How long until you enjoyed running?

melonclarinet
melonclarinet Posts: 163 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I've been trying to run for a couple of months now. I have a really hard time pushing myself for very long. I'm doing it mostly so I can do a Color Run with my friends, and because I know it's a great way to exercise even when I'm in the middle of no where Montana for the summer.

I have never been good at it, but I hear the people talk about how they "love running" or at least really enoy it. How long did it take you to get to that point?
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Replies

  • NatzC123
    NatzC123 Posts: 150 Member
    Hey, it took me a couple of months before I realised I loved it! I was so unfit to begin with but I can now run 5k in about 35 minutes which is a HUGE achievement for me!
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    I've been running off and on for years. Still hate it. It's not magical for everyone. Give it a couple more months for your body to adapt to it. If you still can't stand it, run your race and find an activity you like. Exercise should be enjoyable
  • dangerxbadger
    dangerxbadger Posts: 396 Member
    Every time I run, I love mile 1, hate mile 2 all the way until mile 3. Then it gets awesome. Every single time I go out.
    I'm editing this to add that I used Couch to 5k, and that made it easier, more fun, and a really obvious way to see progress which kept me motivated when the runs were hard. Just ran my first 5k today and destroyed my average time I've done on my solo runs.
  • BrandNewAmy
    BrandNewAmy Posts: 38 Member
    I'm not there yet, either, but from what I understand, first, it takes 21 days to develop a "habit" then after that (give or take some days) your body starts to "miss" the exercise. I have a co-worker who is a newish runner and she said that while she doesn't "love" it, she can tell when she doesn't run. She loves how it makes her feel and misses that feeling when she isn't running. I'm hoping to reach that point, or get that feeling, one day!! :)
  • DontStopB_Leakin
    DontStopB_Leakin Posts: 3,863 Member
    I've been running off and on for years. Still hate it. It's not magical for everyone. Give it a couple more months for your body to adapt to it. If you still can't stand it, run your race and find an activity you like. Exercise should be enjoyable
    This.

    I enjoy it, because it's the only *me* time I get. However, some people never like it, no matter how much shape they're in.

    Find something you like, and do that.
  • blippers
    blippers Posts: 11 Member
    Same question. I've been running for just over 3 months and although I love the feeling of accomplishment after, I still can't say I enjoy doing it. I wish I did but it's often quite the opposite! I usually run about 5k, I'd love to build to 10 but so far can't see that happening!
  • petersonabt
    petersonabt Posts: 518 Member
    I have always loved running. I tried the bike, elliptical, dancing. But for cardio running was always my thing. I know a lot of people don't start to enjoy it till it becomes easier.

    is there a reason you don't like it? boring? painful? maybe try something else for cardio maybe running really isn't your thing?
  • sunsnstatheart
    sunsnstatheart Posts: 2,544 Member
    I've been running off and on for years. Still hate it. It's not magical for everyone. Give it a couple more months for your body to adapt to it. If you still can't stand it, run your race and find an activity you like. Exercise should be enjoyable
    This.

    I enjoy it, because it's the only *me* time I get. However, some people never like it, no matter how much shape they're in.

    Find something you like, and do that.

    I go through cycles. Sometimes I love it and other times I loathe it. Right now I'm truly hating it for some reason.
  • oohmercyme
    oohmercyme Posts: 279 Member
    I have always thought running was stupid. However, I needed to burn more calories so I took it up in November. I didn't enjoy it, but in a few weeks it became "not so horrible" though I still thought it was stupid. My favourite part was being done, though I was pleased at how much my long capacity/stamina improved in a short time and I liked that I could successfully add distance each week.

    Last week I mapped out what I thought was 8 miles. However, I miscalculated and when I looked at my phone at the end, I had run 9 freakin miles. Non stop. In 94 minutes. RAWR. Really, I did whoop out loud (sorry lady on the street).

    Running became easier each day (though there were some days I had to drag my sorry @$$ out there!) but it was on that day that I finally got it. *THIS* is why people run!

    I still don't "enjoy" it per se when I am doing it, but I love what its doing for my body and I love the feeling of meeting the challenge and for now, that's more than good enough for me.

    Hope you are "feeling" it soon. Hang in there!
  • petersonabt
    petersonabt Posts: 518 Member
    I've been running off and on for years. Still hate it. It's not magical for everyone. Give it a couple more months for your body to adapt to it. If you still can't stand it, run your race and find an activity you like. Exercise should be enjoyable
    This.

    I enjoy it, because it's the only *me* time I get. However, some people never like it, no matter how much shape they're in.

    Find something you like, and do that.

    yep this!
  • daryll77
    daryll77 Posts: 29
    Try one of the C25K programmes (couch to 5 Kilometers)...they are really great at building up your running time by slowly increasing your mins jogging and decreasing your mins walking. They have really helped me get into running.

    I find them really great because I only have to job for short intervals and I get such a great buzz knowing that i ran for a little bit more each day...which means that I am getting a little bit healthier and fitter each time I get out there!

    It took a little while before I got the running bug, but i had such a feeling of accomplishment each time I went out, that it was enough to get me out the door each morning.

    Good luck and keep it up!
  • algebravoodoo
    algebravoodoo Posts: 776 Member
    It took a little while, although I don't really remember how long. I do remember when it happened! It was the first time I had actually run an entire mile without stopping and I still felt like I could do more! That was so empowering because I was raised in a culture where girls don't run. (Thankfully, that has changed!) This was something I was doing for ME, really the first thing, and the high was better than anything else imaginable!

    Even these days, current circumstances aside, If I can make it past the first 15-20 minutes, I can keep going forever. Just add water and electrolytes... like a battery LOL :laugh:
  • supahstar71
    supahstar71 Posts: 926 Member
    I love that I can eat more because of running, not so much running itself. I've been doin HIIT which gives more bang for your buck.
  • SoDamnHungry
    SoDamnHungry Posts: 6,998 Member
    One year and counting...
  • czmmom
    czmmom Posts: 236 Member
    It probably took me about 9 months to really love running. I enjoyed and loved the benefits. I loved the "me" time listening to my music and I loved how I felt after I was done running. I loved the way my body felt better and more toned and I was starting to "look" different.
  • waterwing
    waterwing Posts: 214 Member
    When you start seeing improvement.. it can get quite fun. I probably didn't LOVE it for about 6 months or something. Not saying I hated it but I just didn't get that "thrill" that I often get now.
    Set little goals and keep at it! One day it will click and it will be amazing!
  • reallymyBEST
    reallymyBEST Posts: 242 Member
    I've been running for 3yrs now. Normal run is 3mi and long run is 4-10 (so far) depending on what I'm training for. I ALWAYS hate the first 15min, every single run! It's hard! The next 15min is OK and it starts getting GREAT after that 30min. It takes that long for my mind to settle down, to let go, to get out of my own way. And only THEN do I love it and then the real magic begins. :)
  • RhineDHP
    RhineDHP Posts: 1,025 Member
    It took me about 3 months to like running, when I did it. I kinda fell off the bandwagon in that respect and need to get back on.

    The main reason I began to like running was because there was a point where, after the initial rust in the beginning, I could go on forever, and I felt great knowing I could run for a long time. I kept getting discouraged because after maybe half a mile to a mile I would always get a side stitch. But yeah, that day when I passed that hurdle and felt as if I could run forever, that was a great feeling.
  • melonclarinet
    melonclarinet Posts: 163 Member
    I already have other things I love to do thank goodness. I love the elliptical and arc trainer and I LOVE LOVE LOVE weight training. Running is getting better, I just hope to start to really like it. I spend my summers in Montana where I don't have access to equipment. I do a lot of hiking, walking, and horseback riding, but I'm hoping to become a runner to enjoy some of the beauty while I exercise.
  • SmartAlec03211988
    SmartAlec03211988 Posts: 1,896 Member
    Every time I run, I love mile 1, hate mile 2 all the way until mile 3. Then it gets awesome. Every single time I go out.
    I'm editing this to add that I used Couch to 5k, and that made it easier, more fun, and a really obvious way to see progress which kept me motivated when the runs were hard. Just ran my first 5k today and destroyed my average time I've done on my solo runs.
    I'm the exact same way! I HATE it until I'm 3-4 miles in.
  • bluefox9er
    bluefox9er Posts: 2,917 Member
    It also depends on 'why' an individual chooses to run..you could be training for an event, or just looking to stay fit. Running isn't for everyone, but the more you do it, the more you learn about yourself, in particular your ability to do things you thought were not possible.

    As you get better, you will understand the dynamics of running a lot better, learn to conserve energy and when to turn on the jets...and it is true, you can enter the magical zen-like trance that runners covet so much.

    Persevere and learn to understand how it all works..all the pieces matter!

    But if it isn't for you, then there are lots and lots of other things that you might enjoy...enjoyment is the key here...doing stuff you find a chore makes it easier to be more demotivating to exercise.


    For what it's worth, i made FIVE abortive attempts to learn how to run with c25k..6th time was the charm for me. I ran my first 20 miles today.
  • Cp731
    Cp731 Posts: 3,195 Member
    Improved cardiovascular health is another benefit of running. Some of the benefits of running include lowering the blood pressure and helping the arteries to maintain their elasticity. While runner, the arteries expand and contract approximately three times as much as they do when you are sedentary.

    Running is also beneficial for slowing down the aging process. Those who run regularly are less likely to experience bone and muscle loss as they age at the same pace as those who do not run regularly or at all. The bones grow and become stronger by responding to physical demands.

    Running can also have many psychological benefits. Most significantly runners typically report being happier and feeling less stressed than their counterparts who do not run or exercise regularly. Running actually has the ability to alter an individuals moods because hormones called endorphins are released while running. These hormones create a sense of euphoria often referred to as a runner’s high and can result in an improvement in the runner’s mood. Running has also been reported to alleviate stress

    Improved coordination is another worthwhile benefit which may be gained from running. This may seem surprising to many who assume it is not possible to gain these types of benefits from running simply because it is such a simple sport. However, there is some coordination involved in running.
  • jdlyng
    jdlyng Posts: 19 Member
    Been running since January 1st 2013.... I'm still waiting to like it too. I usually do at least 15 miles a week, not all at once. I asked my runner friend the same question... he said loving it is a choice. He chooses to love it because of the health benefits.
  • ChaseAlder
    ChaseAlder Posts: 804 Member
    I first started running when I joined the military (forced running, of course). I hated it until I got good at it, then it became a pride thing (feeling proud of my performance). When I stopped running and started up again years later, I loved it right away because I'd learned to love it during basic training.

    So, basically, it took 9 weeks for me to love running, but once I started loving it, I never stopped.
  • Josie_lifting_cats
    Josie_lifting_cats Posts: 949 Member
    I don't understand. "Enjoyed" and "running" cannot be in the same sentence.

    No, I'm kidding - my husband LOVES running. And I always kind of thought that I would love running, too, but it just never happened. However, I am madly in love with my bicycle. :-)

    Also, I love your profile name. I was originally a clarinet performance major in college. Now I have a career not at all related. How does that happen?
  • ameliaannakin
    ameliaannakin Posts: 344 Member
    I love the buzz I get from finishing a run and I love the time it gives me to think and focus. I don't necessarily like the running itself though, after I finish a run though I feel great!

    Ax
  • MST13
    MST13 Posts: 20 Member
    Every time I run, I love mile 1, hate mile 2 all the way until mile 3. Then it gets awesome. Every single time I go out.
    I'm editing this to add that I used Couch to 5k, and that made it easier, more fun, and a really obvious way to see progress which kept me motivated when the runs were hard. Just ran my first 5k today and destroyed my average time I've done on my solo runs.
    I'm the exact same way! I HATE it until I'm 3-4 miles in.

    I am exactly the same! After about the 20 minute mark, I feel great. Running is my time to think, and I always feel great after a good run. I love it!
  • marinegirl92
    marinegirl92 Posts: 184 Member
    I think of running as my ALONE time to see whats going on in the world, listen to my music, exercise at my natural pace and be outside. Anytime I can do that I feel so peaceful therefore running to me is enjoyable.

    When I was in the military I did not enjoy running cause I was forced to run like a pack of cheetahs was running after me (aka unnaturally fast pace for me) Now that I can go at my own speed I thoroughly ENJOY it.

    Give it some time - maybe think about it differently than "going for a run"!

    YOU GOT THIS!
  • dmpizza
    dmpizza Posts: 3,321 Member
    After 2-3 weeks of running 5 days per week.
  • jzsor12
    jzsor12 Posts: 69
    I've never really enjoyed it but I couldn't do it without my ipod I need that motivation

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