I WANT TO LOVE RUNNING

If you feel like running is the thing you want to try, I would suggest an app that slowly coaches you up to longer distances and starts you out slow. I did this and it was great. It was challenging but still attainable and within 6 months or so I was running a 5K!

A free one is “running for weight loss”. Don’t judge by its name it’s actually a great platform!
Another paid one I have used is the runkeeper plans.

It’s nice to have a coach in your ear telling you when to jog and walk! Give it a try! And if you still hate it, it’s okay to not like running. Just keep trying new things until you find one you love.

angela4332 wrote: »

Hi Katie:
I used to hate even the idea of running. But one day I set a goal and told myself okay, you are going to run 500 feet and I did that for a week. Seemed like a small feat,and it was, but I increased the distance each week. Then before I knew it I was running a mile, then 2 and now I run at least 4 miles a day. I am 45 years old and it took me 3 years to get to where I am today. I push myself to do more, I guess I feel like I have a lot to prove. It's not easy some days, but it's easy to look back and see where I was so I keep going. I dont know what to say to get you to love it, that's got to come from within. Most of the time the best motivator is yourself. But try it, little at a time, maybe you will love it, maybe you wont. But you will not know until to try. Good luck!

This sounds a lot like when I started running. I started with 100 steps. Over three years, I slowly graduated to doing 7/8 mile trail races. I loved trails more than anything. I think being out in nature, sometimes running in areas that I'd never seen before in trail races was more fun than anything.

Just wanted to add that running will suck for a while. It took me around 3/4 months before I started enjoying the runs. While you're slowly building distance, you'll be sore. You will ache and your legs will throb at times. Eventually, your body adjusts and one day, you'll feel great while doing it.

Likewise, I've seen people run in pain until they really injure themselves. You do have to gradually build up and listen to your body. Also, try lots of things once you get in cardio shape. I found I loved Spinning. I also love rowing now more. Once you get in good aerobic shape, you have a lot more choices. Try different things!

If you don't love it, don't do it. There are more than enough other options that you can find something you legitimately enjoy, and do that. Swim, barre, crossfit, spin, lifting, hiking, etc. Running is not the only way to be active.

MichelleSilverleaf wrote: »

Why not take up something you do like? Cycling, yoga, pilates, a sport of some kind.

Yup. This. Running isn't the only option. Just walking can be great for you too.

katiemberndt21 wrote: »

Hey I’m Katie! Lately I’ve been struggling a lot with anxiety. I’m being medicated for it but I want to find an outlet when I’m angry/stressed. I really want it to be running! Unfortunately, I always hated running. I want to learn to love it but I don’t know how! I need friends on here to motivate me to run as much as I can! Maybe then I’ll learn to love it! I also use the run tracking app to keep me accountable. Anything helps y’all! Thanks❤️

Good morning, Katie! I can speak to you about this.

Way back when, I was 45yo and newly divorced and 251lbs I decided that I wanted to get back into shape (I was always in amazing shape....just 'settled' and ate three burritos from Taco Bell everyday!). I was living in Salem, VA at the time and knew that there was a Greenway in Roanoke, VA. I started walking there. Either early in the morning or later in the evening. Man, I loved it. So peaceful.

So, jump forward one year....what started as walking the enitre Greenway to walking 1/10 mile and then jogging 1/10 mile ended up being running 13 miles (in 75 minutes). There was nothing better....you get that great cadence, that awesome gate, you get the breathing in check, you have all the sounds of the running water (the River) and all of the creatures in and around the water (the fish jumping, the frogs, the cricketts, the birds...OMG the birds...)...never felt better in my life. That is "peace" for me.

I have not been running in some five years (twisted my left knee three times while running...long stories....all involved kids on bikes and me NOT running over them.....). But, honestly, I have been thinking about it again. I am down in Winston-Salem, NC now so I will have to find that place here (or, drive the two hours to Roanoke...for that, I totally would).

So, find your "peace". Maybe it is running? Maybe it is yoga? Maybe it is Power Lifting? Who knows....

I truly hope that you are fortunate enough to oneday find the peace that I have found!

One other thing--don't decide that you must/must not be training for a race. I have been running for 40+ years and have never once been tempted to race. I love trail running and my goal has always been to enjoy the run and to run at a pace I felt I could keep up forever (you know, in case the Zombie Apocalypse happens). Maybe you will enjoy the challenge of improving your speed, or entering races, and that is fine--but the point is, figure out what motivates you.

Running is the best way I know to learn about a new city, too. I'm always well-oriented before anyone else in my travel party b/c I take a long, slow run in a new park/town/city, first thing. I'm also seem to be "geographically gifted," (I don't get lost), so I know that may not work for everyone. But it makes getting around a new place so much easier.

Hell...me too!

I'm 47 and a life long runner. I hate running, but it's a necessary evil I need to get through to get to the good.