I HATE RUNNING!

I hate running too.... hated it before I started losing weight, still not a fan, but I get out there and make myself do it. For me (and this might not be the case with you but possible), it's the anticipation of actually doing it. I don't hate it so much once I get started, but the build up and the knowing that I'm going to force myself to do it just drives me crazy! I have workout anxiety LOL

COUCH TO 5K!

I always hated running. A LOT. But now, not only am I capable of running, I actually like it! Seriously, try it.

I wasn't a fan when I first started, so I quit then decided to give it another shot. Things I did differently.

1. Took a free good form running class from my local running shop - what a difference for me! Learning how to run properly increased the enjoyment I got out of it.
2. Proper fitting shoes. Spend the few extra bucks and get good shoes that fit you properly, you are going to put a lot of miles on them.
3. Set some personal goals - Part of the joy I get out of running is seeing the improvement. I know some of the improvement is coming from my weight loss and increased fitness, it's another NSV for me to be able to shed a few seconds off a particular route.
4. Connect with a running group - A social running group can do wonders for how much you get out of a run.

I started the beginning of this year not able to run a 5k without walking. Since then I have completed two half marathons and did a full marathon in October. I will close out the year with about 800 total miles. I've never been more excited about my fitness and overall health than I am now, all due to running IMO.

Good Luck!

Oh my gosh! I was sooo there with you! I never had an interest in running at first. But as the weight started coming off, my interest in it piqued a little bit more. When I first gave it a go, I hated it. I was about to accept the fact that I will never be a runner. But for some reason, I stuck with it. And now I run almost every day. It clears my head and it gives be so many benefits that go beyond health.

What I did:

*I made mini goals. I would run for 1 minute then walk for 2 minutes and repeat. Once I could comfortably do that, I would run for 2 minutes and walk for 1, and so on. Work on each for a week or so. Whatever works best for you!

*Mix it up. I would run on the treadmill at the gym and outside around my neighbourhood. It's good to let your body get familiar with both. Running outside is very different to running on a treadmill, but either are a great workout!

*Tune out the negative thoughts. I know that may sound hard, but don't tell yourself "I'll look stupid", "People will make fun of me", "I'm not good at it" Tune that all out. The fact that you are getting out there, learning this new exercise speaks volumes. Stay positive!

And remember "It doesn't matter how fast or slow you are, you are still lapping everyone on the couch"

You got this, girl!! Keep at it!

Couch to 5k, start in intervals! Orr, (and this is the ONLY time I ever allow myself to watch TV) throw on the tube in front of the treadmill or elliptical!

I always hated running too...but secretly wanted to be able to run like so many people I know. At first, I started running because of its high calorie burn. But after realizing how hard it is that wasn't enough to keep me going. I stopped running all together or would just run sporadically.

When I started going to a local boot camp there were some folks from there that ran on the off days. They run in groups...all different levels and at different speeds but they start and end together. I decided to try it. My biggest suggestion is to find someone at about the same fitness level you are at and make them your running buddy. It really does help to have someone to go with, talk to about issues, and complain to when you really don't feel like getting out there. Secondly, running on a treadmill is easier (in my opinion) but a WHOLE lot more boring. Try running outside!

I also suggest starting slow. You're not going to run a marathon overnight. Others have suggested the couch25k program. I used that program the first time I started and it works. When I started more recently I chose a specific distance or time limit (depending on the day). I would then run until I couldn't run anymore and then walk fast until I felt like I could run again...and repeated. Now remember that you have to push yourself a little but don't overdo it or you will continue to hate running.

So, those are my suggestions - enlist a buddy, run outside, and start slow. Once you start hitting your first milestones such as your first mile without walking, you will start to realize your potential. And all of those things you said you couldn't do, you start to be able to do. And with that...comes the motivation to continue!

A couple weekends ago I ran 13 miles! That is something that I thought would never even be possible! I remember thinking how can people run these distances and I can't even run a mile or two or three. Tip #1 - NEVER compare yourself to others. Everyone is different. Only compare yourself to yourself. Track your progress and compare your time, your distance, etc.

Good luck!!!!

If you hate running then don't do it.

Find an exercise that you enjoy and will stick to. If you dislike doing something you're not going to do it.

I'm sorry, I completely disagree with this. If that were the case, then I never would have lost weight. I hated exercise at first! If after giving it a fair chance, you still feel the same way, then ok decide if you still want to continue. But give it a fair shot.

Deciding to lose weight and exercise is hard, and you may not like it a first, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't do it.

The couch to 5K is an app that you can download for free that teaches absolute beginners how to run. It's a nine week program that teaches you how to run 30 minutes straight by the end. Each week has 3 runs and the runs consist of a warm up/cool down of 5 minutes each. The remaining 20 minutes has you running 30 seconds and walking for 1 1/2 minutes repeatedly ( can vary depending on the program you download). Every week thereafter increases the running portion and decreasing the walk portion until you are able to run 30 minutes straight. If you have an iphone/itouch it's great because you can listen to your music and it will tell you when to start/stop running. This is a great program for a beginner as it will help you learn to run gradually and will prevent injury from trying to do to much too fast. I hope this helps.

I also agree with the C25K app. I used it and can now run a full 5k practice time of 34 minutes. I used to not be able to run for 1 minute. I actually have my first real 5k race on Thanksgiving morning next week, so I'm excited. I say try that and start off slow! Get a good pair of running shoes and comfortable clothing. Don't rush. Make sure not to skip your rest days, and find some fun music to run with! I find running fun and I am now doing the same company's 10k training app.

I also had a lot of success with this. I started out with 100 lbs to lose and asthma and had to repeat each week in the program several times before moving on, but eventually I got there! Each time I got to move on to another week and could run for longer I felt great. So much stronger and capable! Even though it was always very tough for me, I enjoyed it.

Running is great for burning fat but it you hate it, it will be hard to keep up. Cardio dvd or class instead? Team sports?

I also hate running, but man do I ever f*cking love it too!

Running killlls my knees. I started out just speed walking and then speed walking on an incline and then slowly started incorporating running into my routine. I hated running but it feels so good when you reach the goals you set for yourself that it is worth it. It also gets really addicting after awhile!

I hate it toooo!

I got motivated by signing myself and a few friends up for the Color Run (5K). It's a blast (everyone wears white & by the end you're covered in colors!) & it's non competive. The months up to it I started out running around my block a few times every so often, than went to the park trails near my house.

Personally I think running outside is way more enjoyable than a treadmill. Just work up to it! : ) Start out by doing intervals of sprinting, walking, and jogging

Or get a few friends together for pickup games of soccer, softball, football, etc. Anything physical & fun that will put your focus on the game rather than running!

Good luck!

I hadn't run anywhere for 30+ years until I decided last month that, at 46 and 118kg (260lb), I needed to do SOMETHING ... we borrowed a running machine (a good one that cost over £1000) and I was too heavy to use it ... I then discovered RUNKEEPER and am now doing the beginner 5K training plan (all free) with a view to doing on of the parkrun weekly timed 5K outings next month (www.parkrun.com) ...

I've lost 11kg and gone from 12 min / mile to 9.5 min / mile in just 4 weeks ... I even managed the first mile without stopping for a walk today ... http://runkeeper.com/user/amuseboucheUK/activity/131128533 ... it's a great tool for motivationg and you are able to compete against yourself...

I also take the time to look at the possible foraging opportunities (I like cooking and permaculture) and make a note of where mushrooms, nuts and wild fruit are avaliable as I jog on by ... having music playing helps too!

Feel free to FR me on Runkeeper :-)

I always wanted to "be a runner", but alas hated running. Part of why I hated running is because I hated that out of breath kind of exertion.

In july 2011 at nearly 40 year of age, I determined that I was going to teach myself to run to that I could run an entire 5k. No walking. It took me 3 months to get there. THEN, I decided to test myself at a local 5k. . .having turned 40 before the race, I was in a new "age group". Somehow, miraculously, I came in 2nd in my ladies age group and got a beer glass. The hook was set. . . I've since run several 5Ks including a Warrior Dash and 2 half marathons. I'm preparing to run a 15k this Sunday.

All that to say. ...pick a goal. Strive for the goal. Be determined to hit that goal. Along the way, you might just find that you enjoy running. I LOVE to run now!!!

I also did my first Warrior Dash in 2012, and several 5k's...thinking about a 1/2 marathon in 2013....hmmmmm

I love couch to 5K. I'm on week 7 which is walk 5, run 25, walk 5. When I started I could barely run for the 60 or so seconds I had to, now it's still hard but I feel like a warrior after running 25 minutes in a row. I didn't hate running when I started, but I hated the way it made me feel like a faliure and a weakling.

I wasn't a fan when I first started, so I quit then decided to give it another shot. Things I did differently.

1. Took a free good form running class from my local running shop - what a difference for me! Learning how to run properly increased the enjoyment I got out of it.
2. Proper fitting shoes. Spend the few extra bucks and get good shoes that fit you properly, you are going to put a lot of miles on them.
3. Set some personal goals - Part of the joy I get out of running is seeing the improvement. I know some of the improvement is coming from my weight loss and increased fitness, it's another NSV for me to be able to shed a few seconds off a particular route.
4. Connect with a running group - A social running group can do wonders for how much you get out of a run.

Do this it works.

Except for me on #4, I prefer to run alone for others belonging to a group can get you out more often. My schedule doesn't usually allow that so I run when I can.

#3 was huge for me. Even on the treadmill I can set measurable goals and they translate to real world improvements.