How to make running less miserable

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Replies

  • nicxox
    nicxox Posts: 175 Member
    Keep up the hard work! It took me a while to build up to running 10 mins straight so I know what an acheivement that is :). I can now run 30 mins(at a push), and I find that I struggle for the first 5 minutes or so, but then so get into it and love my time running... So you may find that as your running improves, you'll find it more enjoyable..

    I also used to listen to music, but I too didn't find it distracting enough and I'd get quite bored... instead I found a load of podcasts that I liked and listen to them while I work out instead.

    Good luck with your future runs, I hope it works out for you :)
  • kristinegift
    kristinegift Posts: 2,406 Member
    I enjoy running, but when I get tired or have to do a portion of a route I hate (see also: hills of any sort) I'll do all sorts of things to distract myself: mouth the words to the song I'm listening to, think of what I need to get at the grocery store, count in other languages, etc; anything to take my mind off th suckitude. I also run outside 99% of the time so I have things to look at to keep my mind from focusing on what hurts/how hard running can be/etc. I'd encourage you to finish the C25K program, and if you still are miserable running by the end, try something else. Running isn't for everyone, and you can take your C25K-acquired running fitness and apply it to a different activity you like better :)
  • BrainyBurro
    BrainyBurro Posts: 6,129 Member
    Do you have any advice for me so that I'm not counting down every single second?

    yes. run on a beach in Maui. running will be much less miserable there.

    :tongue:
  • lawkat
    lawkat Posts: 538 Member
    The first mile is always the hardest. A lot of runners will tell you that. I find that once I get past that first mile, I get into my groove and it just happens. Building your stamina when running takes time. It isn't going to happen overnight, but you will get there if you keep at it.
  • Platform_Heels
    Platform_Heels Posts: 388 Member
    I'm assuming that since you're counting down every single second that you're running inside? If so get thine butt outside! You won't have a timer to stare at as you run and you're forced to go the distance because you have to get back to where you started.

    With that said if you still find running to be really super miserable then don't do it. Why force yourself to do something that you don't like and will more than likely stop doing? Find something you enjoy and do that.
  • Annalisa_87
    Annalisa_87 Posts: 56 Member
    Music or running with a buddy. personally I like running to musical. It can keep you motivated. I even go as far as creating a custom playlist, so more inspirational songs play towards the end of my run, when I'm feeling tired.
  • wilsoje74
    wilsoje74 Posts: 1,720 Member
    I think running is something you either love or you don't. I don't think you can force yourself to enjoy it more.
    I started the C25K 7 weeks ago too and from the first run i loved it.

    I would recommend looking into an exercise you enjoy and look forward to doing. But what ever you do, good luck:D

    Also congratulations on running 10 minutes straight! that was a huge achievement for me and i hope it was for you too!
    I think many people hate running at first because it's hard when you first start. I grew to like it more as I got better at it. Granted that took about 6 months.
  • hoppa321
    hoppa321 Posts: 448 Member
    I recommend finishing C25K and running a race. Racing and feeling competitive is what makes me love running. You may find the further you go the less miserable it is ,for me I feel the endorphins kick in at mile 4 and at mile 9, so I love to run further distances. But if after all that you still don't love it, find another cardio activity.
  • starbucksbuzz
    starbucksbuzz Posts: 466 Member
    I don't like running.

    I run right now twice a week or so as part of my cardio work with my lifting split. I really love lifting. However it just doesn't make sense to me to haul my *kitten* to the gym on a day when I don't have lifts and I can just go outside and bang out a 30 minute run instead. Like I'm going to go there to spend half an hour on some machine? Blah. I am getting better at the running, and it's not too bad if I'm only doing it a couple times a week. I have to listen to music - and it has to have a really hard / driving beat. Rap and hard rock do it for me. Also, if i try to run too often I devlop shin splints. The other thing - if I have to run on a treadmill - I do sprints. I do 30 seconds on at a high speed, and step to the rails for 30 seconds. It makes the time go a LOT faster, although it also ups the intensity.

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