I want to love to run...

2

Replies

  • So_Much_Fab
    So_Much_Fab Posts: 1,146 Member
    1) Run slower than you think you should.
    2) Buy yourself some super cute running clothes that make you feel super sexy

    This.

    And try going outside. Lots of people hate the treadmill.

    Oh yeah. That too. Outside always.

    Another vote from the "outside always" camp!
  • dcmitchell01
    dcmitchell01 Posts: 76 Member
    When I was a very new runner (still run/walking) I signed up for a race, knowing that I didn't have to run the whole thing, but having a goal to work toward helped me run the whole thing. So maybe find a 5k that looks fun. Investing a little cash in it may help motivate you to get out and do it.

    Also I agree with the folks that say run outside. And do you run with music? Having a killer playlist helps me.

    Fourth piece of advice, use a fun running app. So I use zombies run! I like getting inolved in the storyline of the zombie apocalypse rather than getting caught up in my headspace. There is a c25k version of it too. I didn't use it, but I know people really like it.

    I do have a C25K app, but am going to download the Zombie app right now, and check that out. I do have some good music. I'm going to try to get outside and give it some time.
  • clepant
    clepant Posts: 3,566 Member
    I have hated running all my life, even when I was super fit. Loved competitive volleyball, did gymnastic, loved cycling, kayaking, swimiming. Only one thing I disliked as much was basketball. My point is that you don't have to run because you think its the right thing for you. You can fitness walk. Gets great results and is not strenuous on joints. I love walking. I started running this past March only to see why I disliked it so much. I am liking it more. Not loving it and probably never will. But I want to prove to myself that I can do it so now it is more of a head game.

    Another thing I find about running is that it can get boring doing the same route over and over again. If you can change patterns or directions or even get out of your neighborhood, that may help. I also found Jeff Galloway's Run Walk Run to be helpful. No injuries running and no pain. It gives you a timed walk break. It has really helped my endurance and improved my running time. I think that was part of the issue for me. Coming back with sore knees or calves or thighs. Now I don't make a big deal out of it. I just go out and try to enjoy it.
  • AllTehBeers
    AllTehBeers Posts: 5,030 Member
    I hate running. The whole time I'm running it's like "is this over yet, i'm done, no just a bit more, nah, F this, keep going..."

    Then, I ****ed up my knee and all I think about is how much I want to run again. It's a love/hate relationship that I can't let go of.

    Also, treadmills suck, run outside.
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    I hate running. The whole time I'm running it's like "is this over yet, i'm done, no just a bit more, nah, F this, keep going..."

    Then, I ****ed up my knee and all I think about is how much I want to run again. It's a love/hate relationship that I can't let go of.

    Also, treadmills suck, run outside.

    We always want what we can't have.
  • clepant
    clepant Posts: 3,566 Member
    Ohh...and I agree with others. I have an elliptical. I use it when it is just a bear to run outside....extremely too cold or too much rain or snow. Otherwise, it is better to be outside.
  • michellemybelll
    michellemybelll Posts: 2,228 Member
    it took me years to love running. years.

    i've been sidelined for a few months due to a messed up IT band, and have only in the past few days gotten some longer runs in without any pain, and the lifting of my mood and spirits i've noticed in the past few days, seemingly just because i've been able to do my long runs again, has been pretty amazing to me. i mean, i knew i'd missed the running, but i had no idea really how much. there's nothing that makes me feel stronger, mentally and physically, than completing 10 + miles.

    So, stick with it, but be patient. that's all i got.
  • lilred806
    lilred806 Posts: 195 Member
    I hate running. I have run 2 half marathons and multiple other races of shorter distances. I do d running outside with great music or running with a group help me a ton. Fleet Feet a running shoe store has running groups for free or training programs that have a small fee. I would think other shoe stores like that in other cities would have similar groups. Signing up for a race helped me keep motivation when I wanted to stop. My husband learned to love running after training for his first half marathon. Good luck.
  • dcmitchell01
    dcmitchell01 Posts: 76 Member
    My number one advice to you is: expect it to suck. . .until it doesn't. Running is hard. It taxes your body in ways you don't expect. But, most of the best things in life usually require you to stick it out. It took about 4 months before I realized I was "in love."

    That being said, if you hate it that much and you don't want to keep pushing through to see if you might fall in love... find something else. I have done ChaLean extreme several times and am half way through month 2 right now. It's good. But it doesn't satisfy my mental needs like running.

    Hoping you fall in love with running (or something else) soon.

    I'll Thanks! I really do want to run. Thanks for the advice. I like your first point, "expect it to suck...until it doesn't." I think changing my perspective a bit will help a lot! And like someone else said, thinking of it a "me time" will help too.
  • p2smommy
    p2smommy Posts: 64
    My advice, FWIW, since I'm a non-lover-of-running...

    1. Like a PP said.. I don't think I will ever LOVE running, but it DOES speed up my weight loss and it does make me feel better.. an accomplishment of sorts, after having a really good run.

    2. DEFINITELY get yourself a good pair of running shoes.. by saying "good pair", I don't mean just pick one of the good ones out there (there are LOTS of good ones out there), but you need to find a good pair for you. For instance.. I started out in Brooks Ghosts.. LOVED THEM.. I literally ran/walked the soles off of them. Bought a pair of NB 1260v2's.. I've ran in them twice and been miserable both times. They kill my feet and my shins. It's not a muscle/lactic burn either.. it's deep pain. So until I get my new Ghosts, I'm back to my old ones with the holes in the soles.. and I have an $80.00 pair of shoes I hate so bad that I won't even wear as casual shoes now. :( So definitely get yourself fitted for a pair of good shoes.. visit a running shop.

    3. For me at least, I have to force myself past the first lactic burn, then I'm good.. I too started on the C25K app.. I have repeated week 5 twice.. I always do awesome on day one of it.. day 2 & 3 leave me floundering. I'm actually pretty moved by interval runners at the moment.. there's a trail running ultra marathoner whose blog I've been reading lately. She started out like most of us, wanting to lose some weight, and thought to do it by taking up running.. 2 years later, she's running anything from 50k ultra trail races to 100 MILE ultras.. she does a 4 minute run, 3 minute recovery interval..I can totally do that.. with great ease..most days. I've found the earlier I can get out to do my running, the better off I am.. the more phenomenal my results.. Where, if I wait until late in the day, and it's more humid, I can forget even getting near the performance, and endurance that I have during early cool mornings.

    4. Breathing - figuring it out SUCKS. I have tried everything.. and the only thing that really works for me is finding a good beat song for me to "breathe" the lyrics to... If I can get lost in the music and the lyrics, while breathing them, I'm golden. The humid days make it soooo much harder.

    5. I find that my mind gives out way before my body does.. I conquer those weak mental moments by picking out landmarks.. say a sign post or a light post.. and when I get there, I think "That wasn't so bad.. I'll go to the one at the corner of that block up there.".. wash, rinse, repeat.

    Hope this helps.. and if it doesn't.. Good luck with whatever you find that works for you! Happy Running!

    As a note.. I don't think that I will ever love it the way my husband does (he's an ultra runner as well).. He will meet me at the back door with our 3 yr old son, and be all excited... with that sparkle in his eye as he asks "How was it this time?".. he's just waiting for me to have my break through and tell him "AWESOME!! I LOVED IT!".. I don't think I will ever be able to honestly tell him I love it like he does.
  • DisneyAddictRW
    DisneyAddictRW Posts: 800 Member
    I hate the dreadmill! I find the first few miles is mentally hard but once I get past that I don't want to stop. Plus knowing I have the Dopey in January makes me want to get my miles done.
  • RaggedyPond
    RaggedyPond Posts: 1,487 Member
    I thought I liked running until I found out how much more fun calisthenics are. Now I won't run unless I am being chased by spiders.
  • icecreamdreams
    icecreamdreams Posts: 17 Member
    I have always hated running on the treadmill. Walking outside with a friend wasn't as bad, but I'm getting ready to turn 30 in about 17 months and like some - I always wanted to be one of those people who could run a 5k. So my goal is actually to do it by my 29th birthday, but if it takes me til my 30th, so be it.

    I started the Couch to 5k last week. I wanted to die during each running segment. I didn't follow it exactly (giving myself a rest day in between), nope I waited until the last possible minute of the week to get my 3 days in. I had volunteered a bunch of extra hours at work over the weekend, so I was unable to go on Saturday or Sunday. And Yesterday, I just didn't feel it. I made myself go tonight, and you know what? I've already increased my stamina. I was able to increase my running pace AND an extra running interval of 1 minute. I'm repeating the first week, by the way, to help increase the pace of the run. I felt pretty kick *kitten* after it, so don't give up. Wait to see how you feel after the 4th week. That's what I'm doing anyways.
  • csand11
    csand11 Posts: 22 Member
    I too always hated ruining, sucked at gym class because so much of it was running based. Always got exercise asthma which is why swimming was my sport. However, since I've started my health journey I realized I needed to exercise more and have a treadmill available to me.

    I downloaded the zombie, run c25k app and love it. I never wanted to run, but wanted to hear more so I would get on that treadmill. This last week I've been redoing wk 5. The two 10 min free form runs just kicked me in the but mentally. Yesterday, there I am puffing my way through, thinking I should give this up, I'm just not a runner, when I realize that, hey I've run for 7.5 min straight. I can do this!! Actually finished both 10 min runs. Felt awesome. Actually feeling really excited about running tomorrow. So, after time it does get better.

    And for everyone who said run slower than you think you should: excellent advice. When I slows myself down I was suddenly able to "run" a whole lot more. Speed will come in time, focus on distance right now.

    Good luck, add me if you want and we can commiserate together
  • besaro
    besaro Posts: 1,858 Member
    i hate running, but i love eating. i run to eat.
  • elyelyse
    elyelyse Posts: 1,454 Member
    Another vote for take it slow, get outside and MUSIC MUSIC MUSIC! I honestly can not believe I enjoy running now, and I love when I feel that silly grin on my face, yay endorphins!. Even when it totally sucks, I know that how I will feel about myself after will be awesome, and that helps me keep on going.

    Another thing that helps me is to think about how much time my run would take, and how that time is really just a small part of my day, and yeah, I can suck it up for 40 minutes because the results are so worth it. I still have quite a bit of weight to lose but, I swear, my tush is firmer and higher and I can actually see some muscle definition in my arms!

    But also, as others have said, if you really really hate it, find something else that you can be consistent with because you enjoy it.
  • lynn_hickey
    lynn_hickey Posts: 80 Member
    When I was a very new runner (still run/walking) I signed up for a race, knowing that I didn't have to run the whole thing, but having a goal to work toward helped me run the whole thing. So maybe find a 5k that looks fun. Investing a little cash in it may help motivate you to get out and do it.


    That's what I was just about to say - for me, when I started out, I signed myself up for a 5k which gave me a goal to work towards and that helped me stay focused. And when I ran that race, and finished, I was totally hooked.

    And definitely get outside, it feels so much better and I feel more accomplished than when I am on the treadmill!

    Good luck, and keep at it :)
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    When I was a very new runner (still run/walking) I signed up for a race, knowing that I didn't have to run the whole thing, but having a goal to work toward helped me run the whole thing. So maybe find a 5k that looks fun. Investing a little cash in it may help motivate you to get out and do it.

    Also I agree with the folks that say run outside. And do you run with music? Having a killer playlist helps me.

    Fourth piece of advice, use a fun running app. So I use zombies run! I like getting inolved in the storyline of the zombie apocalypse rather than getting caught up in my headspace. There is a c25k version of it too. I didn't use it, but I know people really like it.
    I was going to say all of this. :) Plus, ditch the treadmill and run outside unless you can find something to really, really distract yourself while using the treadmill. I watch TV shows while I use my stationary bike. I've been working on Season One of Monk lately.

    Definitely sign up for a race. I don't love running, either, but I like the races. I have a half dozen half marathons and many, many more shorter races under my belt and I sometimes still have to coerce myself out the door to run three times a week. Having a race with a definite date and a training plan keeps me going out there.

    I usually joke that I run so I can drink beer. It's more than a little true. :)

    Edited for typos.
  • Joreanasaurous
    Joreanasaurous Posts: 1,384 Member
    It took me until after week 5 day 3 before I realized that I was actually enjoying myself.

    Running might not just be your thing. I hate zumba and yoga. Others love it. Just not my thing. Running might not be yours. No biggie.
  • runamym
    runamym Posts: 83 Member
    When I was a very new runner (still run/walking) I signed up for a race, knowing that I didn't have to run the whole thing, but having a goal to work toward helped me run the whole thing. So maybe find a 5k that looks fun. Investing a little cash in it may help motivate you to get out and do it.

    Also I agree with the folks that say run outside. And do you run with music? Having a killer playlist helps me.

    ^^^ I agree! Register for a 5K race now! A race that's in like 6 wks or so.... each run will have purpose and you'll be working toward a tangible goal!!! A real finish line! So many people download and start the C25K app and never sign up for a real 5K race!!!
    The goal is to run a 5K at the end! So sign up now so you can be committed and stick with the goal. I promise you, if you register, you will be more committed and faithful to the trainings. AND you will learn to love running -- especially after the 5K! There's a great energy and magical vibe at 5K races.... then you cross the finish line and you feel so accomplished, so proud of yourself. And that feeling becomes addictive so you look to find another 5K!! And another race! And that's where you learn to LOVE running!
  • karlahere
    karlahere Posts: 79 Member
    1) Run slower than you think you should.
    2) Buy yourself some super cute running clothes that make you feel super sexy
    This.

    And try going outside. Lots of people hate the treadmill.
    Oh yeah. That too. Outside always.
    ^^^this!
    Seconding--oh wait--Fifthing this.
    Good advice here: hit the outdoor/ditch the treadmill; know that you don't have to if its not your thing
    Also, this. Try something different or ditch it. I just finished my first run through a forest and I must say that I'm beginning to like running!
  • Philllbis
    Philllbis Posts: 801 Member
    I've gone from HATING it to feeling indifferent about it, which I call a win.

    I go for a run outside when I need to relieve stress or just am feeling restless in the house and I do find it's good for that.

    At the gym I've learnt to just push myself on the treadmill and do intervals of 40sec run 20sec walk and I find that makes the time go by and I am concentrating more on pushing myself and doing better each time which is what keeps me going.

    I've made peace with the fact that I will never be one of those people that LOVES running. I will take a lifting over cardio any day, but do cardio simply to keep up my cardio health.
    I'm the same way and I run quite a bit. People always ask, what do you love about running? My response, when it's over!
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    Maybe running just isn't your thing. I don't do exercises that I hate...I'd never stick to a training regimen if I did.

    this
    there are so many other things to do... do those instead.... at least give running a break.

    I don't like running persay- but I like how I can clear my mind- so I can do it 2-3 times a month and be satisfied- I'm busy enough and do enough OTHER stuff it doesn't matter.

    Try either walking away from it (pun totally intended)... give something else a go- rock climbing for example. spin class- fencing Zumba, Bokwa- just ANYTHING. You don't have to love running. no work out police will come after you if you don't.
  • p2smommy
    p2smommy Posts: 64
    Adding..

    Definitely in agreement with the PP's who say outside v/s Inside for running.. I could NOT do it on a treadmill (LOVED "Dreadmill"! LOL)...

    Music is a must.. If I'm listening to slow ballad type music, I might as well be out walking the dogs at a nice sloooooow pace (I love country.. but I have to rock - hard - when I'm running).. So whatever type music does it for you, build yourself an awesome playlist! - I personally like the late 80's-late 90's metal bands.. Hubs listens to rap.. I can't do the rap, I tried.. so whatever works for you, you might find really helps your run along!

    And yes.. run slower than you think you should be going. It has helped me a lot.. When trail running, I also try to scan ahead looking at the trail ahead of me.. snakes, holes, rocks, roots.. I'm not the most graceful person in the world!

    I "ran" a 10k trail race in WV at the end of last month.. my hubby was running the 50k, so I figured why not.. I have to admit, I had a HUGE sense of accomplishment, even though I probably walked more than I ran since there were some MASSIVE hills in it.. and this girl just can't run uphill.. but I ran a good portion of it and finished in under 2 hours, which for a trail race AND my first race, I felt pretty good about. :) So definitely pick out a 5k or a 10k even that you think you could run..and start it out. I see a lot of the color runs, and coming into fall, there will be a lot of zombie runs at night. :)

    Again, Good luck!! :)
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    I love running...on a treadmill.

    I love how I felt after a 1mile run with the best music esp after I could see the time going down each time I did it.

    But for me which is a total contradiction of the above statements...I hate cardio for the sake of cardio.

    If the zombie apocolypse ever happens I will run like a bunneh but until there is not gonna happen and I have accepted that part of me...not all workouts work for people. I prefer circut training or weights.
  • Alluring72
    Alluring72 Posts: 50 Member
    Just starting to run for the first time ever this past Sunday. Just working on 2 min walk, 1 min run - repeat 10x's, until I feel comfortable with the 10 min of running and then step it up. I have to say, I found myself wanting to get my run in on Monday but couldn't find the time and felt really good after I got out last night. I definitely bring music with me and I am taking my time - broke my tibia last summer and had to have the screw taken out of my tibia just 4 weeks ago.
  • leilaphoenix
    leilaphoenix Posts: 839 Member
    Run slow
    Run outside
    Book yourself a 5k race in 3 months time
  • ChristiH4000
    ChristiH4000 Posts: 531 Member
    I started running with C25K on a treadmill too, and I don't think I ever really loved it through that process. The pride of getting through it was much more of what kept me going. Running outside makes such a huge difference. Once I started going outside, it was next to impossible to get me on that treadmill. However, the treadmill is great for tracking speed and time when you're learning so I hope you find a way to push through it.
    It takes awhile to get into the feeling of running and liking it, but if it's something you want, it's worth it to keep going until you get there.
  • unhgoose
    unhgoose Posts: 122 Member
    You've gotten lots of great replies. I agree that running outside is way more fun for me. It's the only time I'm on my own - no work or small children.

    The biggest thing that makes a difference though is pumping some great music and feeling all "eye of the tiger." Treat yourself to a new mp3 line up. Or I use an awesome pandora station I made on my phone.
  • Laurayinz
    Laurayinz Posts: 930 Member
    Run slow
    Run outside
    Book yourself a 5k race in 3 months time
    It doesn't even have to be a serious/timed 5K... see if there's a fun run, like a Run or Dye/Color Run type where it's just about getting out there, not what sort of performance you get.

    I still haven't figured out if I like it or not. Some days it's "meh", some days it's "omgI'mgonnadie", some days it's "woohoo". :ohwell: