Must I run?

I run because it works for me. I do get bored/tired/out of breath but I do it anyway! For me, I think it's about the sense of accomplishment of doing something I never thought was possible, and the fact that my mood is so much better when I run. So, for me it's more about emotional wellbeing than physical health, though that is a great side benefit.

You definitely don't have to run if it's not your thing. Any exercise is good exercise!

If it's the length of time that bothers you, you could try high intensity interval training (HIIT), you can get an awesome workout in about half an hour (including warmup). Can also be applied to other cardio exercises like skipping, swimming or bike riding.

I used to hate running too and I wouldn't say I love it now but I can tolerate it because I know that it's one of the things that gets me into the best shape for the sports I play

If you want to, then run. Obviously you don't want to so don't. I wasn't a runner until a few months ago and now I love it. the app C25K really helped me. But exercise and weight lose is just like everything else-to each their own. What works for me doesn't mean it'll work for you

I loathe running. It makes me want to die. In fact, I'd much rather be fat than run so thankfully there are other forms of exercise. I forced myself to run for two weeks once and was very angry at the world. Now I do the elliptical, stairs, walking, swimming, dancing..whatever else. Anything but running and curling over because it feels like someone has stabbed me in the stomach (side-stitch). Some people love it though and people who can run marathons are like super-heroes to me.

I for one spend an extra 5 minutes in the morning dancing in front of my mirror before the shower :-p

This made me laugh out loudXD That is awesome!!!

You definitely do not have to run. I run because I cannot make myself do those workout videos and I cannot afford a gym. Let me tell you - I HATED every single step for the first few weeks but now I really look forward to running. Also, I sucked so bad at it that I couldn't jog for more than 30 seconds without feeing like I would die. Now I can jog over 5 miles without any walking and it has been 12 weeks since I started. PLUS - because I sucked so bad at it in the beginning, there were many personal successes along the way (and still ahead).

If you wanna be prepared for the zombie apocalypse, you must run.

Joking aside, though, if you really don't like it, you don't have to do it. Plenty of other exercise to be had. Two hours of running is not really an everday thing even for hardcore runners, though--I only get close to it on my weekend long runs. Otherwise it's 30-60 minutes of running throughout the week. An iPod goes a long way to alleviating boredom. If you're out of breath you're probably running too fast. Etcetera.

i never run. its just weights and walking for me.

I take my dog for a walk for a couple of hours whilst listening to my favourite radio shows. it's just an easy way to burn calories, and all i've had to do is replace the tv with radio and slip on some headphones.

little tip: im not sure how much of the BBC radio sations you can access outside the UK, but they do have a 'world service' and they are my favourites because they have no adverts.

Running is definitely not for everyone. You either have the urge to run or you don't. Since you don't, no worries! As long as you're doing something that gets you sweaty

I run because I have always wanted to run but felt I was too fat and had bad knees. Then I decided one day to prove to myself that my barrier to running had nothing to do with my physical state and everything to do with my mental state of mind.

I've been running now for 1.5 yrs and I'm in training for my first half marathon! I love it. I love being out of breath, I love pushing myself during races, and I love dry heaving at the end.

Ok, I lied. I don't love dry heaving, actually. But that feeling passes and the sense of accomplishment sticks with me for days! Best high ever is that feeling of crossing a finish line, whether you crossed fast or slow.

I finished C25K last year and I'm STILL waiting to not want to vomit every time someone says 'let's go for a run!'

Apparently, I will not be the inspirational story of the girl who discovered running and fell in love with it! LOL

I get by lots of other ways, I am on an ultimate frisbee team and there's a lot of running involved, but I'm too distracted having fun to notice I'm running - plus, it's short little sprints here and there compared to just running oooon and on and on. I take a lot of cardio classes that feel more fun than work, I play dance / get my butt moving games on the XBOX. Basically, at this time, I can't do too much alone exercising...or anything that lets me hang out inside my own head because the girl in there is too convincing when she suggests I stop. So maybe I'm not that running girl right now, but maybe I will be later on...who knows? Or not....but I'm still moving. You don't have to run, but you gotta do something

I watched my father run every day growing up. I was there the first time he had his knees replaced because he wore the joints out. I don't believe in running.