Running .... NOT A FAN

You don't have to. But if you want to try it, lifting weights makes running a lot easier. I hated running years ago, then I did some strength training for six months (Stronglifts 5x5), and running was MUCH easier.

That said, do the exercise you enjoy!

You don't have to run. If you're after the cardio benefits, there are plenty of other types of cardio. Just do something you don't hate.

LNichols103115 wrote: »

I really am not a fan of running, I have tried countless times and I guess i just feel very awkward doing it, so most of the time i just do a speed walk... but my question is do you have to run? I feel like to push your body more and more i will need to bring myself to running but I really just don't like it but if its what i have to do to meet my weight loss goal and keep my body stretching for more then i will.

Any opinions out there?

If you don't like running, don't run. No real benefit over other forms of cardio except you can get your miles done in a much shorter time. There are plenty of other ways to get your cardio in: walk, swim, bike, etc.

so do an exercise you do enjoy. You're not going to stick with running if you don't like it. There's so many other exercises you could do - - find what you like and do that.

For many years, I hated running....it was something I muddled through because I knew my career path was in a field where yearly fitness tests involved running. Then I stopped because of health issues...and realized I missed it. Trail running is my preference, but I'm extremely heat intolerant, so during the summer I run less, lift more. Lifting is still my passion and I can get a fairly good cardio workout with it...I'd encourage you to give it a try and see if it suits you. If you're competitive, sign up for a 5k and see if training for a goal strikes your fancy.

LNichols103115 wrote: »

I really am not a fan of running, I have tried countless times and I guess i just feel very awkward doing it, so most of the time i just do a speed walk... but my question is do you have to run? I feel like to push your body more and more i will need to bring myself to running but I really just don't like it but if its what i have to do to meet my weight loss goal and keep my body stretching for more then i will.

Any opinions out there?

I personally love running, but it's not for everyone. I haven't always loved running though. I had to actually train myself and that's when I found my love for it.

To answer your question though, absolutely you DO NOT HAVE TO RUN! If you like walking, add some incline to it or weights! My sister and I mapped out this route around my newphew's football practice that has a great mix of hills (up and down) and flat ways and I tell you, it shreds some poundage!

As long as you're switching up your cardio, you'll be fine. Your body will adapt and get used to things, so switching it up often is important. Walking, elliptical, bike, rowing, etc.

TavistockToad wrote: »

No you don't have to... but I have found that I enjoy running the more i do it... as i get fitter and run farther/faster and PB races i love it more and more!

It never gets easier, you just get better :flowerforyou:

^^^ I agree with this. I thought I hated running, now I secretly like it. I generally only run when I am up at the lake and don't have my mountain bike...and it's early morning...and it's cool. But I have found that it is very pleasant to be out running in the country, on dirt roads that are a little gentler on my shins. Last time I ran I was so surrounded by bluebirds and bunnies and deer and little singing frogs, I thought I was in a Disney movie.

Last year I made it halfway through the C25K program, and this year (after spending winter doing the arc trainer in the gym a couple of times a week) I found that I could basically run a 5K, with some walking at the end of the 2nd mile. Granted, this is at a snail's pace of 13 min/mile...but I am getting there.

But you certainly don't have to do it. What I like about it is there is a kind of purity about it--just you, your shoes, the road, and nature. Well, and your underwear and stuff too, but you know what I mean.

LNichols103115 wrote: »

I really am not a fan of running, I have tried countless times and I guess i just feel very awkward doing it, so most of the time i just do a speed walk... but my question is do you have to run? I feel like to push your body more and more i will need to bring myself to running but I really just don't like it but if its what i have to do to meet my weight loss goal and keep my body stretching for more then i will.

Any opinions out there?

There are lots of options, each of which have strengths and weaknesses.

Personally I had class based CV work, do I don't do it. I do enjoy running and cycling long distances, so I do those.

No need to run. You can lose weight without doing any exercise, it just helps. I lift weights 3x a week and walk every evening for 30 minutes and eat a slight calorie deficit and weight comes off just fine. Be sure you know what your TDEE is and how many calories you're actually eating every day as it may be more than you think which could stall your progress. That's generally what it is for me when I think I've "plateaued".

I liked running when it was over!! I don't r un now. I really enjoy weight lifting so that's what I do, lift stuff a lot. Do what you enjoy. This isn't to torture yourself, it's to make you healthier.

scorpio516 wrote: »

earlnabby wrote: »

LNichols103115 wrote: »

I really am not a fan of running, I have tried countless times and I guess i just feel very awkward doing it, so most of the time i just do a speed walk... but my question is do you have to run? I feel like to push your body more and more i will need to bring myself to running but I really just don't like it but if its what i have to do to meet my weight loss goal and keep my body stretching for more then i will.

Any opinions out there?

If you don't like running, don't run. No real benefit over other forms of cardio except you can get your miles done in a much shorter time. There are plenty of other ways to get your cardio in: walk, swim, bike, etc.

Not entirely true. Especially for women, the pounding of running is good to increase bone density and lower the chance or oestoporosis.

Weight bearing exercise is what preserves bone density, not pounding. Any exercise where you move your body against gravity will benefit the bones (without the wear and tear on the joints).

Fflpnari wrote: »

I liked running when it was over!!

LOL. That's pretty much why I keep running. I like how I feel at the end of races and long training runs, so I keep doing it.

Last night, it started pouring at mile 8 -- out of a 10-mile run -- and I was drenched by the time I got to my car. I felt like a rockstar.

Disclaimer: I love running. I put a lot of time and thought into doing things to prevent injury, because not running just plain sucks. I love training for marathons, though I'm not so sure I enjoy the actual marathon event. Let me run 2 or 3 more of them before I decide that. I don't run to lose weight, as I've been maintaining a stable weight for 5 years now. I don't run so I can eat more; I eat more so I can run.

With the disclaimer in mind, my opinion is that running is not for everyone. Life is too short to endure a form of cardio exercise that you don't like. Find something you enjoy and do that instead. Some people love dancing, or instructor-led exercise classes, or exercise videos. Those are all things that I am "not a fan of," but they obviously work for a lot of people. Cycling works for a lot of people, and might work for me; except I'd rather be running. Walking works for a lot of people, and used to work pretty well for me; except now that I'm a runner, I don't have much patience with walking more than 3 miles or so at a time.

So you hate running? Don't run. Find something else that you enjoy, or at least can tolerate.

I hate long distance running but i really enjoy shorter interval runs or hiit.... no more than 3 miles, typically 2 and I constantly change the intervals. Sometimes I go as hard as I can for 30 seconds and back off to walking for 2 minutes, sometimes I challenge myself to go hard for an entire song. Somedays I go slow the whole time. I just pay attention to my body and do what feels good that day. I listen to my favorite pop songs and it has become a routine I really enjoy and even look forward to. One tip though, the first mile or so is the hardest! I often think I will need to quit before my goal but I Kimmy Schmidt it through the warm up and the second half of my workout is always the best. I always feel great and strong at the end. I understand hating running at a steady pace... Intervals seem to go by much faster and are a good way to change it up and challenge yourself.