I need running tips !!

_reacherhand
_reacherhand Posts: 4 Member
edited October 3 in Fitness and Exercise
I HATE RUNNING !!! I AM SO BAD AT IT !!!
I know I have to do it & I do but I know I could be doing it... better? Any tips?

Anything would be appreciated.
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :glasses:

Replies

  • sufikitkat
    sufikitkat Posts: 583 Member
    Patience and confidence in yourself that someday you will be awesome at it! That is honestly what I did...I was frustrated but I pushed through telling myself this will happen for me!
  • Hollybot
    Hollybot Posts: 108 Member
    Have you tried C25K?
  • spammyanna
    spammyanna Posts: 871 Member
    Just keep at it, and take it slow.

    I hated running too, but I started doing it and now I love it.

    Don't be upset that you can't run a mile, or even half a mile at first. Work your way up to it and you will be running circles around everyone else in no time.

    Feel free to friend me, I just ran my first 5k and can't get enough running!
  • sjtreely
    sjtreely Posts: 1,014 Member
    First of all, you don't have to do it. There are many other cardio exercises to do to get physically fit.

    Secondly, don't make it harder than it is. Running is done one step at a time. Some start without being able to run any distance. So they build by walking. Once walking is under control, go for short distances for your running - mailbox to mailbox or house to house. If you're on a treadmill, walk during a show and run during the first commercial then back to running.

    Get fitted for shoes. Go to a store that specializes in walkers/runners and can analyze your gait. Shoes made for your feet are worth their weight in gold.
  • CaptainMFP
    CaptainMFP Posts: 440 Member
    I've been running since early July and after Saturday I'll have two races under my belt. Assuming that you are a beginner, my first advice would be TAKE IT SLOW. Start by mixing walking and running until you are comfortable running. One mistake a lot of beginning runners make is pushing too hard too fast. Use a regimented program...I used one from a running book but Couch to Five K (C25K) is very popular and many of my MFP friends who are new to running are using it with a lot of success. A regimented program starting out will help keep you at the appropriate pace for your skill level.

    Also, use good equipment. A proper pair of properly fitted running shoes and comfortable clothes (especially socks) will help make sure you are physically comfortable.

    If you hate running simply because you are not good at it, then take into account my advice (and the other good advice you will receive from other MFP runners) and use it to get better and more comfortable. If you simply hate running, however, independently of how good you are, you may want to find another form of exercise. I can only speak for myself, but I find that when you talk to people who think of themselves as runners, they run because they LOVE to run. It's not a chore or an obligation...if I truly hated it, I wouldn't do it. Just something to think about.
  • phlumpet
    phlumpet Posts: 106 Member
    1. Good running shoes.
    2. An IPOD/music player with great music.
    3. A good route. Someplace interesting, beautiful, whatever you need to make you want to get out there. Think of the place where you live and then map it out using www.gmap-pedometer.com or other technology, I'm sure there's some other sites/apps out there (for a Millenial, I'm a bit of a Luddite. Not even sure I spelled apps right).
  • _reacherhand
    _reacherhand Posts: 4 Member
    Thanks everyone! I tried C25K and at this point I am able to run 2 miles in a little over 20 minutes if I really push myself. It's hard & I get very winded - I just didn't think that was normal for someone who has been working out somewhat regularly since November of last year.

    I hate running in the sense that I've plateaued for quite some time now and I feel like I could be doing much better. I wonder if anyone else has had this problem.
  • anitaroberts01
    anitaroberts01 Posts: 6 Member
    Hi,

    What do you sugguest is a good pair or running shoes?
  • CaptainMFP
    CaptainMFP Posts: 440 Member
    It's hard & I get very winded - I just didn't think that was normal for someone who has been working out somewhat regularly since November of last year.

    When I started running in July, I had been cycling seriously for more than a month and could sustain a 16+ mph pace for an hour riding on hills. Running still kicked my butt at the beginning. It's different mechanics than many other forms of aerobics and relies even more on endurance than most. I have at least one MFP friend who's in spectacular shape and quite muscular but admits they can't run very far since it's not part of their training routine. It took me four weeks of run-walk intervals before I could comfortably run 2 - 3 miles straight...my wife took six weeks to reach the same point. I've found at the beginning that there's a serious adjustment period regardless of starting fitness...but once you reach the point of being physically comfortable you can see a lot of progress really quickly!
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,023 Member
    I run and still don't like it. But it's a good calorie burner and I get to "think" while doing it. My gym is about 1.75 from my house, so I jog/walk there and then jog/walk back.
  • spammyanna
    spammyanna Posts: 871 Member
    Hi,

    What do you sugguest is a good pair or running shoes?

    It depends on what kind of shoes you need personally.

    I have Sauconys and I love them. Get to a running store and have them advise you on what to get.
  • bmqbonnie
    bmqbonnie Posts: 836 Member
    I don't care for running either but I'm starting to like it. It's a great stressbuster. I don't live close to a gym so running is the best way for me to get in cardio since all I need is a pair of shoes. 2 miles in 20 minutes isn't bad at all! It takes time to adjust to any new exercise no matter how fit you are doing other things.

    I'm a competitive person, so training for a 5k is good motivation. Good music to pump you up. Take a dog, borrow one if you have to!

    As for running itself, I don't really know what I'm talking about because it's not like I ran cross country or something. But I find it's good to remind yourself through your run to engage your core and to use your arms to help you out too. Focus on moving your feet forward and flat, not up and down. Look ahead.
  • PlunderBunneh
    PlunderBunneh Posts: 1,705 Member
    Breath!
    Put down the headphones and spend a bit paying attention to your breathing. I like distractions most of the time, but when I'm pushing myself I find it's best if I don't have any distractions, at least until I work out a rhythm that is comfortable. I'm still a noob, but I couldn't believe how far my endurance skyrocketed as soon as I started to actually pay attention to what I was doing.
  • Pebble321
    Pebble321 Posts: 6,423 Member
    Good shoes
    Good bra
    Go slow
  • phlumpet
    phlumpet Posts: 106 Member
    Thanks everyone! I tried C25K and at this point I am able to run 2 miles in a little over 20 minutes if I really push myself. It's hard & I get very winded - I just didn't think that was normal for someone who has been working out somewhat regularly since November of last year.

    I hate running in the sense that I've plateaued for quite some time now and I feel like I could be doing much better. I wonder if anyone else has had this problem.

    Make sure you take care of your body. Fuel it, and rest it. Also, I'm no expert but I would recommend plyometrics (jump training) as long as you don't have injuries. Try to have different routes, some which incorporate more hills and some that are flatter. This will help your body learn how to adapt and mentally help you break through any mental stagnation relating to the same old routine. Also, try alternating speed intervals - running at a faster pace for a short period of time, alternating with running at a slower pace, even walking (you can find more info online). On days off, try non- or low-impact cardio exercises to help with your cardiovascular endurance. These may help you break your plateau. But if you haven't been doing this for a long time, then don't worry! It took me a month to build up to running an entire mile without stopping. These things take time. In fact, forget all that I just said - first, find out how to enjoy it. Find running music, buy cute running outfits, find a new, interesting route.
  • TheDrBuchanan
    TheDrBuchanan Posts: 89 Member
    Check out Running Mate (runningmatemedia.com). They have a facebook page also. Their 5K101 program is incredible!!
  • Elzecat
    Elzecat Posts: 2,916 Member
    Thanks everyone! I tried C25K and at this point I am able to run 2 miles in a little over 20 minutes if I really push myself. It's hard & I get very winded - I just didn't think that was normal for someone who has been working out somewhat regularly since November of last year.

    I hate running in the sense that I've plateaued for quite some time now and I feel like I could be doing much better. I wonder if anyone else has had this problem.

    Many people, myself included, would KILL to be able to run a 10 minute mile, but if it's that difficult that you're not enjoying the running at all, slow down and set a goal for distance rather than speed ;) Many coaches and running books will say that as a beginner, you should be able to hold a very short conversation while running--if you're gasping for air and can't say a word, you might be pushing too hard.

    Find a local running group (check out your local running stores)--I didn't do "speedwork" until I found my running group about 6 weeks ago, and I have made huge improvements already in a short time! Plus, it's fun to run with other people and make some new friends!

    Try a new route, new music, incline on treadmill or hills outside...change it up a bit....try to remember what you like about running...and if you truly don't like it, there are lots of other great cardio workouts :)
  • anitaroberts01
    anitaroberts01 Posts: 6 Member
    Thanks, Good Idea..
  • _reacherhand
    _reacherhand Posts: 4 Member
    Thanks everyone, I have been trying all of these things! runningmatemedia.com seems like a great website and I have been trying inclines and sprints to boost my speed/endurance. I've also noticed that a really good upbeat song will push you another mile :bigsmile:
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