I want to want to run!

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Replies

  • Tiff050709
    Tiff050709 Posts: 497 Member
    I like running a lot more now than I use to. I played soccer in high school and that was fine when there was some to do lol.
    When I started working out I wanted to run because I thought it would be something great to overcome because at that point I couldn't. I ran slow. Very slow. Until it got a bit easier and then I would go a bit faster. Now I like running. I wouldn't say love lol. Sometimes I am in the mood and sometimes I am not. I feel like it's something I can do by myself and gives me a chance to think and clear my head. I'm still not the best runner and probably won't ever be but honestly after I am done I feel really good. It's a self-esteem booster to do something I didn't think I could. I am starting the c25k today and going at a faster pace, we'll see how that goes. I do want to run a 5k eventually. Good luck. I would say just try it. You might like it, or learn to anyway ;)
  • 4legsRbetterthan2
    4legsRbetterthan2 Posts: 19,590 MFP Moderator
    When I finally took the advice to just slow the heck down to a pace I could actually maintain.

    This is a great post for beginners if you want to read it:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1217573-so-you-want-to-start-running
  • ColdPlum
    ColdPlum Posts: 57 Member
    I loathed running before and have discovered several things that completely turned it around for me. Now i run 3 times a week and I crave it. I only wish I had more opportunity to to run. Here is what worked for me:

    1) Proper shoes and clothes. I ended up wearing vibrams which helped me more as though I were barefoot. It changed my stride in ways that were better for me and made running "flow" more. I have specific issues, so I wouldn't recommend vibrams to everyone, but experiment to find what your skeletal structure needs. Also, the right running clothes to prevent chaffing and riding up. I wear Prefer yoga tops with built in bras (the tighter the top the better for me) and running skirts. Shorts invariably get all caught up in my thighs and the skirt hides my bum
    2)Location, location, location. I only run on trails that I find beautiful. Never streets or treadmills. It changes the whole feel of the run from a chore I must do because I have to lose this fat, to a connecting, almost meditative experience. I usually end a run feeling more in tune with the world around me.
    3)Ditch perfectionism. I used to run with goals in mind like, "I have to run three miles at a 10 min pace and burn at least 300 calories." Not only did this leave me no space to listen to my body, but it made me feel like a failure if I didn't hit all 3 goals. Now I have parameters (I only have 45 min for a run, etc) an my goal is to run within those parameters for as long as it brings me joy. That means sometimes I walk, or run/walk, or sprint, or run slowly, or run super fast and take lots of breaks, or even stop and go home. I have learned that if I begin to get angry with myself on a run, I am about to get a cold or something. My body is telling me that we don't have the resources for a run and I need to rest. Now I listen, I enjoy my runs, and I am much healthier!

    Best of luck!
  • mamaleftwich
    mamaleftwich Posts: 256 Member
    I just started C25K last week. I use to run and then got away from it. I like the program, it gets you into it slowly. I'm on week 2 now.
  • BlueberryWatermelon
    BlueberryWatermelon Posts: 73 Member
    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.

    This is terrible advice for a beginner! If you're new to running, then trying to go 30 minutes non-stop will only lead to exhaustion and quitting early. If you do make it the full 30 minutes, you'll probably feel terrible and never want to run again. This is a common mistake with beginners: pushing yourself too hard, then quitting because it's not enjoyable.

    Your best bet is to start with walking and running intervals (using a program like C25K) to SLOWLY build endurance. Eventually you WILL be able to run 30 (or 60, or 90) minutes, but you'll actually be able to enjoy it.

    Good luck!
  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    if you're looking for fun cardio, try riding a bike. you get all the cardiovascular benefits of running, but you can probably go at least twice as far and as long than you could if you went for a run. and you don't beat up your legs as much as when running.
  • Adc7225
    Adc7225 Posts: 1,318 Member
    I know how you feel. I wanted to add running to my exercise options for the long run, I did the C25K training and it was not as bad as I envisioned but I also never hit that moment of nirvana either.

    I would offer that of you do something like the C25K training, start slow, really slow - like walking at 3.0 and running at 3.2, it takes a little bit to get comfortable with your stance to run. the first 2 - 5 minutes are the worst but it does get better.

    For me I realized that I don't care for the runners body, so I do running intervals as my other exercise option.

    Good luck on your running, remember the correct shoes, socks and clothing will also play a major part in your running success!
  • BarbieQLoo
    BarbieQLoo Posts: 16 Member
    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.

    I agree with this. I also enjoyed C25K. I love doing the Color Run and it usually supports your local parks.
  • mojohowitz
    mojohowitz Posts: 900 Member
    I started out hating it but once I got to six miles I started to enjoy the solitude and "zen" that goes along with it. The right shoes, the right music and the right environment make all the difference. Oddly, after I finished my first marathon, my interest in running and fitness in general has plummeted. I don't hate it but it's not as rewarding as it used to be. Meh.
  • LianaG1115
    LianaG1115 Posts: 453 Member
    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.

    He did ask those things, I should've elaborated a little more I think. He said not everyone is a runner especially when you've never run a day in your life. He did bump up my training though.
  • Fitnin6280
    Fitnin6280 Posts: 618 Member
    Thank you so much to each and every one of you! You all are such an inspiration to me! I am going to give running a chance. Like I said before, I really really want to run, I think it would help, not only physically, but mentally. If nothing else just to know I can!

    You all ROCK!
  • dnfenton
    dnfenton Posts: 24 Member
    First off I have done 12 half marathons since 2011 and while I am an interval runner vs a nonstop slow and steady runner I still agree with the majority of the posts here.

    For me personally I despise the first mile of every run, I feel awkward and stiff and whenever I do a running session that is only 1 - 3 miles long I never really reach that point where I truly enjoy what I'm doing, normally because by the time I hit my grove I start going into cool down mode and I can't wait to finally be done with my run.

    Now when I do a run longer then 3 miles somewhere after the first mile before I finish the 2nd mile everything gets easier and I can finally enjoy my run.

    It's all about breaking past that mental wall where you keep thinking about how hard running is and instead you just focus on what's going on around you and how nice it is to be outside.

    My suggestion on how to build on your relationship with running is to not only sign up for a race but make it a fun race like the color run or warrior dash. Something that will break up the race with something else for you to focus on. Everyone running those types of races are super supportive and a ton of fun to talk to as you are jogging along the course. It's so much fun that you really forget that oh yeah I just ran 3+ miles because you are also talking about how you jumped over fire and climbed that huge wall!

    My suggestion on how to build on your relationship with running is to not only sign up for a race but make it a fun race like the color run or warrior dash. Something that will break up the race with something else for you to focus on. Everyone running those types of races are super supportive and a ton of fun to talk to as you are jogging along the course. It's so much fun that you really forget that oh yeah I just ran 3+ miles because you are also talking about how you jumped over fire and climbed that huge wall!
  • handyrunner
    handyrunner Posts: 32,662 Member


    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.


    [/quote

    What is it about that first mile??...ugggh me too..thats always the time I have to push the hardest!!]
  • katnewk
    katnewk Posts: 27 Member
    You start loving running when it gets easier and it doesn't get easier unless you run... start adding runs to your walks start with adding 30 sec to every. 4 min for 30 min when you are able to do this start decreasing your walk by 30 sec and adding it to your run..... I would train for a 5k (3.1 mile) to have a goal... I joined a running club they have organized runs at various locations freq throughout the week... I have made so many great friends over the last 20 years. We even went to races for vacations together
  • rebeccaplatt21
    rebeccaplatt21 Posts: 175
    try C25K...it starts off with a little bit of running. see if you like the first week (only 3x a week)....repeat if necessary!
  • LaurenEileen74
    LaurenEileen74 Posts: 142 Member
    "Register for a 5K that's a few months out, and get after it."

    THIS! I've been running 5K's for a few years now...I still don't LOVE to run, but I like that it is my time, and I even feel guilty if I don't go...a little self-guilt is motivation for me lol. Also, with running, if I go longer than a few days, it's like starting over for me...burning lungs, etc, so that also keeps me running. There are days I have GREAT runs, and days not so much, but my goal each run is a 5K. I do love running 5K's and crossing that finish line :)
  • Chevy_Quest
    Chevy_Quest Posts: 2,012 Member
    Great Thread!

    I used to love running.... 20 years ago when I was literally 70 lbs lighter.
    Everytime I would try to get back into it at this weight (190 lbs - Goal around 155) I would be miserable. Why:

    1. I couldn't go fast and I would shuffle
    2. My knees would hurt.

    Finally I put my "pride aside" and started jogging / walking. I am slowly but sure starting to had more job time in.

    I can't wait for that feeling of being able to just walk out the door and jam out 2 miles without thinking about. I see that day coming... it may be 6-9 months from now... but I can see it! :smile: :smile:
  • goldmay
    goldmay Posts: 258 Member
    I've found that I hate training but love races. Strangers cheering for you, the energy from other people and the medals and shirts. :) The races got me hooked. I would've loved running more on a daily basis if it were more like race events, like if I were running with other people at a similar pace instead of solo (I haven't run recently though because I found something I like better).
  • Lindadodsworth
    Lindadodsworth Posts: 1
    So you love to walk? I do too but I now love to run. I firstly started walking faster and marching up hills (along with my dog), finding myself getting fitter. Then I started 'jogging' just for a short distance, one mile (boy was that tough), but I kept at it for a few weeks slowly increasing the running until I was running 4 miles, then suddenly Icould run a 10k. Then I joined a running club (mine is an all ladies club), they have members of differing abilities and ages and I never felt left out. I now love to run and am working towards my first marathon which is in October. Just do it and believe in yourself.
  • aarnwine2013
    aarnwine2013 Posts: 317 Member
    I love to run now but I hated it at first. I downloaded the zombies run app on my phone and now I'm hooked to this app and running.

    Even now, the first mile is the worst and pushing through it some days is difficult. I started running on the threadmill but I started running outside a few months ago and now I hate the treadmill.

    I still use it in really bad weather but I've found out I'd rather run in the heat and even in the rain to avoid the treadmill.

    Find what works for you and take it easy. Find your pace and don't worry about your speed. That will get better in time.

    Best of luck!
  • congruns
    congruns Posts: 127 Member
    Something I learned when I went to dog training classes, set yourself for success and gloat in achievements. Find out why you don't want to run and figure out how to make running enjoyable.

    I when I hated running it was because I would get shin splints and endurance was a problem at me +100 lbs. I found a nice easy stride that I was comfortable with, and my shin splints went away. I did this by walking with some high knees and speeding up. I started basically with my own progression similar to the C25K but not at the pace. Just increasing time gradually. Take pride in any achievement. If you want to run to the end of the block, get there and turn the corner and do a couple more houses.

    Vary your routines, because routines can get boring.

    I also noticed that my craving for spicy foods has gone up since I picked up running. I guess it has something to do with the endorphin release because it the same high I get after I finish a long run.

    No matter how I feel after a run, the beginning is the toughest. My first 15K race last Sunday and during the 1st 5 minutes I get the heavy foot feeling and thoughts run into my head that i don't think I can finish this. After finding my rhythm and letting the pack get ahead of me, I felt stronger after the first turn in the 1st 5K. I ended up besting my 10K pace by a few seconds.
  • ThatMouse
    ThatMouse Posts: 229 Member
    I kept running. I hated it, and I kept running.

    At one point, I started loving it.
  • Fitnin6280
    Fitnin6280 Posts: 618 Member
    if you're looking for fun cardio, try riding a bike. you get all the cardiovascular benefits of running, but you can probably go at least twice as far and as long than you could if you went for a run. and you don't beat up your legs as much as when running.

    I used to ride a lot, 50 miles was the max I did in one day. That was really challenging, but I did it. You are right though, I it is easier on the knees for sure! Maybe I will rotate riding with running.

    Thanks for reminding me!
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    He said not everyone is a runner especially when you've never run a day in your life.

    I think that's a given really...

    I used to suffer badly from Shin splints when I tried to run. I've subsequently come to the conclusion that was a comination of doing too much, too soon, and my form. I've generally been overstriding, which places excess load on the lower leg and exacerbates shin splints.

    Once I'd managed to master better form, and just took it easy in terms of progression I've reached half marathon distance in about 16 months.

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