Hate running but want to run

umisquirrel
umisquirrel Posts: 14 Member
edited November 17 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi there,

I've always hated running--I've never quite had the lungs for it, it hurts my legs, and I often get side stitches. However, I would like to give it another try this spring as I am in better shape than I have been in years and think it would be good to add to my exercise regimen (currently only do Jillian Michaels/Fitnessblender videos at home).

Do you have any advice on how to get started and/or how to enjoy it more?

Thanks!!
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Replies

  • marissacontos
    marissacontos Posts: 6 Member
    I use my running time as time to just reflect. I think about everything except running. Just take it slow and turn on some music :)
  • Mycophilia
    Mycophilia Posts: 1,225 Member
    Look up Couch to 5k.
  • joolsmd
    joolsmd Posts: 375 Member
    I tried running and it didn't like me so I choose other cardio. However my sister does run and said the worst thing about it is starting. You'll be knackered and gasping for air, then one day it will all go great and you'll nail it.
  • turtles12
    turtles12 Posts: 12 Member
    Couch to 5K is a great program, check it out!
  • umisquirrel
    umisquirrel Posts: 14 Member
    Thanks, guys! I'm going to check out Couch to 5K. Has anyone used the app?
  • BusyRaeNOTBusty
    BusyRaeNOTBusty Posts: 7,166 Member
    Ride your bike instead.

    I also hate running, so I don't do it.
  • jenncalicollins617
    jenncalicollins617 Posts: 79 Member
    Another vote for c25k. About failed gym in hs because I refused to run, hated it. Started running recently (30yrs later) & now I'm addicted.
  • Of_Monsters_and_Meat
    Of_Monsters_and_Meat Posts: 1,022 Member
    If you don't like running, you aren't going to like running.

    Give c25k a shot. If you don't like it, check out strong lifts 5x5. Lift heavy instead.
  • fannyfrost
    fannyfrost Posts: 756 Member
    I used to think like you, I hated running, but everyone was running so I thought I should try. NOPE still hate it. Even walking for exercise without a destination is boring. I will walk with hubby and check stuff out thats fun, but just walk for a workout, nope.

    So what I say, find what you enjoy and have fun. Exercise should be fun! For me I dance :)
  • lisaanne1369
    lisaanne1369 Posts: 377 Member
    Get some good sneakers and take it slow.
  • patrickreeveboyd
    patrickreeveboyd Posts: 701 Member
    IPOD OR MIXES TO RUN TO! Message me if you want to know my most inspiring uptempo songs. Or do cardio theater at the gym if you can
  • lulucitron
    lulucitron Posts: 366 Member
    It's awful for your body. Whenever I do it, I always regret it; especially since the last time I got hit by a glass juice bottle that someone threw at me from the window of their car.
  • bornofthorns
    bornofthorns Posts: 143 Member
    C25k...Also, said little mini milestones. It helps you focus and makes it a bit more fun. Just recently, I have added a running partner (you can also find run groups) and that can help make it more fun. Lastly, don't try and be fast. In fact, I would say try to be slow so that you focus on form and breathing then slowly gain speed.
  • patrickreeveboyd
    patrickreeveboyd Posts: 701 Member
    I kind of dreaded it till... It became sort of a dance party... and a fun DJ set let to make
  • bajoyba
    bajoyba Posts: 1,153 Member
    edited April 2015
    I used to hate running and swore I would never do it. But, I felt compelled to do it anyway, so I just kept working at it.

    My advice is to start slow (like with C25K). Don't rush yourself or make yourself feel like you need to be fast - as you get better at running longer distances, you will probably get faster automatically - so just jog at a pace that feels comfortable for you and doesn't leave you out of breath immediately. I started out just trying to run 1/4 mile or around the block, worked my way up to 1/2 a mile, got to a point where I could run a mile and did that for quite a long time, and then started working past the 1 mile mark again.

    Music is absolutely necessary for me while running, so find a station or a playlist that you think you'd enjoy running to or make one in advance.

    I'm taking a break from running at the moment and I actually really miss it now. :)
  • tmauck4472
    tmauck4472 Posts: 1,785 Member
    I love running now. Took me several tries to finally like it but I like it now
  • trailgurl26
    trailgurl26 Posts: 2 Member
    I hated to run and was embarrassed of my weight so I started running with a couch to 5K program and only ran at night so no one would see me. That was over 8 years ago when I was 40. I never planned on doing anything longer than a 5K and now I have just finished my 12th full marathon and have also run two ultramarathons. Never say never. Good luck. If you want to run, that is enough motivation.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    umisquirrel wrote: »
    Hi there,

    I've always hated running--I've never quite had the lungs for it, it hurts my legs, and I often get side stitches. However, I would like to give it another try this spring as I am in better shape than I have been in years and think it would be good to add to my exercise regimen (currently only do Jillian Michaels/Fitnessblender videos at home).

    Do you have any advice on how to get started and/or how to enjoy it more?

    Thanks!!

    I never liked running till I signed up for a race and had something to train for.
  • ElsaVonMarmalade
    ElsaVonMarmalade Posts: 154 Member
    Run slower. Everyone I've met who hates running describes exactly what you're saying - out of breath, stitch in side, etc. That should only happen, if at all, when you're doing speed work/sprinting, which is totally unnecessary for a beginner (or even for an old-timer who is not particularly concerned with pace, like me).

    Next time you try running, the minute you start to feel uncomfortable, just slow way down. Run as slow as you can without actually walking. Eventually your lung function and muscles will improve to the point that you WANT to run faster because it will be more comfortable. Let it happen naturally. When you start to get short of breath or get a stitch, just slow it down. Running is great and I'm really glad you're going to give it another try!
  • glevinso
    glevinso Posts: 1,895 Member
    lulucitron wrote: »
    It's awful for your body. Whenever I do it, I always regret it;

    This person. Ignore her
  • jchite84
    jchite84 Posts: 467 Member
    2 things: 1) don't do things you hate 2) definitely give it a try, especially if you think you only hated running because you were too out of shape for it.

    I never ran, ever. I always walked the mile in school. A friend of mine retired from the army and we worked out a few times, we would do calisthenics and then he would make me run about 1/2 mile. Once I realized that I had the ability to run, and not die, I used Couch to 5K. I did not use the app, I just use a spreadsheet of the program I found on coolrunnings.com (I think). I committed to doing it, and now I love running. I've done several 5Ks, 10Ks, Half Marathons, a full Marathon, and several triathlons.

    So, I didn't start off liking running, but learned to love it because I learned how to do it properly and within my limits. It is a slow process working yourself up, and working on things like finding a comfortable pace for your abilities. My biggest breakthrough was when I learned to slow down and find the pace that allowed me to complete the distance. It opened up everything for me.

    If you try it and still hate it, then get a bike.
  • Nuke807
    Nuke807 Posts: 160 Member
    I vote for c25k as well. When I was in HS I ran a 5 minute mile, now almost 20 years later I had a hard time walking a mile fast. I started the c25k program and it has helped out immensely. Instead of trying to run flat out for a particular distance, you walk for 90sec, run for 90sec, walk for 90sec, run for 90sec, etc... and build upon times from there. It sucks at first, but after the first week I was doing MUCH better than I had anticipated, and enjoy (for the most part) the exercise of it now. Just like going to lift weights or do cardio, you have to work up to it, not just dive in head first. If you wear yourself out right away, the motivation will not be there to continue.
  • callsitlikeiseeit
    callsitlikeiseeit Posts: 8,626 Member
    My goal for next year is to start running. I have enough on my plate this year LOL

    i keep thinking ill like it. i WANT to like it. i could be wrong (but i do love the cardio at the gym.... elliptical and arc trainer) so.... maybe.

    when i do start ill DEFINITELY use the C25K program!
  • ano463s
    ano463s Posts: 21 Member
    There are a bunch of apps out there, and I only remember hearing good things. It's a matter of personal preference on the display mostly, but you can look at reviews too, of course.

    I wholeheartedly agree with the take it slow approach, and especially slowing down if you feel like you're not able to continue/breathing too hard/etc. It all comes with time.
  • csk0018
    csk0018 Posts: 219 Member
    I wasn't a fan of running either but ever since I started running again -- it's been great. The first mile is always the worst but it gets easier after that. I started with the Couch25K program so that's a good place to begin.
  • zdyb23456
    zdyb23456 Posts: 1,706 Member
    ElsaVonMarmalade wrote: »
    Run slower. Everyone I've met who hates running describes exactly what you're saying - out of breath, stitch in side, etc. That should only happen, if at all, when you're doing speed work/sprinting, which is totally unnecessary for a beginner (or even for an old-timer who is not particularly concerned with pace, like me).

    Next time you try running, the minute you start to feel uncomfortable, just slow way down. Run as slow as you can without actually walking. Eventually your lung function and muscles will improve to the point that you WANT to run faster because it will be more comfortable. Let it happen naturally. When you start to get short of breath or get a stitch, just slow it down. Running is great and I'm really glad you're going to give it another try!

    This. I would also say, when I got back into running after a 6 year hiatus, I determined I would "run" for 20 minutes. I literally jogged for 2 minutes for my first workout. I walked the rest of the time. Then each time I "went for a run" I added another minute or 2. The beauty of it was that I never felt sore or awful the next day! It took me about 3 months to work up to a 5k.
  • mbcieslak87
    mbcieslak87 Posts: 206 Member
    I have been running for years and some days it still sucks! During it... but after you feel amazing, without fail! I find when I'm getting back into the groove of running after a hiatus, it helps for me to set goals of time I'm going to run, rather than distance... at least at first. For instance, I'm going to run 10 minutes straight and then take a 10 minute break walking and then run another 10 minutes (I know that is a lot for some people, but it's just an example... you could do 2 minutes too). I don't worry about whether I went .5 a mile or 1.0 or even faster in those ten minutes, as long as I ran them. Without fail, sooner than I expect, I no longer need those walking breaks and I can start to work on speed and distance.

    Also try lifting heavy on a rotating schedule; I never saw my running improve as quickly as it did once I started Stronglifts 5x5... I gained speed & endurance so quickly all of the sudden, from my new found stronger muscles!
  • Roxiegirl2008
    Roxiegirl2008 Posts: 756 Member
    I loved running...then gained weight and hated it...lost the weight and loved it again. I had to start off slow. I think a lot of people think if you want to run you just go and do it. Well sort of. You have work up to speed and distance. When I started again I used the Jeff Galloway method. Run/walk/run...that way I was not trying to go full out all at once. Little by little I increased my pace and my distance. I also found my love of running again. I am now to the point when I don't get to run I am a beast to be around.

    So, start off slow and work you way up. If you really don't like it then find something else to do. I did notice that as I was adding more weight training to my workouts I was building muscles and that helped my running get stronger.

    Oh and get fitted for good shoes. Nothing makes a run suck worse than poor fitting shoes.
  • mandy_bird
    mandy_bird Posts: 20 Member
    Sounds like you're taking the wrong approach by pushing yourself. I agree with what some of the others have said, slow down, and try to keep a steady pace for at least 20 minutes...even if that means just walking. If you slowly increase your tempo each day, eventually you will be able to run for 20 minutes or more without your lungs, legs, and side hurting like crazy.
  • mbcieslak87
    mbcieslak87 Posts: 206 Member
    mandy_bird wrote: »
    Sounds like you're taking the wrong approach by pushing yourself. I agree with what some of the others have said, slow down, and try to keep a steady pace for at least 20 minutes...even if that means just walking. If you slowly increase your tempo each day, eventually you will be able to run for 20 minutes or more without your lungs, legs, and side hurting like crazy.

    I completely agree with this - and wanted to add - I think a lot of non-runners think runners wake up and are just able to do it easily. I know A LOT of runners, and none of them think it's easy... while it may come slightly easier to some than others, in general those who are considered "runners" work at it, week in and week out, through really great days but also incredibly awful days, where a few more steps just seem impossible. I know a girl who has done Boston three times and countless other marathons and she still complains about a bad run at least weekly. We can't all be on all the time... but you will get better with time and effort and the highs will get higher as you achieve your goals!
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