I hate running

mcdermor
mcdermor Posts: 18 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I know that running is great cardio, but I hate doing it. I've done the NHS C25K plan, and I've run two 5k's this summer, with a third scheduled next month. But I just have a lot of trouble dragging my butt out the door to do it.

Does anyone have any suggestions to make running more enjoyable? I live in the country, in the middle of nowhere, on a gravel road, fyi. I'm not really looking to whip up great speed or run a marathon or anything -- just some good burn for weight-loss' sake.

Replies

  • LoraF83
    LoraF83 Posts: 15,694 Member
    My advice - don't do something you don't like.

    You should find an exercise/workout that is enjoyable for you.
  • soehlerking
    soehlerking Posts: 589 Member
    i'm with you--I run all the time, but that doesn't mean I enjoy it. Personally I stick to the treadmill--why risk your run by throwing in factors like weather and traffic if you have access to a treadmill? (But that's just me.) Personally I listen to podcasts and books on tape and I set new goals for myself. I make bargains with myself--if I can just make it 20 minutes, I can go home. Then at 20 minutes I realize it's not so bad, so I push myself another 20...and so on. I get a kick out of listening to Jillian Michaels talk about running--she's the Queen Bee of fitness, but she hates running, working out outdoors, and most endurance sports. It wouldn't be called discipline if it were fun!
  • jynxxxed
    jynxxxed Posts: 1,010 Member
    I know this isn't really the answer you were seeking, but I'd honestly just switch it up and try out some different forms of cardio instead.

    I dislike running but I do enjoy brisk walks and music really helps me to enjoy it more if you haven't invested in an mp3 player yet.
  • RunXstrong
    RunXstrong Posts: 73
    Run with other people, and at a conversational pace. Make it a social activity.
  • NoFatChick2
    NoFatChick2 Posts: 25
    My advice - don't do something you don't like.

    You should find an exercise/workout that is enjoyable for you.

    ^^This. There are plenty of activities or sports out there that you may enjoy. Why torture yourself doing something you hate when you don't have to?
  • krisiepoo
    krisiepoo Posts: 710 Member
    If you hate it, don't do it :) Get on a bike instead, go for a swim, join a gym and use their cardio equipment.

    There is NO POINT in doing something we hate, eating something we dislike all for the sake of losing weight because you will gain it all back when you quit.
  • mcdermor
    mcdermor Posts: 18 Member
    Ok, to clarify - it's not so much that I hate running. Anytime I do run, I always feel good afterward. It's just that I'm lacking the motivation to drag my butt out there and do it, partly because it's gotten boring and partly because I've been sidelined for about three weeks and gotten out of my routine.

    There is no gym in my area (living in the middle of nowhere), but I am on a committee trying to raise money to start one in our town. If the weather clears up, I might go for a bike ride or force myself to run this afternoon.
  • runningfromzombies
    runningfromzombies Posts: 386 Member
    Ok, to clarify - it's not so much that I hate running. Anytime I do run, I always feel good afterward. It's just that I'm lacking the motivation to drag my butt out there and do it, partly because it's gotten boring and partly because I've been sidelined for about three weeks and gotten out of my routine.

    There is no gym in my area (living in the middle of nowhere), but I am on a committee trying to raise money to start one in our town. If the weather clears up, I might go for a bike ride or force myself to run this afternoon.

    I know the feeling. I love love LOVE running, and most of the time I still dread getting out the door and getting through the first mile. (Actually, the first two miles. Worst ones for me.) I have no real tips for you, as I've been at this for a year and a half, run 3 5Ks, a 10K, and a half-marathon and still haven't figured out how to get pumped about the first part of the run...I'm just here to commiserate. :tongue:

    That being said, I have found that when I'm training for an event, I am much more likely to just grit my teeth and do it, whether the motivation is there or not, because I'm so worried about my performance suffering at said event if I don't get in all my training runs. So that's something to consider. Since you've only done 5Ks, maybe try training for a longer distance--that will definitely shake things up. There are 10K and half-marathon plans (I love Hal Higdon's half-marathon training schedules) that would be a good step up from where you are now.
  • McBully4
    McBully4 Posts: 1,270 Member
    Running hates you too chase that ***** down and pop him in the face
  • Monisfit4life
    Monisfit4life Posts: 228 Member
    Motivation is hard. Many times you won't feel like doing it, but do it anyway. Remind yourself how good you will feel once your workout is over.
  • nikinyx6
    nikinyx6 Posts: 772 Member
    Running hates you too chase that ***** down and pop him in the face

    I truly agree! I hated running too, until I could actually run. Change up your scenery, maybe a nice trail with running water nearby. For me now, running is all about the experience, I don't even notice I'm exercising anymore because I'm enjoying being outdoors so much.
  • McBully4
    McBully4 Posts: 1,270 Member
    I hate running too, I tell myself "Don't be a p**** your mind will give up before your legs do" and I air drum that keeps my mind on the music instead of the running.

    But the other day i ran 6 miles in 60 mins a HUGE HUGE accomplishment for a guy that hates to run.
  • DenyseMarieL
    DenyseMarieL Posts: 673 Member
    I'm the opposite. I've walked on the treadmill, used the elliptical, worked out with a whole variety of workout tapes and working out was still 'work'. A girlfriend brought up the idea of doing a 10k at the end of this month, ( I knew 4 wks ago), and I decided what the heck. I didn't know I loved running till I started. I, too, live in the country. Boring scenery, gravel roads. But I do love my treadmill. I feel more motivated on it, because I know I don't have to run the distance back home again. I'm still in the same spot, and I push myself for that extra 5 min.

    My advice is do what works. Working out should be fun and enjoyable. It's something we should do daily for our health, so why not make it something worthwhile?

    Good luck!

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