Running Frustration!

Running might not be your thing. Mix it up a bit with circuit training, aerobics, spinning, swimming, etc. and you might get more enjoyment out of exercise.

Running for me turned into an addiction when I started training for races. But for some people they will never love to run... In order to like exercise you have to choose something you like! Not choose something and try to make yourself like it. But, maybe if you stick with it and train for some races you will chance your mind. Keep your workouts somewhat light, and when you are running remind yourself that during this time you are no ones, employee, sister, mom, or even friend. You are there for yourself, and it is your time!

I run too, I'm not fast but I love getting out. You could maybe try changing it up a bit by cross training if you feel running is become too mundane. There have been several run races where I've come in last, I'll admit I felt embarassed but I never regretted getting out there and trying. You're doing better than everyone sat at home watching TV! You will do AWESOME! Good luck!

i'm not sure what to say. i do love "exercising". i find myself forcing my mind to take on exercise tapes, but when it comes to walking/hiking/floor work i don't even think twice. i have just kept myself loving it by doing activities that make me happy. i'm an outdoors person, so give me some yard work or a nice trail and i'm there. tell me i have to do a work-out tape or hit the weight machine and i'll resist (albeit slightly). i am also always glad that i pushed myself to do it. but my ever-slight resistance is what i chalk up to not doing something that pleases me. it's all in the mind, but i don't know the cure.

great job on hanging in there, but i don't know the right answer to this one.

Bobby, well said!

I agree you are doing great things. Stick with it and you'll feel great knowing you accomplished it and faced your dread/fears. I love to do other excercise, but really don't like to run, but I'm in week 6 of the couch to 5K program. And, I may never be a runner or enjoy it but I'm doing it to prove myself wrong! Keep it up, you are doing so well.

You have nothing to be emarrassed about and I am gonna go out on a limb and say you probably will not be the last one to finish, but even if you are, you got your butt out there and did it and that itself is an accomplishment.

I am a fairly new runner, about 12 weeks and I love it! I frequent many running websites, particularly anothermotherrunner.com. One of the points that was made that I thought made a lot of sense about running is that if you set out to run just to lose weight, you are going to fail, you'll never enjoy it because you are doing it for the wrong reason. If you don't like running, and it's not about setting physical goals for yourself and personal accomplishments, do something else. Running isn't for everyone. No excercise is going to work for you if you don't like it. Find something that you truly enjoy and you will be successful!

I don't run to lose weight. That's just a bonus. I look at running as the time that I set aside to do something good and positive for myself. I run for therapy, too. Bad days don't seem as bad after running all of my stress and worry out. I don't believe in doing something that makes you miserable, but I don't think that anyone will sit here and tell you that they LOVE the feeling they get while they run. I don't think that pain is necessarily what people like about running. It's the feeling you have afterwards that is so addicting. It's knowing that you accomplished something that not everyone can. Running is hard work. It takes dedication and commitment. It's not meant to be a walk in the park.

As for your 5k, good luck! It's an amazing feeling. Running in a race is so much different than running by yourself. I have a feeling that you're going to like it. The adrenaline rush feels fantastic. You have nothing to be embarrassed about. Remember to go at your own pace, and DO NOT freak yourself out in the first mile by trying to keep up with other people. Most likely you'll be passing those people at the end.

Don't be stressed about embarrassing yourself at that 5K; you get out there, run YOUR race, enjoy the event and know that you are doing way more than someone who is still sitting on their couch! I tell myself that finishing last is better than not finishing and not finishing is better than not starting!
As for loving exercise, I've been going at this for about 18 months now, running for about a year...and I honestly can't say "I love to exercise!" I love the feeling I have when I'm done, I love the sense of accomplishment, I love the rush...but I hate the actual work! Maybe one day that will change, don't know; but I will keep doing it because the results far out weigh my dislikes!
Good luck on that 5K!

i agree with this, I say i love to exercise but what i mean is i love the feeling i get after i do it. Maybe we all should say that so people wont think it is always fun at first... I dread it before i do it and about 5 or 10 minutes into it, however once that is done im starting to let my mind go as im jogging before i know it im jogging with a rythmic breathe and i cant believe i can do it, I thinkof where i was and how it is now and i get happy, then when im finished im so excited I did it again!! Even tho i dreaded it i did it once again I think that is where i love to exercise lol. Knowing i did something that makes me feel great after. I have not lost alot yet but i do know what is happening on the inside is alot, and i keep going knowing im bettter today then i was yesterday and it may be next year.. but i will lose my weight. I didnt get fat over night so it will take awhile to lose. I think we only have one life and this is not a dress rehearsal we have one body and we have to keep it as healthy as we can. goood luck, and you are not doing anything wrong keep going you are doing great!!!!!!!!!!!