How do I become a real runner? Why do I hate it still?

Why do you want to be a runner?

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1217573/so-you-want-to-start-running/p1

queenofpuppies wrote: »

Trying really hard to learn to love running...I know its mostly just getting a routine going but I could really use some support and advice on how to go from being a reluctant jogger to a hard core runner's runner who does 10 miles for fun. How do i build up to that? How fast is too fast to build? How do I prevent injury? How do I know when enough is enough vs. being wimpy and needing to push harder? (currently run maaaybe 3 times a week if i'm doing well, and I go 2 miles at about a 12 min. mile) I also walk literally everday rain or shine for a total of about 3 miles (1.5 at work during lunch and 1.5 with my fat dog who also hates to run)

That's a great goal, but to expect that you will love and master running as a "reluctant jogger" is too demanding at this point.

You build up to "10 miles for fun" by...well...building up! If you can do 2-3 miles with ease, then you increase your distance. You find new routes to keep things interesting. You incorporate friends into your runs. You do speed work at the track, interval runs, trail runs. You might invest in some tech to track your runs and your body's biometric response so you can see your progress. You go to a running store and have them fit you for a proper shoe based on your stride and heel strike, not just what looks good on the shelf.

If you don't find joy in it after a few weeks, running may not be your thing. Me? I've always been a "good" runner, but don't enjoy it just for the sake of running. If it is a part of a cross-training regimen then ok, but I can't just devote myself to any one activity without switching things up from time to time. If running isn't your passion, don't force it. There are many other things out there!

queenofpuppies wrote: »

My mom and sister are both super hard core runners, and I would really like to be able to trail run with them and do 10k races. I also think that it is a great way to build endurance, and probably the best cardio I can do without a gym membership. I like the challenge of it and I like getting "in the zone" and find the act of running to be very meditative. I feel like if I could just get myself in decent condition I could really enjoy it, but I have trouble sticking to a plan and not over-doing it. For years I have been trying to get into the habit, but I tend to injure myself and decide I need to rest up, then months pass and I realize I'm back at square 1.

I understand the part of wanting to do it with your mom and sister.

But as far as the cardio, there's lots of other stuff out there, even endurance cardio. Biking, swimming, fast walking (you can actually get your heart up just as much with this ... if it's your thing), roller blading, dancing, and so on. Find something you enjoy, it'll be much easier to stick with it. And, you may find that building your cardio endurance in these other ways helps you get in condition to try running again and actually enjoy it with your family.

I far prefer hiking. And trust me on this: I *kitten* hate myself for inflicting such severe punishment on myself while I'm trudging up that goddamn mountain (Table Mountain). BUT the feeling afterwards is why I hike. I don't get the same feeling after a run.

that's a great sticky
i started with the bridge 2 10k program and then i worked and asics HM plan

there are lots of types of runners
maybe you aren't their type of runner. I'm a distance lover and my daughter loves short distances.
there are road runners and trail runners and both
maybe you aren't a runner at all and more of a biker. and then you can bike as your family runs

I really feel like if you hate running you shouldn't do it. But I can understand wanting to be active with your family.
I love to run. here's what gets me going when i run:
I love every mile after the first mile.
I love getting an awesome playlist on my phone and just jamming out when I run.
I love trying out new roads and trails to look at scenery when I run.
I love getting lost in my thoughts on runs.


Hope that helps.

queenofpuppies wrote: »

Trying really hard to learn to love running...I know its mostly just getting a routine going but I could really use some support and advice on how to go from being a reluctant jogger to a hard core runner's runner who does 10 miles for fun. How do i build up to that? How fast is too fast to build? How do I prevent injury? How do I know when enough is enough vs. being wimpy and needing to push harder? (currently run maaaybe 3 times a week if i'm doing well, and I go 2 miles at about a 12 min. mile) I also walk literally everday rain or shine for a total of about 3 miles (1.5 at work during lunch and 1.5 with my fat dog who also hates to run)

I'm wondering if joining a runners group at your local running store would be a benefit to you. The reason I suggest this is that your questions are very similar to those we get in the 5k, 10k, Half Marathon training groups that are hosted by my local running store. Given your desire to build up to 10 miles or more, you might actually enjoy a 10-12 week program where you join other runners who are at your ability (pace/distance,etc) and run as a group while building up to the race distance chosen. Even if you don't care about entering a race, the group will provide support and the extra push needed to keep going. You may find that meeting up with a group on Saturday mornings becomes something you look forward to each week, and that increased running endurance is a happy by product of this experience. Good luck.

You were pretty quick to build a list of all the reasons you want to run. Perhaps if you set a goal to prepare for, like registering for a race? There will be days that it will be a groan to get out the door, but then there's the runner's high to look forward to.

I hate running. I started off with C25k as a means of free exercise. As soon as I plucked up the courage to join a gym and do classes, I dropped running like a hot potato. There is some running in my Cardio class but it's only a few minutes at a time.

I've come to the realisation that while I would love to be a runner, my heart isn't in it. I get bored while running, instead of zoning out and relaxing like my friend does.

Find what gets your fire going and do that. You don't have to run just because others do. You are you, and you just might enjoy something else.

queenofpuppies wrote: »

My mom and sister are both super hard core runners, and I would really like to be able to trail run with them and do 10k races. I also think that it is a great way to build endurance, and probably the best cardio I can do without a gym membership. I like the challenge of it and I like getting "in the zone" and find the act of running to be very meditative. I feel like if I could just get myself in decent condition I could really enjoy it, but I have trouble sticking to a plan and not over-doing it. For years I have been trying to get into the habit, but I tend to injure myself and decide I need to rest up, then months pass and I realize I'm back at square 1.

That's the key right there. At first, running SUCKS and it's hard. Then one day you get to a point where you can do a nice easy jog without your heart rate spiking and making you gasp for breath. When you can cruise along, running can be quite relaxing and enjoyable.

Problem is, as you've seen, it can take a while to get to that point, and it's so easy to get impatient, push too hard, and hurt yourself. I suggest picking a 5K about 3 months from now you can run with your mom and your sister. Then run according to one of the Hal Higdon 5K novice plans. They will ramp you up slowly, but you have to stick with the plan and not try to do more.

And don't worry about speed or times, that will come later. Think "slow jog", not run. Make sure you can talk while you're running and you're not gasping for air. Your mom and sister are going to be WAY faster than you, so don't compare yourself to them.

Good luck!

For me it's all about pace. If I run fast then yes it hurts, but if I slow down and keep my heart rate reasonable I can run for a lot longer and enjoy the scenery and the music I'm listening to. Arguably those longer, slower runs are actually better training anyway.