I want to want to run!
Fitnin6280
Posts: 618 Member
So I have been stalled for a long time now on my weight loss, and I think if I stepped up my exercise I would see more results. I see people on here all the time that love to run, and I really want that, but to be honest I just don't. I love to walk, but run... not so much.
So my question is to those who hated to run before, and now love it. How and when did you start to like running? Any pointers are welcome! Thanks!!
So my question is to those who hated to run before, and now love it. How and when did you start to like running? Any pointers are welcome! Thanks!!
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Replies
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Start by adding some running to your walks. Start slow maybe walk 10 minutes run 1 minute then continue to build up the amount you run. Remember running puts a lot more stress on your joints so make sure so build up your running mileage over time.
Best of luck.0 -
Just have a go. Seriously, just go.
Don't be mad if you can't go far, just be pleased you are trying. Don't overdo it and think you will run a bazillion miles, throw up midway and never go again. When i started, and i am by no means a marathon runner now, i used to think 'i'll run to that lamppost at the end of the street' and if i felt like going further i did. If i needed a break, i took one.
I don't always love to run, i don't think i am fit enough to 'love' it but i like it. The first few minutes feel rubbish for me But try to ride them out and i never ever come home thinking it was a waste of time.
You will be surprised at what you can achieve if not today, but tomorrow.0 -
I started off running to get into shape for soccer and was surprised that I learned to love running for the sake of running (I'd hated running when I was a kid - playing a sport was ok but running just to run.....but I suspect that had something to do with coaches using running as punishment)
If you're not sure about running my suggestion would be to start slow and easy, keep the runs short and try to think of them as grown up play time rather than a workout. Try to find places to run that are enjoyable (I'm lucky - we have trails that run along the Ottawa river just a few hundred metres from my front door) and don't worry about your pace or compare yourself to other runners.
Give it an honest try and if you don't really enjoy it move on to something that you do enjoy, there are lots of different ways to improve your health and fitness and have fun at the same time.0 -
I never liked to run in the past, but then discovered C25K. I really enjoyed building up to running longer time periods. I had to repeat some weeks, but that didn't bother me at all. Maybe try it and see what you think.
A fun C25K app might help. I've heard zombie run is fun.0 -
Finishing an event, the feeling, the t-shirt, the medal, the other people.
I think it has a lot to do with when you train, you are typically alone. Then you show up at an event, you realize you were never alone, it's a whole thing!
The first time I ever did a 5K, way back in the 80's, I knew I would always want to run.
Register for a 5K that's a few months out, and get after it.
It's amazing how much difference a $25 registration can make.
good luck0 -
I hated running at first (really hated exercise period) so I just walked fast. Then I started to run a little then walk, then run, etc. Pretty soon I was wanting to run more than walk. I now run 2-3 miles a day and love it. I didn't want to run this morning , just tired from the weekend but did anyway. Once I was out there it felt good. I was really glad I made myself do it. I also have a playlist on my phone of very upbeat songs that motivates me. My body changed and I lost a lot of belly fat that I contribute to running as well as counting calories. Oh, and buying fun workout clothes also motivated me to get out there.0
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Thanks everyone! You are all awesome! I really appreciate the comments and advice. I am going to give it a shot!0
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I hated H-A-T-E-D running until I was able to run 3 miles comfortably. After I got to that level of running fitness then running transformed from just a workout to my de-stress fun time and I became addicted (former gym rat only who scoffed at runners.)
The first mile still sucks to this day but after that my body decides to let and go and enjoy itself when it settles into a pace.
My biggest piece of advice is to get to that 3 mile mark with something entertaining. I used zombies, run! (full addition, not the trainer versions) so when I went out I wasn't just going for a run, I was actively engaging myself in a story. I wanted to go run to just find out what happened in the story line (the stories last about 30-40 minutes with the option to extend them to an hour) and that netted me better running fitness and before I knew it, holy crap, I actually liked to run and the story lines from zombies, run! was just a bonus. I never expected to be a runner at all but since then I've run a full marathon and am currently training for my second.
-previous gym rat converted to runner0 -
Variety.
Run different routes.
Run with a friend.
Run with a dog.
Run with music.
Run without music.
Join a running club.
Find your nearest parkrun.
Use an app on your phone (I like MapMyRun, but others are available)
Enter a race.
Remind yourself it's your "me" time, when you can switch off from the outside world.0 -
So my question is to those who hated to run before, and now love it. How and when did you start to like running?
In the past I've always been prone to injury when running. About 16 month or so ago I started using the Couch to 5K plan to get up to 30 minutes of continuous running. At some point in there it turned into something that I was enjoying, and aftr I finished I was choosing to go out and run.
I have a feeling that it was the progressive nature of the plan got me over my usual injury barrier, and as the runs started getting longer I was getting some secondary effects; headspace, relaxation.
I now really enjoy my longer runs; 90-120 minutes, and find my shorter runs really useful wihtin my diary to relax and process things.0 -
I have tried running many times before and never liked it, but this time around I am really enjoying it. One thing that has helped for me is to accept that I will have good and bad runs. There are some runs where I am just not into it, can't concentrate, my socks are annoying me, whatever. I used to take a day like that and say "See, I knew I didn't like running." Now I understand that I just had a bad day and the next day will be better.0
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You just have to do it and one day it clicks and you realise you like running. It's not instant it will take time and effort but at some point it will. Like anything good it's not easy and takes work and commitment. February 2013 I couldn't walk up a hill without stopping I started running in May that year. I now average 45 miles a week and on Saturday I ran 15 miles because I love to run. I did not love it to start with for the first few months it was hard and at points I hated it but I persisted and I am now at the stage it's a thing I can not see myself not doingSo I have been stalled for a long time now on my weight loss, and I think if I stepped up my exercise I would see more results. I see people on here all the time that love to run, and I really want that, but to be honest I just don't. I love to walk, but run... not so much.
So my question is to those who hated to run before, and now love it. How and when did you start to like running? Any pointers are welcome! Thanks!!0 -
So I have been stalled for a long time now on my weight loss, and I think if I stepped up my exercise I would see more results. I see people on here all the time that love to run, and I really want that, but to be honest I just don't. I love to walk, but run... not so much.
So my question is to those who hated to run before, and now love it. How and when did you start to like running? Any pointers are welcome! Thanks!!
Do HIIT workouts instead. Don't run. Steady state cardio won't help you step up your weight loss. It will train you to have more endurance. Just do Tabata or HIIT workouts.0 -
Variety.
Run different routes.
Run with a friend.
Run with a dog.
Run with music.
Run without music.
Join a running club.
Find your nearest parkrun.
Use an app on your phone (I like MapMyRun, but others are available)
Enter a race.
Remind yourself it's your "me" time, when you can switch off from the outside world.
^^ This. Variety is what keeps me looking forward to running0 -
Running is something I do early Saturday mornings and then in the afternoons after a frustrating day at work. Tonight it's going to be a long run, I think. I restarted by using the free C25K app which let me listen to my music while some lady was telling me when to walk and when to run. It's a really great and easy way to get started. Once I'd had enough of that app, I downloaded Zombies, Run! and I love it. Each run is a new mission, and I'm part of the story. It's awesomely relaxing and fun. I run to destress. I run for endorphins. I run for the 'zone-out' that comes with running (for me).
I recommend:
1. C25K app - it's free - take it slow, and repeat weeks or sessions as needed.
2. Zombies, Run! - it's not free, but totally worth it, IMHO
3. Register for a 5K that's a few months out - you'll have a blast, and it'll give you a reason to keep at it for at least a few months. Without that 5K hanging over my head, I wouldn't have stuck with it long enough to figure out how much I love the endorphins and destressing that comes with challenging my body to run.
And last but NOT least - make sure you have a dedicated pair of running shoes - one that you use for running ONLY. If you decide to stick with running, visit a shoe store and get fitted for running shoes. It's expensive, but totally worth it.0 -
^^^ All of the above! And you know what I do when I don't feel like running? I get on one of these threads and read about how other runners love to run and how good it feels to run and how good you feel when you've finished and how good it feels to run a 5K/10K/Half/Marathon, and I can't wait to get out there and give it my best! Good luck to you!!!0
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Steady state cardio won't help you step up your weight loss.
Except insamuch as it can drive a more significant calorie defecit if required.
In any case the question applied to how to enjoy running, whilst not running is one approach, it doesn't really address the point.0 -
Try the couch to 5k plan. I hate running but was doing great with the plan. If you have a smartphone, there is an app that will do an audible queue when it's time to start/stop running. It starts off slow and you can always repeat a day/week.0
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I have tried many time to run, I started C25K a couple times, I joined a running prep class at my gym, I tried to use the tread at the gym on my own, I got a dog and tried running with him...NOTHING!!!! I got nothing but serious hip pains and runners splints (I think they called it that). I talked to my trainer and he said that not everyone is a runner, even though MY MIND wants to. I wish I could offer more advice on it other than to just keep trying...but if you don't succeed, don't beat yourself up over it, just switch to another mode of exercise or walk farther than your norm.0
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Like some of the posts on here, it takes time. At first I hated running, sometimes I still do, but the more I do it the more I enjoy it. Usually I head to the gym for some alone and relaxation time with the weights and cardio, but something about being outside, even in the humidity and heat here in Houston, make me feel 10 times better than going to the gym. I guess it was because I could do my thinking without the feet pounding sounds next to me or the clanking of the weights down stairs....I could hear my music and take different routes if I wanted to. I don't tell myself how much I am going to run, I just listen to my legs and feet, I think for me setting a goal of how long to run gives me reason to quit sooner....last week I amazed myself with 2.9 miles...I never run that much.
Give it time, don't plan it out just go with what your body feels is good! Good Luck.0 -
Some folks who hate to run, hate it because they are going to hard for the distances they want to run. Take your time, relax, enjoy being outside. Try C25K and keep the pace relaxed.
That being said - some folks just hate running, and if you hate it then you aren't going to stick with it, and you'd be better off finding something more challenging that you actually enjoy. Suggestions - cycling (doesn't have to be as expensive as the cycling forums want you to think), swimming (cheap, fun, still get a good burn), hiking, cross country skiing/snowshoeing, climbing/bouldering, kayaking/rowing0 -
My advice:
1. A smartphone can turn running into a game. Apps can help you set goals, tell you what to do in order to build up your endurance. Tell you how you're doing, and track your progress. And give you endless supply of something to listen to, whether its music, audio books, or motivational speaking. Its a given.
2. Set goals for yourself. Track your progress! It could be distance, time, or # of workouts per week. Easy to track (See #1) and easy to achieve at first, you will be able to set your goals higher over time and the feeling of accomplishment is ADDICTIVE
3. Embrace normalcy. Nobody who starts off running loves to run. Everyone who loves to run did not start off that way. Stick with it. I have found that after my first 10 workouts that all my excuses have faded away, my goals come first, and now I'm starting to see results and I love the feeling of endorphins and adrenaline. Your body starts to react in amazing ways.
4. Remember these two words: PAIN -- GAIN.0 -
I talked to my trainer and he said that not everyone is a runner, even though MY MIND wants to.
When what he should have said was lets have a look at how you run to work out what's causing that.
Both of those can be sorted in most people through appropriate shoes and working on form, pace and progression.0 -
So I have had an intense HATE of running for awhile, I mean serious hatred. I am one of those that love most things and overall have a positive attitude....except....for.....running. So I totally feel ya. I would hate it so intensely that while I was running I would say over and over in my brain "I hate running, I hate running, I hate running"....which by the way does not help my running mojo
Now the kinda fix for me:
Don't know if this is possible or if it will work, but I have done a couple things to make running more palatable to me. I have downloaded the app run5k and that has made it much easier for me, I also started running with my son, it makes it sooo much better. I also joined a meet up group for trail running and that has helped a ton. My point, try running with someone, it might make it easier and take your mind off the awfulness of running.
However, running is not the only thing you can do to increase the intensity of your workouts...what about an intense HIIT workout?
Good luck and remember to try to enjoy any of your workouts...its better that way;-)0 -
I hated running mostly because I would start with a two or three mile run when I weighed 50 pounds more and was out of shape. By day three my knees would be killing me and I would stop because my knees are to bad to run. When I hurt my shoulder lifting I needed something to do so I started walking in the mornings. I really enjoy being out before sunrise. A virtual game using GPS on Android phones came out called Ingress. It is a cross between a global version of capture the flag and geocaching. I thought what the heck, it will give me something to do while walking. The more I played the quicker I wanted to cover ground and capture enemy portals. So I started running and walking the short distance between them. That progressed into covering greater distances to get to more remote portals. Without realizing it, I was running about 4 to seven miles on some days. I thought hey, my knees don't hurt and I am really losing weight fast. The game was slowing me down so I switched into running for the sake of running. I now run 25 to 35 miles a week entered my first race, a half marathon, and am eyeing a full marathon for the fall. The thing that I finally did right by accident was to start slow and work up gradually. I am a runner now.
Get an app (Runtastic for me) to track your distance and time, its very motivating.
Get fitted for some really good running shoes $120~$145 - its worth it
Get some good moisture wicking clothing like under armour to keep you cool now and warm in the cold
Get synthetic socks.
I love my bluetooth headphones for music. I find that the Motorola one allow enough sound through to let me hear cars and people.
Lost all the weight I needed to and maintaining is a breeze now so I ain't stopping. Good luck!0 -
I dislike the first 30 min of my run but absolutely love the hour or so after that. so try and push past the first 30 min and see how you feel. if you don't like it then, than maybe running isn't for you.0
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I never liked to run in the past, but then discovered C25K. I really enjoyed building up to running longer time periods. I had to repeat some weeks, but that didn't bother me at all. Maybe try it and see what you think.
A fun C25K app might help. I've heard zombie run is fun.
I second couch to five k. If you are hating running you are probably pushing yourself too hard. A program like this will let you safely start running and many learn to love it! There are some podcasts too that change the music between walking and jogging so you do'nt have to keep track of time, which I recommend. Before I started this program I could hardly run 1/2 mile, now I can run 8-9 miles and could probably keep going! Good luck!0 -
I decided one day that I wanted to run a 5K, so I started running. I ran my 5K and I never quit, and I don't really like it that much. I still run 1-3 miles 3 days a week, have no desire to run futher at this point. Who knows if in the future I might decide to run a 10K0
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I always considered myself a "sprinter, not a runner"... like sprinting to bases, or for a seven yard pass pattern... but not unlike you, always wanted to try running to push past that plateau... got the C25K program and sounded like a freight train rumbling down the street... then I stopped thinking about my breathing... and found myself surprised at how quickly the "walk" commands would come, and how slowly the "run" commands would start me up again. I'd stretched my runs to about 2.5 miles when I hurt my knee. My original goal was to be able to run 1 mile without stopping. With a wonky knee, and nothing but asphalt to run on, I can't risk it anymore... but have periodic dreams that I am running... in a few short weeks, it became a part of me, and I now miss it dearly.0
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I am not currently a runner, but used to (and want to get back into it). When I started it for the first time, I remember feeling challenged by the concept. So as a mini challenge, I would find a location in front of me (say 4 telephone poles down from where I was on the road) and I would tell myself....OK, run to there. And then, when I would get there, I would feel like I could keep going, so I reset the position to another 4 telephone poles down the road. This short-term, instant gratification spurred me in an unbelieveable way. First of all, I never thought I could run--I was never a runner before and just figured I couldn't do it after having been a smoker for way too many years. I got to a point when I was doing this with vigor that I was running 3 miles a day. Then I started developing shin splints and other issues...so I tapered off. That was about 5 years ago. Guess what? The weight I had lost from being an avid runner crept back on which is why I am back to taking better care of myself. So I suggest you set small goals and make sure you have the proper equipment. It is worth the money investing in a good quality pair of running shoes. If you don't, you could set yourself up for injury or unneeded pain. Secondly--be safe--always make sure you have a cell phone with you in case of emergency. I carried mine in my phone and had my earbuds plugged in (music will help keep you moving). Good luck!0
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