Running - am I only one who struggles ridiculously?

I loathe running. Tried to take it up for years.

Finally gave up and took up interval training instead (which I LOVE). Instead of running straight races, I do mud runs and other obstacle races which is way more fun.

I absolutely hate running. I have been working out a lot and my cardio level is very good when I work out yet when I run, I still have a mile time that is higher than 10 minutes. You are not alone

I, too, struggle to run. As a matter of fact I have yet to be able to run a mile straight.
I keep pushing on though. Not because I enjoy running but because I enjoy eating.
Keep on keeping on, right?!

I enjoy running distances up to about 10 miles. I run marathons, but do not enjoy running that far. I like the crowds, but not running for over 4 hours.

I'm really slow too. Once I started running vs. a run/walk- I was doing a 15 (something) minute pace. I've been doing a program through Fleet Fleet & cycled through the beginner's program multiple times. I'm now at a 13ish min mile pace which is still slow (but faster for me). My goal eventually is to be in at 12ish min mile. How many times per week are you running? For me I find it's best endurance-wise if I'm out there 4 times a week running.
Don't worry about what other people may think with your pace & distance- it's YOUR accomplishment. Make a goal for yourself and don't worry about others.
Also, I agree with the post re: running outside vs. the treadmill. I'm not sure how the weather is where you are, but yes, it is much more enjoyable outside.

I love to run, but I know a lot of people who hate it, and I always tell them - don't do it if you don't like it! There is absolutely nothing wrong with you if you don't like running because there are a ton of other exercises out there to help you get fit. Not being a runner doesn't make you an unfit person. I consider myself in shape and can run long distances, but I get on a bike and I feel like I can barely go a quarter mile without feeling sore and out of breath. :flowerforyou:

Wish I could Run - due to surgery last year on both legs unable too! Keep pickin' away at your goals you will achieve them!

Never give up

I love to run, but I know a lot of people who hate it, and I always tell them - don't do it if you don't like it! There is absolutely nothing wrong with you if you don't like running because there are a ton of other exercises out there to help you get fit. Not being a runner doesn't make you an unfit person. I consider myself in shape and can run long distances, but I get on a bike and I feel like I can barely go a quarter mile without feeling sore and out of breath. :flowerforyou:

that's me!!!

I hate running. I really want to love it, and can see why people do love it but arghhh, I suck at it. Doesn't help that I need to lose like 50kgs I guess. I Have been doing the couch to 5k program for what feels like ever because I have to repeat pretty much every week. However, I find that trail running is more my style. I spend so much time watching where I am going and trying to not break an ankle that before I know it I am actually kind of enjoying it.

Maybe try mixing it up a bit?

This post makes me feel so much better about my running (in)ability! As another poster mentioned, you might have more luck running outside or you could try signing up for a race to give you more motivation. If all else fails, find something you enjoy doing!

I thought I hated running my whole life...until I was 43 years old. I started walking and over a year, I got a little bored and needed to speed up the time I spent exercising but I still wanted to burn the same calories, so I just gave it a try. I ran my first 5K on my 44th birthday!! My time really doesn't bug me. And I can be quite slow!! My goal is to finish and try not to be last!! Lol!! Past that, I don't care. Try not to let that bother you. Just enjoy the process.

I worked up to a 5k distance a few years ago. Lost my stamina and never quite got it back. C25k never worked for me. I have many friends who run anything from 5ks to ultra-marathons, and mad respect for them, but all I can think is "meh, I'd rather lift."

I'm trying to get back some running endurance for fun, but even if I get up to a 5k distance it'll never be more than that.

I started running last June. After spending about 6 months walking, faster and faster, p to 4mph. Got bored w walking. Started at 5 mph on the treadmill. Pushed to 5.5. Had a hamstring and a quad injury at different points, was running a lot. Had to take about 6 weeks off behind the hamstring injury. Switched to strength training during that 6 weeks, worked really well to heal the leg.

The best thing about running was how open and clear it made my lungs feel. That, and the fact that I'd never been able to do it before in life. I was amazed I could run at that 5 mph for 3-4 miles - never had done it, had always been trying to go too fast. Had this idea you had to run at least a 10 minute mile to be in the realm of acceptability. Learned to go slow.

More recently started to do intervals, walk 4 mph for 2 minutes, run 6.7 mph for 2 minutes - make your heart pound, then take it all the way back down for 35 minutes, keep switching back and forth. Switched my focus to weight training, but now able to run 1.5 miles at a 6.0 pace, at the end of the weight lifting workout. Adding a minute or two each time. It's been 9 months of ups and downs w running. Best advice I can give is don't worry about how fast you go, just go. Work your way up at your own pace. Hey, at the age of almost 50, I'm not gonna be an athlete supreme - the idea is to just keep pushing a bit, but to enjoy your body feeling better. Don't ruin the experience with too much pressure or comparisons. I also do a longer slower run between 5.5-5.8, about 4 miles, once a week.

I figure the people who run really fast mostly started running when they were young. Most but not all. But still, I'm not a natural runner, my body is not ideally designed for running, but it's great to be able to progress and achieve more than I ever thought I could....and really enjoy it. That experience is totally worth it. Hope this helps!

I have wanted to run a 5k for 10 years. I have tried many methods - couch to 5k programs, overdoing it, etc. I have now started running 1 mile. It's at an embarrassing pace on my treadmill that no one else can see.... But it's still a great achievement for me.

I'm a reasonable weight and age, I don't know why I struggle so much! I cannot stay motivated or energized. Anyone out there going through the same thing?

Treadmill and track running is probably not your thing. You should look at cross country running (trail running) before you give up on running completely.

I didn't exercise at all for 20 years so when I picked up running it sucked. Now three years later the first 10 minutes still stinks every time. It's like I have to have this conversation with my body: "you are not hurting as bad as you say, stop whining, stop lying to me and just keep running." The second mile is always better than the first.

I would encourage you to keep it up. Get good shoes and get outside. Just try to work up to 30 minutes a run four or five days a week. And don't worry about pace. A slower pace is great for your heart and great for weight loss. I actually lose more weight when I run slower.

Just remember, your body is lying to you. You can do it. And don't give up.