How Do You Not Hate Running?
MISSNYA92
Posts: 36 Member
As an extremely fat kid with asthma, I struggled so much with running, my PE teacher just let me walk. I guess I developed a complex because even the thought of running gives me anxiety, but I know it’s necessary cardio to look the way that I want. Plus, it’s free! Which is awesome because I’m saving to join a gym.
Could anyone give me any pointers on becoming brave enough to jiggle and lose my breath in public? Also, is it normal to feel tingles in my butt and thighs, and tightness in my chest?
I know it might be a dumb question, but what should it feel like?
Could anyone give me any pointers on becoming brave enough to jiggle and lose my breath in public? Also, is it normal to feel tingles in my butt and thighs, and tightness in my chest?
I know it might be a dumb question, but what should it feel like?
2
Replies
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Start slow.
Make sure you can comfortably walk for 30 mins to an hour
BUY GOOD SHOES FROM A RUNNING STORE. Have a gait analysis of some sort done or you risk injury.
Download C25K and follow the program.
Run slower than you think you should.
If they have them where you live, Park Run's are free 5K timed runs and are pretty social events. Happen weekly.17 -
chance are you are running too fast.
I was never a runner, until I started a Couch to 5k (c25k) programmes and found myself achieving it, and carried on. Now I definitely call myself a runner.
You want to focus on building aerobic ability, and that will take time. So run slower than you think you need to (yes, you may be able to walk faster). Run at a speed where you could have a conversation (maybe not reciting War and Peace, but not out of breath). I think new runners often struggle with trying too much too soon, get out of breath, and stop trying to run because, quite frankly not being able to breathe ain't fun.
Running should feel fun. Running should be joyous. For me, running is about feeling like a child, leaping over treeroots and exploring the countryside. Running downhill is like the start of take-off and the suspicion that any moment now I might just ROLL down the hill.
Running WILL cause soreness in your muscles. Soreness is not pain. Soreness is your muscles discovering something new.
Jiggling can be dealt with by supportive clothing. A good sports bra is a must. Much as I love running, I am NOT going to run anywhere unless these puppies are strapped in.
Run a little bit more each time, run slowly, run slowly if you feel like you want to walk, but add in walk breaks if need be, to gradually get to running further. Look at distance over trying to get faster. Look into a programme such as c25k. don't care what people watching are thinking - if they are thinking bad stuff then they are a waste of space and probably wouldn't be able to run for a bus.
smile at fellow runners - please!!27 -
It took me a year of running to really enjoy it... once I got good enough at it that I didn't feel like I was going to die!!
C25k is a good place to start9 -
As an extremely fat kid with asthma, I struggled so much with running, my PE teacher just let me walk. I guess I developed a complex because even the thought of running gives me anxiety, but I know it’s necessary cardio to look the way that I want. Plus, it’s free! Which is awesome because I’m saving to join a gym.
Could anyone give me any pointers on becoming brave enough to jiggle and lose my breath in public? Also, is it normal to feel tingles in my butt and thighs, and tightness in my chest?
I know it might be a dumb question, but what should it feel like?
Running isn't necessary...there are lots of things you can do cardio wise besides running. I tried to force myself to be a runner for quite awhile and always hated it...I turned to cycling and I love it. My wife loves to run...always has. IMO, it's something you either enjoy or not.
If you do run, I'd recommend just starting with a beginner program like C25K that will ease you into it. Also, as @Tacklewasher noted...make sure you can comfortably walk for 30-60 minutes. I started out doing nothing but walking until I built up to 60 minutes 6x per week and then I moved on to more strenuous exercise.10 -
cwolfman13 wrote: »As an extremely fat kid with asthma, I struggled so much with running, my PE teacher just let me walk. I guess I developed a complex because even the thought of running gives me anxiety, but I know it’s necessary cardio to look the way that I want. Plus, it’s free! Which is awesome because I’m saving to join a gym.
Could anyone give me any pointers on becoming brave enough to jiggle and lose my breath in public? Also, is it normal to feel tingles in my butt and thighs, and tightness in my chest?
I know it might be a dumb question, but what should it feel like?
Running isn't necessary...there are lots of things you can do cardio wise besides running. I tried to force myself to be a runner for quite awhile and always hated it...I turned to cycling and I love it. My wife loves to run...always has. IMO, it's something you either enjoy or not.
If you do run, I'd recommend just starting with a beginner program like C25K that will ease you into it. Also, as @Tacklewasher noted...make sure you can comfortably walk for 30-60 minutes. I started out doing nothing but walking until I built up to 60 minutes 6x per week and then I moved on to more strenuous exercise.
Fair point. Running is one option and, while you don't have to buy equipment (bikes get pricey), it does have a cost to it (shoes, clothes etc.) and is not the only option for cardio.3 -
girlinahat wrote: »chance are you are running too fast.
I was never a runner, until I started a Couch to 5k (c25k) programmes and found myself achieving it, and carried on. Now I definitely call myself a runner.
You want to focus on building aerobic ability, and that will take time. So run slower than you think you need to (yes, you may be able to walk faster). Run at a speed where you could have a conversation (maybe not reciting War and Peace, but not out of breath). I think new runners often struggle with trying too much too soon, get out of breath, and stop trying to run because, quite frankly not being able to breathe ain't fun.
Running should feel fun. Running should be joyous. For me, running is about feeling like a child, leaping over treeroots and exploring the countryside. Running downhill is like the start of take-off and the suspicion that any moment now I might just ROLL down the hill.
Running WILL cause soreness in your muscles. Soreness is not pain. Soreness is your muscles discovering something new.
Jiggling can be dealt with by supportive clothing. A good sports bra is a must. Much as I love running, I am NOT going to run anywhere unless these puppies are strapped in.
Run a little bit more each time, run slowly, run slowly if you feel like you want to walk, but add in walk breaks if need be, to gradually get to running further. Look at distance over trying to get faster. Look into a programme such as c25k. don't care what people watching are thinking - if they are thinking bad stuff then they are a waste of space and probably wouldn't be able to run for a bus.
smile at fellow runners - please!!
I second all of this! And I love your description of running!
Personally, when I re-started running, I would start out walking and singing while I warmed up...when I got to the point I couldn't sing anymore, I slowed back down to a comfortable singing pace.
If you have a trail nearby or a neighborhood where most folks are in their homes/away at work at a certain time, that's a good place to start to get past worrying about what people think/how you look in public. I've never looked "good" at the end of a run, but it took me a bit to feel okay about not looking "good" in public...especially at the end of races where there were cameras!
For me, running feels freeing, particularly trail running. It also feeds my competitive spirit to beat my own times while training to beat others in a race.7 -
Wow, you all have given me a lot to think about! I was nervous to post, but I’m really glad I did, and grateful to you for taking the time to answer!
I’m going to a field by my house this evening to walk... thanks for not being judgy!!!
I’m new to fitness, and I promised myself to put in sincere effort. I’m going to download this C25k you’ve all mentioned as well. Thanks for the very helpful and insightful advice!22 -
Without harping on it, please get proper shoes. From a good running store where they, at least, watch you walk around (treadmill time is better). This really is important for new runners. I'm speaking from experience and I can tell you shin splints are not fun. They can hurt enough to put you off running and can be mostly prevented by the proper shoes.7
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I always hate running... Even when I'm running I hate it. but I LOVE the feel of being done running. I love the accomplishment I love the exhaustion in my muscles I love knowing I can do more than I did before. I get the urge to and then do, but I still hate it when I'm doing it. Good Luck!!8
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Tacklewasher wrote: »Start slow.
Make sure you can comfortably walk for 30 mins to an hour
DEFINITELY THIS!!!
Check reviews online.BUY GOOD SHOES FROM A RUNNING STORE. Have a gait analysis of some sort done or you risk injury.
Fleet feet is the gold standard. When it comes time for my biennial new shoe buy(I normally wear the same model for a year or two)... Not the same shoes... 300-500 miles per pair. I'll drive up to two hours to go to Fleet feet.
Download C25K and follow the program.
Run slower than you think you should.
If they have them where you live, Park Run's are free 5K timed runs and are pretty social events. Happen weekly.
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Tacklewasher wrote: »Without harping on it, please get proper shoes. From a good running store where they, at least, watch you walk around (treadmill time is better). This really is important for new runners. I'm speaking from experience and I can tell you shin splints are not fun. They can hurt enough to put you off running and can be mostly prevented by the proper shoes.
I used to work at Nike, so I got some Zoom Pegs for free, as well as FS Elite Runs... I typically just wear them because they’re cute lol, but eventually I want to put them to proper use
-1 -
A friend of mine who used to compete in triathalons once told me that no one likes running, they like the feeling they have after they are DONE running (which I saw echoed above). This, I can wrap my head around. I will run short distances, a mile or less, in CrossFit if it's part of the WOD but that's about it. Years ago I tried training for a marathon and just about lost my sanity, it's just not for me. Ask me to lift heavy stuff and put it back down I can do it all day, every day. We all have our unique gifts.
If you really do want to run then I won't tell you not to. But keep in mind that there are plenty of other ways to get in shape if you are not naturally inclined to run. And you know what they say, the best plan is the one you can stick to.
As you can likely tell...I HATE RUNNING!!!!!! LOL7 -
How do I not hate running? Easy - I don't run. For my cardio, I walk, cycle, or row.6
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Wow, you all have given me a lot to think about! I was nervous to post, but I’m really glad I did, and grateful to you for taking the time to answer!
I’m going to a field by my house this evening to walk... thanks for not being judgy!!!
I’m new to fitness, and I promised myself to put in sincere effort. I’m going to download this C25k you’ve all mentioned as well. Thanks for the very helpful and insightful advice!
I would also suggest that you incorporate some kind of weight training routine. It doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. It will balance you out and also strong, toned muscles will help hold you body in the proper posture so that you get the best running stride. I noticed that when I started lifting the running got easier and less painful. C25K is great, good luck!
Also, my husband is a human gazelle and used to run track. At 41 he is faster than most of the 20 somethings in our Cross Fit gym...he told me that I needed to keep my hands facing forward because I was twisting them from side to side across my body, if that makes sense. I never ran competitively so I never thought about it, but it did help. It was like I was twisting the air right out of my lungs, it will at least help you get a larger breath in.2 -
KombuchaKat wrote: »Wow, you all have given me a lot to think about! I was nervous to post, but I’m really glad I did, and grateful to you for taking the time to answer!
I’m going to a field by my house this evening to walk... thanks for not being judgy!!!
I’m new to fitness, and I promised myself to put in sincere effort. I’m going to download this C25k you’ve all mentioned as well. Thanks for the very helpful and insightful advice!
I would also suggest that you incorporate some kind of weight training routine. It doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. It will balance you out and also strong, toned muscles will help hold you body in the proper posture so that you get the best running stride. I noticed that when I started lifting the running got easier and less painful. C25K is great, good luck!
Also, my husband is a human gazelle and used to run track. At 41 he is faster than most of the 20 somethings in our Cross Fit gym...he told me that I needed to keep my hands facing forward because I was twisting them from side to side across my body, if that makes sense. I never ran competitively so I never thought about it, but it did help. It was like I was twisting the air right out of my lungs, it will at least help you get a larger breath in.
You're also wasting energy laterally that could be used to go forward.0 -
I still don't like running empirically, I like the fitness doors that good cardio health and the ability to run distances opens. My wife adores running, doing 5/10k races with her is fun enough to keep my at least cursorily interested. My fitness poison of choice is weightlifting; having good cardio health for strength training is often overlooked.
Have to agree with all above suggesting to start slowly and set appropriate expectations. May be orth looking at incorporating some cross training options as well; foam rolling or yoga-for-runners videos on youtube will help with soreness and flexibility too (also free). My wife doesn't like it much but having a spin bike was nice when she was rehabbing a hip injury (ran a half marathon following a condensed DIY training plan and inadequate nutrition). Not essential but if you have the space for it you can probably find something someone wants rid of for cheap on craiglist or facebook, whether it be a stationary bike, elliptical, stairmaster or rowing machine. Good option for severe/inclement weather that precludes you from running too.
If you haven't already, I also suggest finding a running store that can assess your stride and recommend a shoe (or at least a shoe type) that is appropriate for how and where (what surface) you'll be running. That's not to say it's required or that you always have to shop at that store; running has become so popular that there are a number of sites that have a shoe finder (runners' world has a good variety) where once you find a shoe you like you can search for others that are similar. Places like DSW are great for finding last years' model of running shoes at somewhat of a discount too.0 -
Well, if you don't enjoy running maybe you should check out another avenue? Do some googling, there are all sorts of adult sports leagues out there, you might find something really cool in your area.
If you still want to give running a go:
Another vote for go slow, wayyyy slower than you think you should.
Google running groups in your area and see if there are any. There are probably runners of all different levels so you might be able to find other people to hang with so you aren't alone. And don't be nervous, since I started running I have come to realize runners are the coolest people ever and seem to always be really supportive of newcomers or beginners (in my experience its the idiotic teenagers who like to yell stupid crap out their car window you have to worry about, not that I care what they have to say anyways). My local group does a c25k group starting in january, so maybe yours does something similar. If not, c25k is a great way to start, there are so many free apps that can coach you through that program.
Since its winter, and presumably cold, dress in layers so you are warm enough to start and can pull stuff off if you heat up.
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I hate running a lot less now that I've found a good comfortable cadence and pace5
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stanmann571 wrote: »KombuchaKat wrote: »Wow, you all have given me a lot to think about! I was nervous to post, but I’m really glad I did, and grateful to you for taking the time to answer!
I’m going to a field by my house this evening to walk... thanks for not being judgy!!!
I’m new to fitness, and I promised myself to put in sincere effort. I’m going to download this C25k you’ve all mentioned as well. Thanks for the very helpful and insightful advice!
I would also suggest that you incorporate some kind of weight training routine. It doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. It will balance you out and also strong, toned muscles will help hold you body in the proper posture so that you get the best running stride. I noticed that when I started lifting the running got easier and less painful. C25K is great, good luck!
Also, my husband is a human gazelle and used to run track. At 41 he is faster than most of the 20 somethings in our Cross Fit gym...he told me that I needed to keep my hands facing forward because I was twisting them from side to side across my body, if that makes sense. I never ran competitively so I never thought about it, but it did help. It was like I was twisting the air right out of my lungs, it will at least help you get a larger breath in.
You're also wasting energy laterally that could be used to go forward.
I bet I was!
OP, maybe another suggestion might be to have someone who is experienced in running and proper form actually watch you run and give you suggestions. Like me you might not realize you are doing something detrimental until someone else points it out.1 -
Tacklewasher wrote: »Without harping on it, please get proper shoes. From a good running store where they, at least, watch you walk around (treadmill time is better). This really is important for new runners. I'm speaking from experience and I can tell you shin splints are not fun. They can hurt enough to put you off running and can be mostly prevented by the proper shoes.
I used to work at Nike, so I got some Zoom Pegs for free, as well as FS Elite Runs... I typically just wear them because they’re cute lol, but eventually I want to put them to proper use
The problem is that the shoes may not be appropriate for how you run. They can be good shoes, but not the right shoes for you. This is why a gait analysis of some sort is needed. I had decent shoes (UA actually) but I got painful shin splints from them. I still wear them, but not for running as they don't support my foot properly. Once I got shoes that gave me the proper support, the shin splints went away and I haven't had them since. Even a short run in my old shoes gives me pain, but 10K in my current ones is fine.9 -
I absolutely, positively hate running and always have. I was not an overweight child at all and I was healthy but I hated it then and I hate it now.
I hate bouncing up and down and I hate my feet hitting the pavement and I hate the panting and the whole business. My vision isn't great, I have odd vision...stuff even with glasses on and I hate the jiggling of the view as I bounce with the running. Just blargh. There is no aspect of running I have ever liked.
Not trying to take away from all the advice given, LOL, just saying: if you try this and it isn't for you...then it isn't. JMO. Not everybody is meant for every single type of workout. I'm no expert but that's easy to see.
Good luck on your program and I hope it all works out well for you!3 -
A lot of people here say that you don't have to run in order to be fit. That's only partially true.
You don't have to run in order to lose weight or to help avoid certain degenerative diseases. However, you do need to run so that you CAN when you have to... in an emergency situation, for example. When you have to rescue a child that's fallen into a pool, for example. Or when you need to escape a dangerous situation.
So you don't need it in order to trim down a bit. If you want to deal with the rigors of life though, I'd urge everyone to do a least SOME running, even if it's not the backbone of one's fitness program.12 -
Depending on how bad your asthma is, you may not be able to run without a lot of effort. I have a friend who has 60% lung capacity who runs marathons, but she is extremely determined and was a runner before she became asthmatic, so she loved the sport before it became as difficult for her. She runs slowly, to put less stress on her lungs and uses a heart rate monitor to keep the pace easy.
If you decide, after giving it a good effort, that running isn't for you, then walking is an easy and inexpensive alternative. If you walk briskly, you get most of the advantages of running without the impact. You can enter races. You can hit the trails. You can join groups and walk with other people. You can walk anywhere and everywhere.1 -
A lot of people here say that you don't have to run in order to be fit. That's only partially true.
You don't have to run in order to lose weight or to help avoid certain degenerative diseases. However, you do need to run so that you CAN when you have to... in an emergency situation, for example. When you have to rescue a child that's fallen into a pool, for example. Or when you need to escape a dangerous situation.
So you don't need it in order to trim down a bit. If you want to deal with the rigors of life though, I'd urge everyone to do a least SOME running, even if it's not the backbone of one's fitness program.
I can't believe you would have to be a runner v. someone who, say, incorporates aerobics and has some strength in order to get several yards to a swimming pool to save a child. Or to run out of an alley. I'm not trying to be a jerk. Just saying, I can't see that one "should" run just in case s/he needs to get out of the way of something fast, or toward something fast. If I can HIIT for 45 minutes I can get across the yard to a pool, and fast. As fast as, say, a pro sprinter? Probably not but I'm not likely to attempt that level of above-average running every single day of my life so I can get a few feet out of an alley (or duck) in 4.7 rather than 4.9 seconds.
BTW, this person has asthma. OP, have you cleared this with your doc? You probably have but I thought I'd put that in. Because if you haven't, it's not much good winding up in the hospital trying to get healthy. Follow your doctor's recommendations. She may have a schedule/program for you and no, it won't be the pros at MFP
but it could save you from something serious...I'd ask, anyway.
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A lot of people here say that you don't have to run in order to be fit. That's only partially true.
You don't have to run in order to lose weight or to help avoid certain degenerative diseases. However, you do need to run so that you CAN when you have to... in an emergency situation, for example. When you have to rescue a child that's fallen into a pool, for example. Or when you need to escape a dangerous situation.
So you don't need it in order to trim down a bit. If you want to deal with the rigors of life though, I'd urge everyone to do a least SOME running, even if it's not the backbone of one's fitness program.
I can't believe you would have to be a runner v. someone who, say, incorporates aerobics and has some strength in order to get 8 yards to a swimming pool to save a child. Or to run out of an alley.
Plus, if you're running to a pool you're most likely doing a fast short-distance type thing. That's very different from being able to, say, run a 5K.5 -
Good luck with that.1
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janejellyroll wrote: »A lot of people here say that you don't have to run in order to be fit. That's only partially true.
You don't have to run in order to lose weight or to help avoid certain degenerative diseases. However, you do need to run so that you CAN when you have to... in an emergency situation, for example. When you have to rescue a child that's fallen into a pool, for example. Or when you need to escape a dangerous situation.
So you don't need it in order to trim down a bit. If you want to deal with the rigors of life though, I'd urge everyone to do a least SOME running, even if it's not the backbone of one's fitness program.
I can't believe you would have to be a runner v. someone who, say, incorporates aerobics and has some strength in order to get 8 yards to a swimming pool to save a child. Or to run out of an alley.
Plus, if you're running to a pool you're most likely doing a fast short-distance type thing. That's very different from being able to, say, run a 5K.
Exactly. That's a good point. This all made me think of something...when my middle son was two years old our friends had moved and they invited us to their son's birthday party. They DIDN'T tell us there was a pool...which was bizarre. Something got lost in the translation and everybody showed up without swim trunks. And the party was literally there...beside the pool. So I was trailing my son precariously for 1.5 hours bent over with my back screaming while he cried for the pool, running along its slippery sides. I pulled him back nine thousand times while he screamed to get back to the fun water. Good times. We went inside...more crying...I was pregnant and exhausted and not thinking straight and...oh fudge.
I asked my husband if we could leave because it was ridiculous and he agreed and IN THAT SECOND, no lie, in the blink of one second my son wrenched from me and ran straight L-angle to that pool and fell in. I mean I was right there. Literally right there.
The first person to get to and into that pool and in fact, save my son's life was my husband, who was 5'9", 265 lbs. and never exercised. At all. There was actually a man right at the edge, at that moment, a trim dude who looked quite healthy. Just sitting fast to the edge (I guess intelligently, so he wouldn't slip, go sprawling and knock himself out) was longer than the fractions of a second it took my husband to jet right there and leap in.
p.s. The moral of the story is not "stay fat so you can save a child," BTW. I guess I'm just thinking...there are so many ways to work out. If you really hate one way, well...I dunno. Anyway, good luck, OP, and do see that doc.9 -
you are doing good. Got some good suggestions. Just start moving. Everyone should find what they like and what their heart and mind enjoy. I like running long, hiking, walking, classes. Just a mixture...as long as you want to do something, you will1
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I think someone already mentioned this, but do see a doctor and tell him what you are planning and ask for specific help with your asthma. The right medication at the right time made the difference for my husband. Also, exercise induced asthma can be worse in cold weather.
I kind of hate running, but I love being able to run. Maybe you will too. If you don't, there are many other free cardio activities, such as YouTube videos. Personally I like Bollywood Zumba!4 -
This is the sort of situation where speed matters. It's not a question of merely reaching the child or getting out an alley. It's a question of doing so IN TIME.A lot of people here say that you don't have to run in order to be fit. That's only partially true.
You don't have to run in order to lose weight or to help avoid certain degenerative diseases. However, you do need to run so that you CAN when you have to... in an emergency situation, for example. When you have to rescue a child that's fallen into a pool, for example. Or when you need to escape a dangerous situation.
So you don't need it in order to trim down a bit. If you want to deal with the rigors of life though, I'd urge everyone to do a least SOME running, even if it's not the backbone of one's fitness program.
I can't believe you would have to be a runner v. someone who, say, incorporates aerobics and has some strength in order to get several yards to a swimming pool to save a child. Or to run out of an alley.
Can you run toward a pool even if you're not a runner? Sure. Can you do so in time to save the child's life? Maybe, maybe not. Being properly conditioned for running makes all the difference.
"But it's only a few yards!" you say. Sure... if you're lucky. Personally, I'm not going to be a child's life on being close enough to handle such emergencies without preparation.
The same principle applies when it comes to running out of a burning building or away from an active shooter. Can someone who never runs "run" in a situation like that? Of course. Can they do so well enough to save their lives -- or to save someone else?
Or if you have to catch a bus. Or a train. Heck, I was once in a situation where I had to pick a stranger's luggage up and dash toward a gate just so she could meet her connecting flight. If I hadn't been properly conditioned, there's a good chance that she would never have made it.
I stand by what I said. There are situations where you have to run -- and I don't just mean putting one foot in front of the other in a running motion.
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