Is is possible for someone who hates running to learn to lov

First of all, slow down. A lot of people who start running, REALLY start RUNNING. You should be doing a walk/jog combination. Google the Couch to 5K program for a great introduction training plan to running.

That said, not everyone likes running. Not even everyone who runs likes running. Some people do it just to be in shape and use up a lot of calories. I like jogging very much...it's relaxing, I chit chat with my jogging partner the whole time, or just zone out and listen to music. But I don't go very fast and most of the time I keep my runs under an hour, so I'm not marathoner. You just have to make it your own; don't try to race anyone, don't try to force yourself into it. But definitely soak it up when you get your first runner's high or make it past your first mile without stopping to walk. Running can be very rewarding and enjoyable.

First of all, slow down. A lot of people who start running, REALLY start RUNNING. You should be doing a walk/jog combination. Google the Couch to 5K program for a great introduction training plan to running.

That said, not everyone likes running. Not even everyone who runs likes running. Some people do it just to be in shape and use up a lot of calories. I like jogging very much...it's relaxing, I chit chat with my jogging partner the whole time, or just zone out and listen to music. But I don't go very fast and most of the time I keep my runs under an hour, so I'm not marathoner. You just have to make it your own; don't try to race anyone, don't try to force yourself into it. But definitely soak it up when you get your first runner's high or make it past your first mile without stopping to walk. Running can be very rewarding and enjoyable.

I am actually doing the Couch to 5K program, walking at 3.4 and jogging at 4.3. As slow as of a pace I am going it is still extremely difficult! I can speed walk for an hour, but jogging for even 60 seconds kills me!

LOL, how did I miss that? It was the first sentence! Ah well, I'm tired.:laugh:

I agreed with sbs- SLOW DOWN!!! Don't kill youself or you'll never learn to do it. Take a slow jog for a minute or 2, then walk, then run. Set mini goals- add a minute a week, increase 0.1mile speed per week, etc. I didn't begin to make it a part of my routine until I slowed down. I thought I had to run a 10 minute mile, run 4 miles straight, etc. I slowed down, cranked up the tunes, and took my time! Now I run 8-12 miles a week. I set different goals each week- increase speed or distance slightly.

BUT, if you really hate it, don't do it. Find something you like!!

Good Luck!

yes, I think so.

First I hope you're not running to fast too soon.

I've run off and on throughout the years. My stepmom was a big runner -an "I love to run runner".

For me there has always been moments in running that keep me coming back. Or should I say running back.

My favorite moments in reflection:

Times when I feel like I can run forever
2 moments when I felt like a gazelle. Only two but they are glorious. I felt smooth and graceful.
1 time when I felt like I couldn't go on and started yelling at myself and still went on.
1 time, a good one i think, when I started crying because I didn't think I could keep going until I realized that I was still running. That I was enlightened and knew it was ok to cry and still keep running. That I could cry and be at war with myself and still keep running. For sure a mental hurdel I conquered.
The extra burst of energy I get through out the day. Suddenly running instead of walking to go back and get something I forget in the grocery store.
As a smoker to tell my doctor when he says to give it up that its better than giving up running. "True", he says. But I realize if I'm going to get faster I'll have to give it up. That it will be easier if I do.
Remembering the day I finally finished 1 mile in high top tennis shoes to the day I finished a mini marathon. 13.2 miles. Both were equal in accomplishment.

These are some of my favorite running moments.

LOVED your story - great inspiration!!

My sister is a prime example of a running convert. When we were younger, she hated all physical activity. She was a bookworm, and swore she would never "run on purpose," unless she was being chased by something. Her best friend and former roommate was a cross-country runner, and got her started on it. They now run half-marathons together, and she loves running, especially outdoors. So it can be done. With her, it took 5 years of work to overcome 20 years of hate, and someone to keep her going. Just keep at it, and hopefully the support you find at MFP (or elsewhere) will help. Good luck!

I started running in December. Like you, I hated it and felt like I couldn't get anywhere - running even a couple minutes would start my lungs burning.

However, then my boyfriend's fire department got a treadmill, and I started playing around on it while he was off chatting with friends. First I ran 4 minutes straight, then 5, then I ran 3/4 of a mile without stopping! I was so proud and it felt pretty darn good, actually.

I can now run an 11:45 min mile, no walking, on a treadmill and I'm toying with the idea of maybe running a marathon someday. I'm MIA at the moment due to some injuries from a car accident a couple weeks ago, but as soon as I'm all healed up I'll be back on the treadmill!

I've really grown to love it, and I think anyone can do the same! The key is definitely to try some jog/walk combos at first, see what you can do, then set a goal that's just beyond what you did this time. Keep at it, take it slow but push yourself a little, that's what I did! Good luck and I hope you succeed!

P.S. I would love a partner when I get back on the road . . . anyone else here from Central Michigan?

I realized I had my expectations set to high. I started with the run/walk way and was always dissappointed when I saw all these people saying how they could now run five miles etc. and I just wasn't getting the progress I thought I should be seeing.

I erroneously believed the only way to do it right was to go out and run for five miles without stoping, if I couldn't do that, I was doing something wrong. Not so. You aren't like anyone else, you body is unique. Your little joys and accomplishments will come with time, just don't give up. I enjoy it and look forward to it now and it has only been since august of last year. The biggest difference for me, was when I started making myself walk when my heart rate got too high, even though I could push it for a while, I made myself stop and recover and each time, it took less time to recover. I didn't want to do this before because I thought it wasn't as good as keeping running the whole time. The beauty of it now is, I hardly ever have to walk, and I do interval sprints when I need a change, which includes me slowing to a walk even now. As with weight loss, I wanted results yesterday. I realized if I need a rest, rest. I am not a five miler, I am about a three miler. Some days I go for longer, sometimes only two miles, but this is for my health and help control my weight, not so I win medals.

I never had the drive to do marathons, and probably never will. For me this isn't a way to keep pushing my body, just a way that makes me healthy that I enjoy and for some reason I always admired runners.

I TOTALLY hated running for the better part of my life. In high school whenever we had to run the mile I walked it.

THEN, I got to college for Kinesiology and we had to take a required class in which the final was a 10k run!!! I started to freak because well I hated running.

I started slowly, had the entire semester to get prepared and actually ended up LIKING running. I couldn't believe it! I even went out and bought a treadmill buz I liked it so much!

I got implants so I'm not as big of a fan as I was before. Still trying to find the right sports bra. :laugh: That's probably the only regret I have as far as that goes (it's uncomfie to run).

Twee, I loved loved loved your post! I could relate to so many things.

I was very active in high school...playing sports year round. I was the girl that got sick when her coach screamed, "Get on the line!" I wanted to puke right then. Sure I would go to the park and run during the off-season. But I didn't enjoy it and it was sort of a means to end type thing with my sports.

Then, when I was in college, I can't really remember my first time just...running...but I was hooked.

I can't really add anything more to the advice that has been given. I hate running on the treadmill and since it's finally warming up, I'm able to start running on a regular basis again. The road I run on is pretty hilly too, which makes me feel proud because of that "extra" rigor. Love being outside, especially on those blazing hot days in the summer. Sounds crazy, I know...but I can't wait!

I wear 2 sports bras. Ha.

One regular bra as tight as it can go and the sports bra tank over it to keep the twins in place. I feel the big chested woman's pain. :laugh: :laugh: One thing I won't mind losing! :blushing:

Anyway, I didn't start off liking running, not even close. I found some interval cd's and loaded them onto the ol' ipod and foudn them to be very motivating. I didn't love running until the day I got my first burst of the "runner's high" and thankfully I was at home because I was a bit overwhelmed and a few tears rolled down my sweaty cheeks! Keep up with teh couch to 5k, it is a great tool to help build your stamina and eventually speed.

The intervals were a great way for me, just google cardio coach if you want to hear them. I didn't think i would like something like that but it was like having a personal trainer there to push me to be better and there are enough to rotate them so you don't get bored with them.

Good luck, running is not for everyone, but that fist runner's high and you'll be hooked!

Today is week 1, day 3 of my journey with couch to 5k. I am about to get on my treadmill, but am completely dreading it. I HATE running. I have ALWAYS hated running. Despite my hatred (and fear) of running, I have always envied those who love running, and have always wanted to be one of those people. Is this possible? Can I teach myself to love it? Right now it hurts like hell! My lungs burn...which I'm sure is because I smoked for the last 8 years in addition to never running.

If this is possible, when will it get easier?? I'm fairly certain I will be doing week 1 over again, unless today I miraculously can run the intervals without feeling like I'm going to die!

I used to hate it...now I love it. it's possible-- hang in there...slow and steady wins the race. Rome wasn't built in a day, and all that jazz!

I wear 2 sports bras. Ha.

One regular bra as tight as it can go and the sports bra tank over it to keep the twins in place. I feel the big chested woman's pain. :laugh: :laugh: One thing I won't mind losing! :blushing:

Anyway, I didn't start off liking running, not even close. I found some interval cd's and loaded them onto the ol' ipod and foudn them to be very motivating. I didn't love running until the day I got my first burst of the "runner's high" and thankfully I was at home because I was a bit overwhelmed and a few tears rolled down my sweaty cheeks! Keep up with teh couch to 5k, it is a great tool to help build your stamina and eventually speed.

The intervals were a great way for me, just google cardio coach if you want to hear them. I didn't think i would like something like that but it was like having a personal trainer there to push me to be better and there are enough to rotate them so you don't get bored with them.

Good luck, running is not for everyone, but that fist runner's high and you'll be hooked!

How long did it take you to get the point of the runners high? miles running or time? THanks!