Learning to love running

Running takes time to love (if you start not loving it).

FWIW - 7-8mph is fairly fast for a seasoned runner, let alone a new runner. Running doesn't need to feel like hard work (not every run anyway). For now it should be easy.

You need to be able to think about things that aren't related to how much running stinks. Slow down. Enjoy your time. Enjoy the sights (try different routes, explore the neighborhood). Slow down. Trust me on that one. Listen to good uptempo music. Try an audio book. The goal is to free your mind. Unless it's a very specific hard run workout, you shouldn't be thinking about each step. The more you run the better it gets. When I started running (6 yrs now?) i hated it too, it took about 6 months until I really started enjoying it. But then, no one told me to slow down - so each run was an attempt to run faster or further than the last one.

Also - if possible check out local running groups. The social aspect is great. Even one day a week. It'll provide great motivation. Beginners are always welcome, and the speeds are accommodating.

I'm not the fastest runner, but I do a <19:00 5k, <39:00 10k, <1:30 13.1 and rarely run 8mph....

Think is i try to run slower but that's the pace i tend to end up at - i run outside so i don't have a treadmill or anything to tell me what speed im doing, just cardio trainer - it's possible their GPS tracking isn#t that accurate though.

Thank you guys for your responses they're very helpful - i'll persevere and try to put together a decent running playlist too to listen to.

Keep trying, it is hard, especially for beginning runners that are already fairly fit from other exercise, but running slower will:

1) Make it more pleasant without that "I am dying, I wish this was over feeling."
2) Help you build the endurance to run longer and faster in the future.

YMMV

For me, the "enjoyment" that comes from running is all about my rhythm... when my stride and my breathing is in sync, there is something very rhythmic and almost soothing about it.

I hated running when I started. I couldn't do a mile faster than 18 minutes. Every step my brain was screaming, "I hate this!!!"

But, I kept with it because I had no money for the gym and I know runners tend to be lean and I wanted that (not the extreme lean like professional runners, just leaner than I was). here are some things I discovered along the way:

1. Because I sucked so badly, I had lot of opportunity to improve and lots of chances to pat myself on the back for increased speed, distance, and stamina

2. I eventually did begin to love it - and miss it if I missed a run day

3. I CAN run at a normal pace! I ran my first 5k race two months ago and finished at a 10:34 pace (my fasted ever)

4. In a period of 4 months I went from nearly dying after a one mile fast walk to that PR time in the race - so the improvement was noticeably quick

5. Now I have the running bug and have scheduled a HM in May.

6. If I can do it, YOU DEFINITELY CAN. I do agree with other posters that suggest slowing yourself down for a while; find a comfortable pace where you can run the entire time. Also, get a runners app to track you stats.

I also hated running when I first started. It was painful. I would always feel like i was going to cough up blood, even if I only ran for a few minutes. I think that you are running fast for a long distance beginning (I find that it is easier to go faster with circuits because you are stopping and starting/alternating better cardio and weights). My advice would be to start with a short distance--maybe even half a mile--jogging at about a 10 min mile. So this for about two weeks, or however fast it takes use until this becomes easy. Then, just keep building up from there.

I could only do half a block when I started and felt terrible afterwards. I pushed myself slowly, and I have learned to love running! I've done multiple 5K's and a couple 10K's. A half marathon is next on my list! YOU CAN DO IT!

Straight up, you're going WAY to fast. I'm a better than average recreational runner, I do 5ks in around 22 and change. That's good enough to finish in the top 10% of most races, even large ones in a big metro area. I'm not amazing or anything (at least one poster above does a good bit better than me), but definitely above average. You're running your training runs at close to my 5K pace. To be clear, you're supposed to run training runs at 2-3 mph slower than your own 5k pace, but you're running yours at a pace you can't even finish a 5k at. You've got to slow down.

For one thing, you're unlikely to improve at the pace you're currently running at. You're going flat out every time, and your body can't keep up, let alone build strength. For another, you're greatly increasing your chance of injury. Injury is always much more likely when you push the edge of what you can do, and you're doing it everyday. For a third, you're making yourself unnecessarily miserable. The reason you "hate running" is that you are literally torturing yourself every time you go running.

There's a couple of things you can do to improve pacing:

1) Use the "talking test". At a training pace you should be able to hold a conversation. Not just gasp out a word or two, actually hold a conversation. You know when you see soldiers run, they shout out cadences? There's two reasons for that, one it to keep time, the other is to see who is running to fast. If you don't run with anyone, you can do the "talk test" by singing a couple lines of a song, or reciting poetry. Just make sure that you can get complete sentences out without gasping.

2) Get a GPS watch or app that keeps track of pace. I use Runmeter, but there's tons of them out there. Most can be setup with an alert when you are going to fast or too slow. It checks your pace about once every minute and tells you how you're doing. These thing aren't perfect (everybody slows down a little on uphills or speeds up a little on downhills, or has to stop and tie their shoes), and it can get annoying to be constantly listening to your pace. That said, it can help a lot, and you don't have to use it every time you run, especially once you get a feel for pace.

3) Run with a partner that can pace you. A lot of experienced runners have a pretty good idea of how fast they're running at any given time. Beware that not every experience runner can do this (I'm personally terrible at it), and it's not going to be perfect, but it can help.

It's hard to make yourself love something you hate...I think it's pretty much impossible. I've loved running ever since I was a kid and discovered I was pretty darned fast in the 1st grade...I ran track from then through highschool and always loved running. I'm a much better sprinter than endurance runner, but I enjoy a nice run...it just feels good all the way around.

I mix my run days up in that I don't always run x miles or whatever...I'm just getting back into it and have been doing 1.5 miles jog with .25 walking warm up and .25 mile walking cool down...then rest day...then 1x8 HIITs where I push it steady but hard for a minute and then walk at a good pace for 1.5 minutes...then run again, etc. On the thrid day I just go for a 2 mile moderately paced walk. This keeps things interesting and I'm not doing the same thing every day. I'm getting ready to bump up to 2 miles jogging next week with the .25 mile warm up and cool down, so I'll be adding a mile...and upping the intensity of my other days as well...next month I'll be up to 3 miles.

It also helps me to have a goal...mine right now is to do the Superbowl Sunday Touchdown 5K Run for the Homeless in Feb...this way I'm not out there just training for training's sake...I'm actually training for something I'm going to do down the road.

I hate running............. I try not to do it if I don't have to :P I do other forms of cardio such as kickboxing and aerobics classes. I do yoga on the weekend for toning, as well as dance class (street hip hop) 3 times a week, so that adds to my cardio. I enjoy classes because since everyone's doing it, it gives me the motivation to continue! when running I'm like, ok I'm just gonna stop cause... you know...... Why not try classes or group runs I think someone suggested here? having other people exercise with you is a great motivater

My all-time favorite running shoes are Asics. I'm on my second pair of the exact same shoe because of how amazing they are. If I have any advice for you it's don't buy cheap running shoes. They'll will definitely take their toll on your knees and if you plan on doing this for longer than a week, you definitely don't want that. The best way to get running shoes is to go to your local running store; most cities have them. You can get fitted based on your gait, how wide/narrow your foot is, how you stand, etc. They'll be able to tell you what brand/size is best for your foot. You won't regret it! Good luck : )

PS Can anyone recommend some decent, not too expensive shoes sitable for running outdoors? i have a feeling my manky old pain of Vans aren't going to it if i want to do this properly

Got to a specialty running store and get properly fitted. They will analyze your gait and suggest the right kind of shoe for the way you run. My most perfect, favorite kind of shoe could be completely wrong for you and cause you to end up injured. Make the investment in the right shoe for you.

Bump, I am also trying to love running. Wonderful advices.