Runners: When did you start to enjoy running?

It took me about 6 months. I started by running on a gravel/rock switchback trail that was about a 20 minute loop up and down a hill. On the descent you have to be very focused on where you put your feet because you're carrying a lot of momentum when the trail goes left! I used to have to stop three times on the way up. Then some time later I got to the top without stopping. Then one day I was able to crest the ridge and keep on trucking. Later I was able to sprint at the end. What makes me happiest about it is my increasing ability to do it. I've moved since and now, several years later, I'm running on the East River path in NYC. Much less challenging terrain wise but I'm making it my goal to run 7mph. After about 6 weeks on the restart I'm averaging 6mph. It may take another year to get to 7 but having some goal to chase is the heart of it for me. Even when the goals seem small like when you're starting out.
Anyway, run while you can.
:0)

Started running at the end of April. I kind of look forward to running each day, I usually dislike/hate it anywhere from .5 to 1.5 into the run. Many times I'm okay for the rest of the run and am glad when I'm finished.

I'd say my feelings about running are all over the place.

I've been at it for several months. Still don't like it, but it's the best way to challenge my workouts on the cardio side. My husband swears he's going to get me a shirt that says "Running Sucks." I say it often but when I get a good run under my belt it always feels good after. Hang in there.

I started enjoying it when I stopped thinking about it as 'exercise' and something that I should or had to do and started just enjoying being outside, breathing clean air and using it for pure enjoyment and de-stressing at the end of the day. I still don't like the first 20 minutes of the run (takes me that long to 'get in the zone') but after that its all good.

When I stopped cramping up all the time. My right side use to cramp every time I ran, but I finally got past that point (for the most part). Running my first 5k was also a lot of fun.

i have always been in love with the thought of runnin. In college, we ran and i did ok for the first time. by the end of the semester, our final run, i rocked it out, increased my time by 2 minutes, etc. witch gave me a B becuse she said you if you improved your time that much, you didn't give it your all the first day.........my motivator was the my running partner who was pacing herself to slow down to keep me going, all while doing jumping jacks at the same time......i cursed her a few times, but she never left my side...........she was trying to keep her pace whle helping me.......i wish i had her now

btw........just did DAY 1 today........so if anyone is looking to start, we could be on the same schedule!

I still don't enjoy it... but it gives me something to do.

I dropped 12 pounds in a month when I started running without changing my diet much.

Seeing the 650-850 calories burned on my HRM after a run keeps me loving it... More food for me!!!!!!!!!!

I did the c25k and it was a real struggle for me. When I started doing the runs without any breaks I started to get more encouraged.

When you are at a point doing perhaps 18 minutes running and can look back to barely being able to do 30 seconds you get a real sense of achievement which pushed me on.

The best feeling is the 1st time I did 5k. I screamed with joy and was buzzing for days.

It should come if you persevere with it. If it doesn't and you really don't enjoy running, find something else that you do enjoy. (cycling for example)

I'm on day 3 week 4 of C25K and I still don't love it. I love riding my bike and I get mad that it's a running day, when it's so nice out an I just want to go out on my bike instead. But my dogs do love getting to run, so I'm sticking with it for them. I have one overweight dog who used to only be able to walk a block and have to be carried home, and now she can run 1/2 mile - so it's fun to see her progress. I also have a greyhound mix who loves to run and I can finally let him sprint a little without having me hold him back. So I guess it's good for all of us. I just don't like the pain. My first 5K is in September, so I don't know how much I'll stick to it once that's done.

Some days I love it, some days I hate it. It probably took me at least three months for the "love it" side of things to begin happening. It's really a question of where I'm running (outside, someplace challenging and beautiful), how much pain I'm in (injuries) and if my heart rate is staying low enough for me to get a runner's high. Stick with it. It might take a while, but once you get that runner's high you'll feel like there is a reason to keep running. It doesn't happen every time (for me) but when it does.... bliss

Tomorrow I begin week 4 of C25K. Before this program, I dreaded running--absolutely hated it, which is why I've been so inconsistent with it. But yesterday, one day after I completed week 3, I was running late to my class (I teach a college class and I KNEW if I was late, the entire class might just walk out) so I was hurrying to class and without thinking I ran up 3 flights of stairs. When I got to the 3rd floor I realized my class was on the 2nd floor, so I turned around and ran down one flight. When I walked into the classroom, it hit me: I'm not out of breath!! What a difference 3 weeks has made! I decided at that moment that I LOVE running. Can't wait for tomorrow.

honestly, the first time I went out jogging with a friend, that was back in mid June, and I was terrified to go because I didn't wanna be seen outside running. well I went that one time and loved it and haven't stopped since

The first time I experience a "runner's high"...I was hooked!

I started running while I was in Army Basic Training/AIT in 1984. I started loving it ever since!