Help Me Learn to Love Running!
aki619
Posts: 15 Member
I really want to learn to love running, but am just so stuck. At this point I am so slow that I get discouraged every time I try to go and do it, and it is so difficult for me to convince myself to keep trying. I recently bought myself a new pair of running shoes, and I've been using the Aaptiv app to coach me through runs, but it just doesn't feel good. I wouldn't say that I am in any sort of specific pain, it is just terribly uncomfortable. I lose my breath very quickly and then all I can think about is when it is going to be over. I signed up to do a 5K in a couple of weeks, with the notion that I will have to walk a lot of it, but after a particularly discouraging attempt at running last night, I don't know if I will follow through. I am seeking others who hated running, and were able to learn to love it, to please tell me your secrets! I am willing to hear any tips and tricks that anybody might have to help me learn to love running. Thank you in advance!
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Replies
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The best way to make running easier is to run. Don't worry about going fast, you can work later when you've built some endurance. If you lose your breath, take a short walking break or slow down some more. Your goal should be to have enough breath to be able to carry on a conversation.
Beginning running is hard for many people, I know it was for me. Just keep running. As you consistently run through discomfort, your body will "figure out" how to make it all easier. You'll be able to breathe better and then you can work on getting faster (if that's something that you want).10 -
I started running in August 2016. At that my my fitness level was .. well .. ground zero.
Wanting to improve my fitness level was my motivation, and that motivation was stronger than the pain I experienced when i started running.
I used the app zombies run 5k training app when I started out, and its brilliant. Instead on basic instructions and /or beeps, you get a wonderful story that makes you want to get out and run again.
Also, the progress I made from one week to the next was very motivating for me. When i looked at the training plan and saw a 20 min run in week 4 I thought no way I can do that, but I did (not bad for a 47 yo chain smoker)
my suggestions is this:
- Find a good training app that you like (and try the zombies run 5k)
- Have good running shoes
- RUN SLOWLY. Speed comes later.
You will improve from one week to the next, and that is very motivating.
See you soon, Runner 5
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I ran first time round this health fitness loop, and got up to being able to run a full 5k run, let me let you in on a couple of my thoughts.
C25K is a great program, starts really slow and steady. Uses a run/walk approach
If you can not breathe you are going too fast, slow down. I am back up to being able to run for 15min and have run/walked a few 5ks.
My greatest secret, I am not sure I will ever enjoy running while I am doing it, but I do enjoy having gone out and run. (I run with my dog, now he enjoys running, I will never get that excited to go out running!)3 -
At age 42 I decided I wanted to see if I could run nonstop for one mile just once in my life. I started with the Couch to 5K app and took everyone's advice to go slow. Now I run a minimum of 20 miles a week. The main thing that kept me motivated was having a clear a goal, and then giving myself permission to stop running if I still didn't like it after I met that goal. In the end, I think I fell in love with the feeling of being able to do something that I never thought I could do more than I fell in love with running. Every time I go for a run, I still think "I can't believe *I* am doing this!"6
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My advice would be to start slow, but keep at it. I started running to be able to say I did a 5K by my 50th birthday. I wasn't getting very far until I happened across a friend out running too. She was willing to run with me and coach and I was just to embarrassed to let her know I had never run as far as she planned on us going. I made it, no passing out, no throwing up and it was a turning point for me. I realized the only think holding me back was me!! I still don't run far, 5 miles is the most I've done. But some days I hit the zone and that keeps sending be back on the tough days. Plus I LOVE how I feel the rest of the day after I run. I can breathe so much better!2
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It's not just beginners who need help learning to love running, I didn't run between September - January and had to find my love again for running.
I didn't really find a solution other than lacing up and getting out the door. That was the hardest part for me personally. Even now I find running more of a mental battle than physical and have to fight through at times to keep going. Such as the other day I wanted to go out for a run (no distance planned) and around 5k I really felt like giving up, but I knew that I had more left in me and I had to fight on. I ended up running 25k and felt absolutely amazing afterwards.
I've also got a fair few running friends who encourage with me with their posts on here, Facebook, Instagram and Strava and highly recommend surrounding yourself with other runners if you can.#
One thing you should know is everyone CAN run and you personally CAN do this! I've sent you a FR and will happily lend encouragement where I can. Admittedly I'm a bit more experienced but I absolutely love nothing more than seeing people take up running and what they can accomplish!2 -
Really just be persistent. I HATE running. But I got a good partner that was just a little better than me and my competitive streak too over. I wanted to keep up and she didn't want to stop before I did so we pushed each other. After about a week I could tell I started walking later and later in our runs. If you don't have a partner I would pick a mile stone to keep an eye on and try to get to it before stopping; like a driveway, light post, or if your on a treadmill a particular time. Start off trying to get to 3 mins then 3:30 and so on. It really helps to have a goal instead of just running to run. Atleast for me. But eventually you will see a difference in your endurance.2
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Forget about pace. You need to set small goals. If you go out for a 3 mile run/walk set a goal for that activity. Run for the first 5 minutes, walk for 10 minutes, then run for 5 minutes. I hope that makes sense? Every time you go for a run try to increase the time you run and decrease the time you walk. It doesn't have to be huge increases either.
While you're running you need to find your happy place in your head. Focus on the music you're listening to, your surroundings, or how you will feel when you complete your first 5K. I started out running just like you and learned to love it. Then just running got old, so I started competing in Triathlons. Having a multi discipline sport makes training a lot more interesting. This year I'm attempting my first Ironman. Trust me I understand pain, and taking my body to very dark places. lol
Everyone's body is different. Maybe try some cross training. Rollerblading or riding your bike. Just as long as you're getting your heart rate up and pushing your body. The days I didn't run I always went out on my bike. Either way I wish you luck and hope you're successful!!0 -
A few years ago, my then girlfriend and I decided to start running to get in shape. She was a horrible runner. In the beginning she couldn't run for more than 2 minutes continuously. We set goals based on that. We started running for 2 minutes, then walking 2 minutes and repeated that cycle for a few days. Then we changed the duration based on her improvement. Drop the rest to 1 minute, run for 3 minutes etc. After a month or so she could easily run for 15 minutes or more.
I think you'll get motivated once you see yourself improve. However, I never learned to love running. I did learn that I enjoy listening to podcasts or watching netfilx on an elliptical or stairmaster. Don't get discouraged if running doesn't work out.0 -
So far everyone else here has given great advice, so I just want to encourage you that probably most of us who loved running did not like it at first. We adapted and we learned to love it, and once that happened it was the escape sometimes, and the classic runners high we craved, but it happened after the doing, and by staying consistent. Like the others have said, start at the level you are at and slowly work up endurance and strength. A little weight lifting all body routine will actually help running performance, as does losing excess body fat. Have fun!0
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Don't worry about pace, and walk breaks are a great way to get to a longer distance. I've heard good things about C25K althought never did it myself. Once you have gotten better results you will probably feel more confident so in the meantime find something to distract yourself. Maybe you are more social and running with a friend will motivate you. I had a lot of success with books on tape or podcasts on long runs. Some people like a really good mix of music, although if you run a lot this may get old.0
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Follow a structured program like C25K (ensures you build an adequate base and don't burn out, gives you a plan to follow and a sense of accomplishment). Implicit in this advice: you need to get out there regularly.
SLOW DOWN. Seriously, slow down even more. If you're losing your breath quickly, you're going too fast. If you're embarrassed running at an ideal (talking) pace, then find a place to run where people won't see you. Slowing way way down is a game changer. This blog helped me grasp the importance of slowing down: http://doctormama.blogspot.com/2006/05/listen-up-maggots.html
http://doctormama.blogspot.com/2013/04/how-i-became-slow-runner.html
For a beginner, I recommend doing C25K while also trying to run as slowly as you can bear. You will NOT keep up with running if it's miserable--your goal should be to get out there regularly and find a way to make it not miserable! (Running outside instead of on a treadmill helps me personally.) Later on, once you're hooked, you can decide to go further or faster and may find a little misery is worthwhile. But as a beginner, you need to focus on comfort.
Finally, I highly recommend the book Chi Running. It encourages you to focus on form and running comfortably--very inspiring but also full of practical tips.2 -
Woah, you guys are awesome! I'm already feeling better about taking another bite of the apple. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for all of this incredible advice!!
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I started running in August 2016. At that my my fitness level was .. well .. ground zero.
Wanting to improve my fitness level was my motivation, and that motivation was stronger than the pain I experienced when i started running.
I used the app zombies run 5k training app when I started out, and its brilliant. Instead on basic instructions and /or beeps, you get a wonderful story that makes you want to get out and run again.
Also, the progress I made from one week to the next was very motivating for me. When i looked at the training plan and saw a 20 min run in week 4 I thought no way I can do that, but I did (not bad for a 47 yo chain smoker)
my suggestions is this:
- Find a good training app that you like (and try the zombies run 5k)
- Have good running shoes
- RUN SLOWLY. Speed comes later.
You will improve from one week to the next, and that is very motivating.
See you soon, Runner 5
I started running with Zombies run (the regular one) so that I could do a fun mud run. I was excited about the goal and love the story on zombies mixed with dance music. I prefer running outside to the dreadmill. If I AM on the dreadmill, a fan and a tv in front of me helps. Sometimes a good audiobook works too for slow runs.
Basically try to stay cool and distract yourself by any means possible from listening to your breath or the stupid slow creeping up of distance.
Also don't worry about how fast. Just keep moving. The speed will come naturally, especially if you're outside.
It took a while but I love it now. Still hate the dreadmill. Cant wait for spring. Good luck!0 -
I started running when a coworker challenged me to run a 5K with her. I followed a C25K program and was determined to finish and run that race. I slogged through those early weeks hating every minute of it.
However, finishing that 5K was amazing. I ran it at a turtle pace but I finished. I was hooked on running after that. Everyone, from the fastest runner to the slowest walker, was so supportive and encouraging. Plus, most 5K races raise money for a charitable cause and they give you a bag of goodies at packet pick up.0 -
I've been running for 4 years. It's a love-hate thing, I still go through periods where I don't enjoy it (in fact, right now I'm ready for 3 weeks from now, because I'm taking a couple month break after this half I wish I hadnt signed up for). But there arent many things in life that are better than a good run.0 -
Not my post, but I am really motivated now to get into running. Been toying with the idea for a bit and want to do the C25K program. Thanks everyone for the great suggestions and all the motivation!!3
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For me listening to fantastic up-beat music helps me massively, I'm on my sixth week of couch to 10k. I started on week 1, running for 90 seconds walking for 2 minutes (thinking I was going to die) today I ran for 5 minutes walked for 2.5, did that 3 times and was so happy I not only could do it but felt it was quite natural to do.0
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As others have said, you need to work on your aerobic base. If you can't carry on a conversation, you're running too hard. I would suggest finding a pace where you can run for your entire session opposed to running/walking/running. I call the pace you need to be running an "impersonation of your grandpa running." Start small, maybe 10 mins, maybe even 5 mins. You may need to walk a bit getting started. I'm on week 12 of a program and I can basically run sub 9 min/mi on flat road for hours. Or, I did a 13 mile and 4000' day in the mountains last saturday - after 40 miles of training Mon-friday.
Without that aerobic base, you'll eventually plateau - that goes for long distance and sprinters alike. Start slow, be consistent (daily, one or two rest days a week at most), gradually increase your load.0 -
OP, some great advice given above. If you decide that you'd like to continue running, many people find the support of a group makes a big difference. I've seen dozens of new runners sign up for the 5k beginners groups at my local running store and have a great experience. You'll often meet others of similar background and share the journey to "race day" as a team. This helps build confidence and the group runs often become a fun appointment on your calendar each week. Good luck!2
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Pick something else. Really simple. Why torture yourself?1
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I'd love to help, but I loath running...I tried to force the issue for months and was miserable until I discovered my bike. Doing something you actually enjoy is far and away better than trying to force the issue with something you don't enjoy.
IDK, I could be wrong, but it seems to be one of those things that people enjoy or they don't...I know quite a few runners, including my wife and they all enjoyed it pretty much from the get go...not that they didn't struggle...any new exercise is going to be a struggle at first depending on your current fitness level...but everyone I know who is an avid runner has pretty much always enjoyed running.0 -
I've never been able to love running. Was able to do a 10k without stopping or walking, but I didn't love it. In fact, some people went by on bikes and I wished I'd had the good sense to ride mine. I get thousands of miles on the bike every year, and I enjoy almost all of them. So I just do that instead.
Maybe running isn't your thing, and something else is.1 -
While running might not be your thing as others have said, it sounds like it could be your thing if you had a different approach and that you want to love it.
Everyone has given you the same advice I'd give you:
Use a good program like C25K or Zombies Run 5K and Slow Down. You should be able to talk to someone else or sing (slightly breathlessly) along to some music.
Don't ever worry about how fast you are going. EVER. Speed comes with time, all you need to worry about is putting some ground under your feet.
One thing I did for a very long time is I stopped tracking my pace because I was so discouraged by it. I just set out to run (after completing C25K) for a certain amount of time. I did that for over a year! It really helped me focus on just enjoying the act of running.1 -
You don't have to love running to run. I hate running but I still do it and even signed up for a half marathon in March.
The hardest part is to start. I dread every time before I run but after my first 3 miles, it doesn't feel as bad any more and you just keep going.
I treat myself with expensive & cute running gears and that helps a lot!
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Oh and my friend told me that usually they serve beer at the finish of a half marathon. MOTIVATIONS!0
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I loved running as a kid, but hated it once I grew up. I was pretty fit, having worked out for 2 months straight before I started running so it wasn't quite as hard, but I was definitely slow.
For me, I liked getting outdoors a lot better than the treadmill. After running outdoors a while, I discovered trail running, which is harder, but I like the smell of the woods, hearing nature, seeing animals, such as bunnies and deer. When I'm not trail running good, fun music that I like is a must.
Take it slow. If you build up your endurance, speed will come. I think I was running 12 minute miles when I started, and I got my fastest 5K in the 7:20 min /mile range.
I now have my 1st marathon in a few weeks and love love love running.4 -
Goal-setting is what has kept me going. I started out only being able to run less than 1/10 of a mile! I hated it and my lungs burned so much. I was determined to get better. Little by little I worked my way up and eventually could do 8 miles. Once you get past a certain point you start to get the "runner's high" and then you become addicted.2
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Maybe it's just not your thing. I used to get the bug to run, and I'd train up to about 10k, then just get so bored with it. It's just not my thing. I love speedskating, though. An hour of skating flies by, so I do that instead. Find something you love to do and don't waste time with things you dont.0
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A great playlist is a big help. I went from hating running to finishing a half marathon last year with the help of some seriously dirty rap.1
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