Personally, I'm glad this one was there for me.

Seconding this I tried a few times in the past to "just run" and got discouraged because I couldn't do it very long. The c25k program helped me realized that I a) I'm capable if I take small steps b) I -am- accomplishing something and c) I'm not abnormal for needing a bit of structure to my goals

Programs give people goals to reach. If I don't have a goal for doing something, I'll usually stop doing it. And if the goal is a marathon, you want to do well in it. No one wants to reach a goal only to see that they completed it but not well.

I started c25k because one of my goals is to be a runner. Using a program helps you push yourself slow so you can see your progression. It also helps so you don't overdo it and quit.

Everyone who runs (it seems) is on a "program". New runners do C25K. Others are training for a marathon using Hal (or someone similar). Am I the only one that just leaves the house and runs?

When I started running, I couldnt even go 1 mile. I just started running. When I couldnt go any further, I walked until I caught my breath. Then I ran some more. Eventually I could run a mile....then 2....then 3. So I did a 5k. Then I tried to run 4 miles, then 5...and on and on. I just kept going. Then I did a half marathon. Now I am scheduled for a full. Maybe I 'm an idiot but my plan is to just keep running...farther and farther.

Why does it need to be so scheduled, scientific and regimented?

Does anyone else just RUN?

NO, no one else but you. And Forest Gump.

:laugh: :laugh: I wish I could run like Forrest Gump!

I just run! I HATE being told what to do. I run until I can't anymore then I walk for a bit. Then I run some more. I find that intervals like that are much more practical for me an make it to where I don't hate running. I have only been running for a year so I'm not running very far just yet. I went from never even jogging to anywhere from 3-5 miles running and walking caombos. I CAN at least run a straight 1.25 miles now without taking a walking break, which is pretty good for me considering I used to never run. My kids clapped for me the first time they saw me actually running. It was like the circus came to town.

Unless I'm on the treadmil at work then I will usually just leave the house and run Great feeling!

Why does it bother you so much? Some people need the structure, some just want the structure, some don't care. As long as people are moving who cares how they do it.

For me, I want structure. I'm an engineer by trade so everything I do is calculated, structured and analysed to death. It's just in my nature.

I've tried C25k a couple times and while it's a great program, it doesn't fit me. This time I'm trying the just run thing and it's working so far. I might go back to C25k and modify it in a way that fits me better (longer, different progression in times/distance) just as a way to give myself something to follow starting in the Fall. Hopefully I can get my treadmill fixed for winter running otherwise I might have to invest in a gym membership

Yes, people "just run". I do and I have never ran a race. I walk out my door and run.

I work with two guys who "just run". One runs on a slow day 5 miles and on a good day 10 to 12 miles. He even has a head light that he uses in the dark so he can run at any time. If it is raining or snowing then he runs indoors on a treadmill. I think he might have a little prolem, hehe....since he can't go a day without running, even when he is sick.

Anyway, to answer your question.....Yes, Virginia there is "just runners".

I run for progress. To go further than the last run. It's nothing significant, but running my first mile has made me excited to run even just meters more today.

I just run. We have a walking path nearby that has a few different pathing choices; I just pick one and go with it. Sometimes I do them in reverse for a different view. Works for me!

kamakazeekim; You might have hit a plateau where your current efforts don't cause you to lose weight. At that point it's time to step up the effort and revise your diet. Getting past it can be a *****.

Also, start looking at how you're feeling instead of the scale. If you hit the plateau but are feeling good and your clothes are fitting better then you're still doing well.

I started a program called 5k runner because I had never run. Ever. I could walk and walk and walk and walk, but I'd never run. It kicked my butt just to do the 90 seconds of running that it started with, but I made it up to the 3 and a half minutes of running...and then I quit due to circumstances, so I had to restart again. I was a little better with the second go round, so I got to where I'd alternate and do my c25k type program one day, and the next day, I'd do a "free run" as I call it. That's where I warm up for five minutes with walking, and then I just start running-for however long that is. It started out that it was 5 minutes, got up to 8, my last time (before my vacation) was about 13 minutes running, and that was a huge success for me! I went this morning, and skipped my c25k. It had been weeks since running because of vacation and coming home sick. I'm not even 100% yet, but I felt well enough to venture out this morning. I walked for five minutes, and then I wanted to see the damage I'd done... I actually ran for 25 minutes without stopping! I never could have done that without the structure that the program has given me and taught me...

why do you care if I used a program to get my run on??

yes, i enjoy running. same with me, i started slow, running then walking, then running a mile, then 2...now my husband likes to go with me and he kind of stresses me out because he sets a distance that we are going to run that day.

i like to throw on my clothes and shoes, and music and just leave the house running till i feel like stopping.