Hate running?

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!!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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 the elliptical, the recumbent bike and the rowing machine. Incidentally, tai chi also is good cardio, even though the movements are slow. :happy:

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!

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.