Runners, when does running become enjoyable?

I'm working on a C25K program, and I've just started week 4. I have compromised lung function, but the intense aerobic exercise is making it better-my lung function was up to 83% from 74% at the last office visit! And the extra cardio is definitely making it easier for me to lose weight. So, this has done good things for me. But here's the thing. At present, I really don't like running. It feels grueling. It also hurts my hip and my knee right now, though as my weight goes down that may change. At what point in your training, if ever, did you start to actually enjoy running?

If your hip and knee hurts, chances are your shoes are wrong. I had similar issues. I didn't find relief in my hip and knee pain until I ventured into the realm of barefoot running (I wear vibram toe shoes). That being said, it took 6 years to finally enjoy running. Now it's easy and pain free and I love it.

I'm not sure when it happened. I was training just to reach distance goals and to lose weight. I had an operation just as i was really starting to pick up speed and distance. The depression that ensued while having to recover from 4 holes in my abdomen was awful. I was desperate to 'feel' running again, even just to go on a walk. It made me realise how vital it was to me as a person and not just for fitness or any superficial reason. And i NEVER take for granted my ability to go out, try my best and enjoy it for what it is and how it makes me feel...

Some people never enjoy running. I have enjoyed it precisely once. During my first and only 5k. Not at all during the training for it.

After every workout about 30 minutes when I finished and the endrophins kicked in major. Seriously I tried running off and on for a number of years but always got shin splits and hip pains. The last time I took the trouble to go to a running store and have them recommend a shoe. I used a running store that really analyzed my gait and the sales man came highly recommended by a running friend. It worked my shoes were like running on clouds and I could run without the shin splints or the pain. I normally run about 10 to 20 miles a week depending on what I am doing and then play soccer for an additional 5 to 12 miles. I am still not skinny but I am alive and enjoy my sport at age 56. I run in the morning. A few times I have run and got to thinking about things completely forgetting about the time. I urge everyone correct shoes...pay the extra coin to get the right ones...then work your way up to it. I am a runner and know this because I run rain or shine cold or hot...and sometimes when I hate it but often when I don't feel one way or another.

I'm not sure I understand why people want to do things they don't enjoy? I have this feeling that most of you who say you HATE running secretly enjoy it, but complaining about it gives you oppurtunity to talk about it and brag in front of your friends about your secret awesomeness without sounding like an egotistical fitness freak. Running is not always easy though, I agree with that much. Some days running is better than others, but I never regret a run. They are a Sunday ritual for me now. I get up bright and early and put in about 10K every Sunday morning while the rest of the world is sleeping in. Best. Feeling. Ever.

I'm working on a C25K program, and I've just started week 4. I have compromised lung function, but the intense aerobic exercise is making it better-my lung function was up to 83% from 74% at the last office visit! And the extra cardio is definitely making it easier for me to lose weight. So, this has done good things for me. But here's the thing. At present, I really don't like running. It feels grueling. It also hurts my hip and my knee right now, though as my weight goes down that may change. At what point in your training, if ever, did you start to actually enjoy running?

Sorry, I didn't read through the whole thread (only read the first page), but I wanted to say, for A LOT of people week 4 is kind of the hump. It feels the hardest for some reason, but once you can get past it and finish week 5, you start to feel unstoppable.

Personally, week 5 is when I started to love running, and in the past I never would have thought that was possible. I'm now finishing the Zen Labs c210k program and doing a full 60-minute run on Thursday (if I can get out of bed at 4:15am :grumble: ). I'm planning to continue and sign up for the Feb 2015 Disney Princess half-marathon in June and hope to do a full-marathon before I turn 30. I definitely caught the running bug! :laugh:

With that said, you may not ever enjoy it, and that's okay. You don't have to run. If you like to dance, try Zumba; if you like to ride your bike, do that; etc. I think the key is finding something active that you enjoy and doing that, but from personal experience and a lot of discussions in the c25k group (http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/30-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k ), try to get through week 5 before deciding you don't want to do it.

Huh. Ok, now looking up minimalist running shoes. Didn't even know they were used for running. I thought minimalist shoes were more for weightlifting! Hey, does anyone have any recommendations for places to look for pain-free or low injury running tips? I've read Chi Running, but it's not entirely clicking.

Be cautioned, transitioning from a normal shoe to a minimalist shoe can cause a lot of calf pain as your stride and foot placement changes. Go slow in those. I would recommend going to a real running store (not a chain store) and getting fitted. They should watch you run and help you get what is right for you. Try on all sorts, and go with what feels best. A good shoe shouldn't need breaking in (the exception being your first pair of minimalist shoes if you are used to traditional heel-toe drops). A good store will let you return them if they don't work out.

I completely agree with this. most standard sneakers have a 12MM drop (the drop is the difference between the ball of your foot and your heel when standing on a flat surface - ie the sole of the sneaker is flat, but your heel is 12MM higher than the ball of your foot). When I last got fitted in July, I got a sneaker with an 8MM drop. It seriously took me about 4 weeks before it felt somewhat normal, and my calves were CRAZY sore after my runs. There are still days now (after almost two months and more than 80 miles using them), that the drop feels a bit weird and my calves still get sore - especially on my long run days. The guy at my running store who fitted me recommended sticking with the 8MM for at least 6 months before trying a sneaker with the next drop (4MM)....and even then, he said you should alternate between the 8MM drop and the 4MM drop for at least a month, because that is even more difficult to adjust to than going from 12MM to 8MM. Then stick with the 4MM for at least 6 months (he said many people wind up staying at 4MM for a year or more) before moving down to a "true" barefoot running shoe like Vibram that has no drop....but he also said that a lot of people end up sticking with a 4MM drop and not going further.

as far as when it becomes enjoyable, I'm hoping soon LOL I restarted running in May to train for a triathlon. I HATED it. WIth a fiery hot passion. I couldn't even run for 2 minutes without having to stop and walk. But I stuck with it. I've gone from a 15 minute mile to a fairly consistent 11:30 minute mile in about 12 weeks. I've gone from barely making it through 2 miles in a half hour to running 5 miles (with only about 2 minutes of walking) in under an hour. Now, I am working on my speed, because I want to get to a sub-30 minute 5k time. Are there still days when I have to walk a bit? Definitely. But there are also days where I run the entire time. Do I love running now? Not even close. But I don't hate it any more. I am starting to kinda like it a little bit. Of course, that may change once it gets too cold and snowy to run outside, and I have to run on the dreadmill...but hopefully I will survive winter and come spring, be consistently running sub-10 minute miles for 10k's

Didn't take but about a month before I really started to enjoy it. I don't think it is for everyone. My daughter runs and always tells me she hates it. I told her she should try some other forms of exercise. I know people who love cycling and that is all they do, some weights and body building. If you are not enjoying it find something you do enjoy, life is too short.

It's only enjoyable for me when I stop.

I've experimented with it for various purposes. Personally, I have no idea how people enjoy this!

You either enjoy it or you don't, IMO. If you're hoping you'll start liking it later on I'd pick another exercise. If fitness is too much like work you won't stick with it long term. Kudos to those who enjoy running for its own sake or enjoy the challenge but no force on earth will convert me from a cyclist to a runner!

When I see how many miles I've done, am able to actually -run- long periods of times, It's such a rush of adrenline, that I can do this with my body and that I've improved from where I've come.

I used to not be able to do even 2.5mph for a long period of time, now I can do 4.5 for 20 minutes, It's just about taking the time to train your body and get used to the stress/endurance that comes with it.