Why do I continue to run when I hate it?

sarahanncarson
sarahanncarson Posts: 50 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I hate running. I really do. So why do I continue to do it? I'm not sure and that's what I'm trying to figure out. I like walking. I'll walk 7 miles and enjoy my surroundings. I ran a half marathon and hated every second, even the moment I crossed the finish line. No runner's high for this chic. Am I the only one? Do any of you do something other than run to get some cardio in?

Replies

  • MiaisMIAinMiami
    MiaisMIAinMiami Posts: 196 Member
    You're not alone. Running for the sake of running just makes me angry that I'm running. I can run all day if I'm playing a sport, but just to run - no thank you. I like walking though, even if it's the same path. I like feeling like I can stop if I see something neat.
  • sammyliftsandeats
    sammyliftsandeats Posts: 2,421 Member
    If you hate running, then don't run. There are other ways to get your cardio in.

    Biking?

    Hiking since you like walks.

    Cardio kickboxing.

    Rowing using the machines at the gym.

    Dancing even, if that's your thing.
  • silverfiend
    silverfiend Posts: 329 Member
    I have hated running for a long time. Probably because I was forced to do so much of it in the Army. But as I decided to be more active and lose weight, I began walking. Then I walked further, then I walked faster. Eventually I couldn't walk fast enough or far enough to break a sweat or get my heart rate above the 90's. So I began jogging intervals to make the milage pass faster. Then I was back to running 2 miles, then 3. Then I ran a 5K and placed 3rd in my age group! I STILL hate running. I hate getting up early and doing it before work or after I come home. But I want to run a 10K in November, and I want to at least place 3rd again.

    So tomorrow, just like today, I will get up at 4:45am and go run to train my body for the goal I want. I think it's a mental illness, LOL. I've never gotten a runner's high either. I feel gypped.
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    If you don't like running don't do it. If I hated it as badly as you seem to I certainly wouldn't be lacing up and getting out for a run at dawn. Find another activity you like better. It's a lot more important that you find an activity you like, and will continue to do, than to find the one that burns the most calories. Bike, swim, find a team sport with a recreational league like tennis or soccer or simply go on long walks. Walking is good for you.

    http://www.bustle.com/articles/116998-6-reasons-taking-walks-might-be-even-better-than-going-to-the-gym

    http://mentalfloss.com/article/77265/scientists-say-walking-burns-more-calories-previously-thought
  • denversillygoose
    denversillygoose Posts: 708 Member
    Sounds like you need a bike.
  • enterdanger
    enterdanger Posts: 2,447 Member
    sarahanncarson wrote: »
    I hate running. I really do. So why do I continue to do it? I'm not sure and that's what I'm trying to figure out. I like walking. I'll walk 7 miles and enjoy my surroundings. I ran a half marathon and hated every second, even the moment I crossed the finish line. No runner's high for this chic. Am I the only one? Do any of you do something other than run to get some cardio in?

    Is it because it burns a crap ton of calories so you feel obligated to do it as it would take twice the amount of time to burn that many calories doing some other form of cardio you like better? That's why I keep doing some of the cardio I hate.
  • Motorsheen
    Motorsheen Posts: 20,508 Member
    denversillygoose wrote: »
    Sounds like you need a bike.

    Re5pext
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    I started running because I knew it was good for me and i had to improve my fitness for soccer. No one was more surprised than me when I started enjoying it and started doing foolish things like entering races, joining a triathlon club etc etc etc.

    As someone who loves running all I can say to you is.......if you hate it, don't run. It is supposed to bring you joy, if it doesn't find something else. It's not like it's the only path to enlightenment; walk, swim, bike, play tennis, join a rugby club, go kayaking.......do something you love, life's too short.
  • sarahanncarson
    sarahanncarson Posts: 50 Member
    denversillygoose wrote: »
    Sounds like you need a bike.

    I think I need good bike. But I think you're right. Maybe biking would be more enjoyable than running.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    edited August 2016
    sarahanncarson wrote: »
    I hate running. I really do. So why do I continue to do it? I'm not sure and that's what I'm trying to figure out. I like walking. I'll walk 7 miles and enjoy my surroundings. I ran a half marathon and hated every second, even the moment I crossed the finish line. No runner's high for this chic. Am I the only one? Do any of you do something other than run to get some cardio in?

    There are about a gazillion things you can do for cardio besides run...just because it's trendy doesn't mean you have to do it.

    I hate running...I don't run...If I am running you best be running with me because some major *kitten* is about to go down...I have a nice bike and I cycle...a lot...I love it...I love doing a big loop tour of my city on a weekend or signing up for the time trials or getting a nice scenic tour of the Rio Grande Valley on the Tour de Rio Grande Valley...I also do a bit of swimming to crosstrain.

    I actually wish I did enjoy running because it's a highly portable form of exercise that you can do just about anywhere and you don't need much besides a good pair of shoes...but alas...I loath it.
  • robininfl
    robininfl Posts: 1,137 Member
    I don't like running while I am running, but feel so much better on a day I do run, than on one I don't. In so many ways. So for me it's worth it, plugging along because I know it pays off later.

    But runner's high? No, I have never felt that. Jogging is a slog, running fast feels good in a way for like ten seconds then it's hell.

    Running doesn't feel good, but having run does feel good.

    Bike I hate much more than running, swimming I hate much more than running. Dancing and aerobics I enjoy a lot, in a class environment, but there isn't anything near me right now, and it doesn't fit into the schedule.
  • BasicGreatGuy
    BasicGreatGuy Posts: 857 Member
    If you hate running so much, don't do it. No need to overanalyze the situation. Life is too short to be spending your free time during something that makes you miserable. There are plenty of other types of exercises one can do.
  • pondee629
    pondee629 Posts: 2,469 Member
    "I hate running. I really do. So why do I continue to do it? "
    Because you feel good after a run?
    Because you really don't "hate" it?
    Because you like the calorie burn more than you "hate" the running?
    Because you're a masochistic nut case? ;-)

    Just maybe, you don't hate running as much as you say you do, as you continue to do it, and/or you like it's (running's) effects on you.

    But if you truly do hate it, please find something else and stop bad mouthing the activity.
  • dbanks80
    dbanks80 Posts: 3,685 Member
    Secretly you really love it!
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    sarahanncarson wrote: »
    I hate running. I really do. So why do I continue to do it? I'm not sure and that's what I'm trying to figure out. I like walking. I'll walk 7 miles and enjoy my surroundings. I ran a half marathon and hated every second, even the moment I crossed the finish line. No runner's high for this chic. Am I the only one? Do any of you do something other than run to get some cardio in?

    If you're not up to it, don't run. It's not compulsory
  • Asher_Ethan
    Asher_Ethan Posts: 2,430 Member
    Correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds like you want to like running but you don't.
    I recently started listening to mp3 books on my long runs and it has made them so much more enjoyable.
  • eThought32
    eThought32 Posts: 4 Member
    I was one of those people who despised running. Then I grew to love it. But there came a point where I was wondering what else I could do for cardio besides running? There's only so much of the pit pat cadence one can take. So I went back to my roots and took up kickboxing. Cardio kickboxing. It's fun, different and a great stress reliever. Running may release endorphins and all of the other goodies, but nothing is better than beating the stuffing out of a heavy bag to unwind from the day.

    If just straight running is an issue, sprint intervals, bleachers, speed training with the use of training cones and possibly a partner. Jump rope. Dance. Cook, clean, calisthenics, sports, walk uphill, etc. The possibilities are endless.
  • Alienique
    Alienique Posts: 122 Member
    I hate exercising too, I really do. However, unlike other unpleasant activities, once it's over, you don't regret it. Never have I looked back on a workout and thought to myself, "man, I wish I didn't do that." I think that's what keeps me going. That, and the promise of abs and a nicer butt. XD
  • KatzeDerNacht22
    KatzeDerNacht22 Posts: 200 Member
    Well, I personally don't like it much either, so I do other things like burpees, a HIIT workout. I really don't like doing stuff I hate cos life is too short. Lifting weights though.. I love that.
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