Non-Runners - did you turn into a runner or quit?

I was a non-runner - hated it. Quit basketball and switched to volleyball in high school for less running and staying on my own side of the court.

At the age of 43, for some unknown reason, I decided to learn to run. Downloaded a c25k program (c25kFREE by Zen Labs), followed the plan, and within the allotted time I was running for 30 minutes without stopping (or dying). Over two years later, I'm still running an average of 3-6 miles, three days a week, and enjoying it.

Tips -
- Get good shoes, fitted at a good running store if possible.
- Go slow, I mean S L O W - don't try to do too much too soon, which often leads to injury or burnout. The c25k program is great because it eases you in - I made it through the whole things without so much as a twinge of a shin splint.
- Run outside whenever possible. I've never run on a treadmill, so can't compare, but if you ever race (and you should, a 5k race is fun) it will be outside, and they say the treadmill is a very different experience. Plus it's awesome to be outside.
- Dress properly - get some good wicking tops, a good sports bra, shorts that prevent the chafing, even good socks - avoid cotton everything.
- Download an app like Nike+ or Runkeeper that will track your route, distance and pace. It's a good way to keep a record of your progress and milestones.
- Find a fun 5k run in your area that's happening sometime after you'll be done with the c25k program. It's a great motivator to have a race on the horizon, and a great way to cap off your training and celebrate your accomplishment. And like I said, racing is fun, and a 5k always has all sorts of runners of all ages, sizes and abilities.

Good luck!

I, for a very long time, was a non-runner, I'd had broken ankles and damaged knees and every time I tried I ended up giving myself sin-splints or similar. I swam, cycled, kayaked, climbed and sailed so it wasn't an issue. About a year ago, when I realised I had to do something about my weight, I was looking at what I could do to train and had a number of constraints. Principally I travelled a lot with work and needed something that had minimal equipment and was flexible in terms of time.

After doing a bit of researched I figured that part of the reason for the shin-splints had been overloading myself too quickly, so I used a C25K plan to manage my own approach and reduce the risk of injury. I finished the C25K in about 12 weeks, and was losing a reasonable amount of weight, when I coupled the running with watching what I was eating.

I still enjoy cycling, so do a fair amount of that; road and mountain, but I'm now running from 35-40km per week, with my longer runs being up to 18km. As a resul tof being more considered in my running I'm not suffering from any injuries, and I'm actualy finding that my ankles and knees are a lot stronger as a result of the running.

I've lost a couple of stone, and my bodyfat percentage has reduced significantly, from excessive into low normal range.

As a form of exercise, it helps me by continually challenging me, there is always the scope to go further, faster, or to push my intervals harder. I don't much enjoy interval sessions, the tenth 20 second sprint is incredibly painful, but ther is a lot of satisfaction at the end. It's also good for the stress to get out and clear my head, particularly on my long runs.

All that said, it's important to do something that you enjoy. I find resistance training pretty boring, but it's an essential part of the programme, as it helps me avoid injury as much as watching my form and my pace. Lots of people love it, and that's fine too. I also dislike group classes, part of the benefit for me is to get time in my own head and process things. Some people love the social aspect of classes.

As far as a runners high is concerned, I can see that and I guess I've experienced it. The repetitive motion and steady pace are quite meditative, and it's the same clarity that I get when I sit. doesn't always last for long as even a steady paced run can be hard work, maintaining a six or seven mph for a couple of hours is demanding and the pain will intrude.

Worth it though, I'm glad I made the effort to pick it up again.

I've been running for about 6 years now. When I first started I really didnt like it - running never really interested me, outside of running to a different base during a softball game. In 2008 I decided to join the Air Force and knew I would need to be able to pass a physical fitness test which included a 1.5 mile run. I had previously had 4 knee surgeries (3 minor, 1 a patella realignment, which is pretty major) and didnt know how my knees would handle the running, but I tried. It took me about 7 months, but I made it up to running 5 miles and really fell in love with it! Since then I've run countless 5ks, and in 2010 I ran my first half marathon. I have since run 3 more with my 4th coming up in 2 weeks, and shooting for the full marathon later this year. I still have to be careful about my knees but whenever I have to take time off to rest them, it is pretty agonizing! I definitely crave the "me" time that running, especially long runs, give me!

I am a non-runner, but followed the C25K app for a while, and almost finished it. Even though, I didn't finish it, I was able to run maybe 3 miles. I have a difficult time running because it's really hard on my knees and hips. I bought special running shoes with the opinions of multiple professionals and still had issues with the impact on my lower body. Needless to say, I found that running isn't for me, although I enjoyed it. I have taken up biking and Zumba and walking instead of running. I wish I could run, just too hard on me.

This, mushy left knee and arthritic right hip. I can run maybe amile before the pain staarts. I dobthat for a charity 5k and walk the rest occasionally but I have not become a runner.

I'm 47 years old, female and about 5'2 and 185. Obviously I'm overweight. I have never liked running but haven't minded it when it's part of a sport like soccer. I also don't mind classes like Zumba or Step aerobics so it's not a matter of not wanting to do intense cardio. My question is for non-runners who have tried running, how many really convert to being runners and get the runners high and the fever to be a lifelong runner? Or do most try it or do it out of necessity but never fall in love and give it up or replace it with other things? I run heavy footed, not light footed. I know I should bring it into my routine especially since it would be the easiest exercise to do when my kids are in sports and not require going to a gym (when I don't have enough time for a full workout). If you have converted, did you follow a C25k method or just go out there and not let yourself quit? I want to quit after a block every single time. Just not finding the groove but maybe not sticking with it long enough? Thanks for your input/inspiration or your story or reality about whether non runners really ever convert?

I don't consider myself a quitter or failure because running is not my aerobic exercise of choice. Yep, I did it, about a decade ago in my 40's. But I never really got 'into' it. It was just a means to an end. Eventually I decided to stick with aerobic exercises that I like. Now that being said - I still occasionally will break into a run while I'm out of a brisk walk or hike...it feels good expending that little burst of energy but knowing I don't have to run until I feel like puking.

Don't get me wrong. Running is great exercise (hats off to all you runners!!). I say give it a good try but don't beat yourself up about it if you'd rather be - biking, hiking, swimming, brisk walking, jumping rope, zumba, climbing hills, dancing, jogging, kickboxing, doing an aerobic video.....the list goes on and on. Find something you like, be committed and give it your all!

Quit. I have a runner's build and runner's endurance. According to my MA instructor I run fast (when he makes us) because I'm 75% legs. I ran 10 miles a day, 5 days a week, on sand when I was in my 20's for fitness.

The only way I'd run voluntarily now is a fire, so if you see me running outside of class, you should probably run, too. IHMO, not to dog anyone else's workout, find running frightfully boring! There you are going, going, going.................... Then there is sprinting. At least with long distance the scenery sort of changes. Sprinting makes me feel like a hamster on a wheel and is even more boring.

I like workouts that involve technique and have a constant need for concentration. I also like to learn something useful such as self-defense. There you have it.

I started out at 211 and could not run, at all. I dreaded it but didn't necessarily hate it. When I joined the gym, I was given an exercise program that included HIIT on the treadmill for 15 minutes and I credit my love of running to this. The first week was hard then one day I decided I wanted to run for a full 5 minutes at a 7.5km speed. I completed this and the next day I tried a full 10 minutes. I kept increasing it everyday and before I knew it, I was running for half an hour at 8,5km without stopping! I decided to take it outside and it was so hard. 2 minutes in and I was panting but I didn't stop. I ran very, very slowly but with things like running, the more you're out, the better your endurance and the more you want to keep going.....Anyway, long story short, I was running 5 mile distances in under an hour. I quit for 6 months but I'm back at it again......I'm just back from a 7 mile run in 55 minutes. The high I get after my runs is incredible so don't quit. The more you do it, the more you want to beat your last run's record and create more. Good luck!

I was a non-runner. Actually last year this time I couldn't run one full lap at the track! That is only .25 of a mile! Now I can run over 5 miles without stopping. I can run 22 laps without stopping! But I normally run a 5k (3.10 miles) about 4 times a week to work on my speed. I can finish that in 31 minutes now. I get faster and faster every month. All I did was try to run for like a full minute at a time and then walk for 2 minutes adn I would do this for about 20 to 20 minutes. Until eventually I was running for 5 minutes, then 10 minutes, then more and more. Then to work on my speed, becasue I was really really slow I would go to the track and run the straight aways and speed walk to curves. I actually took about 3 months off of running because of an injury and when I started running again I was FAST and in shock. In January I started doing kick boxing, and p90x and this has vastly improved my running and speed. Sometimes I feel like I can run forever. AND I love to run now. I learned to keep my feet under my body and found my perfect form. Running has helped me in so many ways and I recommend it to all. I was def heavier then you when I started running. ALOT heavier! I believe most people can do it if they really want to. Get out there and do it!

I am a non-runner, but followed the C25K app for a while, and almost finished it. Even though, I didn't finish it, I was able to run maybe 3 miles. I have a difficult time running because it's really hard on my knees and hips. I bought special running shoes with the opinions of multiple professionals and still had issues with the impact on my lower body. Needless to say, I found that running isn't for me, although I enjoyed it. I have taken up biking and Zumba and walking instead of running. I wish I could run, just too hard on me.

I had this exact issue! I took up running fell in love with it but I inflamed my sacrum so I have switched swimming and fast paced walking with the hope to return to running. It does get more enjoyable I promise!!!

OP all runners start off as non-runners at some point in their lives. The absolute hardest is the beginning when you're getting started. I only started running in January of last year. I've since completed a full marathon and am currently training for another one as well as a 100km ultramarathon.

Here's the link to my running story:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1087618-obese-sedentary-to-marathon-runner

Thanks so much for your link to your story - how inspiring you are!! I just started "running" (not sure I would call it that just yet - lol) this month and am using the C25K app..... I'm still at the "my legs are killing me, and I think my lungs are going to burst" stage - but I want to give it at least the 9 weeks to see if it will get any easier/better. My age (52) and my bad knees don't help my situation, but I refuse to just give up. Thanks again for sharing!!

I was a non-runner who pounded away on a treadmill for years just for exercise. It was miserable. I hated it. But I liked how it worked for my body to lose weigh.
About 4 years after I was habitually running on a treadmill I started running outside and I fell IN LOVE. I never run with music, it's a great way to explore, I love people watching and just letting my brain turn off.
Now it's something I do because I love it. It's a reward.

That said, some people just never get into it. I take yoga classes, spin, Zumba and a variety of other things periodically, but I can't stick with those consistently like I can running.

You've just got to find what does it for you mentally and don't beat yourself up if you never enjoy running.

I'm 5'-0" and 187. I am a short and stumpy asthmatic that really likes cupcakes. I just did my first half marathon last week. I started running last year and fell completely in love. It's my ONE time to get away from the kids, get away from the husband, get away from the job, put my headphones in, and just go. I'm not fast...I firmly believe that my frame will never let me have that "runner" build...but I love it. It's therapeutic for me.

And the biggest thing I learned when I did my half last Sunday was that there is no definition of a runner. No one cares. I stepped up to the start line and looked around. There were fat, thin, tall, short, muscular, guys in tutus, girls in tutus, people with camelbaks, people with funny shirts. Everyone motivated each other and it was the one amazing time that I felt I belonged among a group of strangers.

Running hurts. So I bike instead. OP if you are taking your kids to their sports, either indoors or outdoors, I'm thinking there may be a track around somewhere. Try power walk/run on the track while your kids are doing their practice. Stay off the concrete sidewalk and the asphalt. Tracks are softer on your joints. Get your ears plugged in to something that gives you that extra pep, and get out there and get your groove on!

I was 220lbs when I started running at 45 years old. I run several times a week (weather permitting) and do about 5 to 6k at the most. I have grown to love it, some days are just hard work and others I bounce along and really enjoy every step.

It's a great way to leave the world behind and I love the thinking time it gives me. I listen to music or sometimes I just enjoy the sounds of the countryside around me. Either way, I never thought I'd be a runner as I've always loathed it. But after hubby pestered the life out of me to try it, I have to admit I love it.

Through a mix of exercise and diet I've shifted 30lbs plus and am working on the next 50lbs to reach my goal weight.

Hope that helps?

I wanted to be a runner. I love being outdoors. I have great uncrowded trails near me. It sounded like heaven. I started a C25K program and enjoyed it, even though it was hard at first, and got to the point where I could run a 5K. I liked the improvements I felt. I liked the way the sluggishness fell away after the first 5 minutes or so and then felt free.

The only thing I didn't like was that my knees hurt. And even as I got lighter, they hurt more and all the time - even when I wasn't running. Then my left one gave out on some stairs one day.

And the doc said she wasn't surprised given the lack of cartilage. Some surgical repair where possible and microfracture to see if there could be a little rebuilding, rehab and a proscription: "no more running".

I miss it.