Am I destined to never be a runner?

You can do it! Look into the Couch to 5 K program for running. It builds up your endurance a bit at a time over the course of 9 wks. I have 1 more run to go before I graduate - and I know I wouldn't have been able to do it without it (run 5km nonstop now). Great, great program.

Good luck!
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It seems you've never been in shape to run long distances - not that you CAN'T. You were a smoker when you were younger, then you had your baby. Now that you're no longer smoking and post-delivery - this is when you start to "become" that runner. Every day just go 30 seconds longer, by the end of the week - that's adding a few minutes. Like the other gal said - she couldn't make it to the end of her street - and now.... 14 MILES! Geez - that's still unbelievable to me! How awesome it will be when YOU post that.

I believe not everyone is destined to be a runner. And, for many of the runners I know ... their knees, hips, ankles, feet, etc ... are old before their time. I believe, unless you're running from something, walking or walking/jogging is a better option for many people. But, you'll have to decide for yourself, of course. Good luck.

I don't believe I am destined to run.

I walk.. A LOT... and if I have to I'll jog slightly to get across an intersection for a car but..

I'm actually quite athletic.. I was a lifeguard at one time.. I still swim, walk (4 miles a day most days) and do aerobics and such.. but everytime I've ever "run" it feels as if my knees are going to pop off and dance a jig..

so yea I can walk like nobodies business but unless someone is chasing me.. I do not run for the most part..

I've seen some people wear out their joints (ankles and knees in particular) through running.. so I am an avid exerciser but very cautious toward running.

Not sure if this helps, but that's my opinion for what it's worth..

Yes, you SO can do it. I hated running in high school. I was skinny and athletic but hated running and was a little lazy too :ohwell:
I started running after my first son was born (well, he was 2). I stopped and started again. My second son is 2 now and I'm running 3 miles without stopping. Unfortunately, my knees won't allow me to do it more that once or twice a week but I still do it. I never thought that I would be able to do it but I can!!! Just start slow and work your way up. It's amazing how quickly your endurance builds up.

I never thought I would enjoy running or would actually ever want to run but little by little my husband and I built up our endurance and now we run every Saturday and Sunday...weather permitting. I was not athletic by any means. I did fine in gym class and did aerobics while in college. We love taking long walks around the neighborhood then one day decided that we would try to jog a little...WHEW!!! Let me tell you...to jog one minute almost killed us!!! It was then we decided we would "train" to run longer distances. After about 2 months of "training"...and only on the weekends, we signed up for our first 5k (3.1 miles). We finished together at 33 minutes and only stopped once for a few minutes. It gave us such a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction!! We are by no means "runners" but we do enjoy a nice jog. Alot of people don't care for running and choose to cycle, swim, skate, etc. I think if you find an exercise you enjoy...then do it!!

I was in the same boat as you. Although we were 2nd in the nation in cheerleading I was an amazing athlete and gymnast and all that, but never could run. Now in my thirties, I gave it a try again and guess what...I can do 7 miles now! I think you just have to push through the hard days and build your endurance...it happens. Good luck, if I can do it...anyone can, :happy:

I was a soccer player all my life. Played through high school and college, and then adulthood happened and life gets inthe way and you gain weight. I probably havent run in 10 years but started the couch to 5k program last week. The first time I did it I didnt think I could make it the 60 seconds you are supposed to run. But then I just told myself it was 60 seconds and anyone can run for 60 seconds. Trust me, it sucked, but I pushed through that want (not need) to quit. Before I knew it I was done. It is hard at first but after a week of doing it I am ready to move to week 2 and really excited about challenging myself further. You can definitely do it. Pushing through is the hard part but you just have to put it out of your mind and get it done. Goodluck!

I am a swimmer by shape and mentality (and the fact I was swimming before I could walk). Tried running off and on during my life, and didn't like it. So, I have considered myself a non-runner since I was 13.

Then I started TEAM Weight Loss this past spring with Lifetime Fitness where I discovered I could short periods of 1-3 minutes at 5mph. This encouraged me to the next step.

I made myself and my husband do a couple of 5ks, figuring we could at least walk it, but then challenging myself to run more than walk. I found out I can run longer if I shorten my natural stride and slow down a bit. I can now actually run about 1.6 miles in 20 minutes, allowing myself a little walking. I am trying to do this at least every Saturday, if not both Saturday and Sunday, after a half mile warm up walk with my dog.

There were two things that really have helped me a lot. I have made myself a good playlist for running. One where the tempo of the songs closely matches my running speed. The music helps take my mind off what my feet are doing. So what if I'm running and singing?

Second, getting a pair of shoes that are comfortable and help prevent the foot pain I get makes me actually not fear running. I also take Cosamin ASU (glucosamine/chondroitin) to prevent my joints from taking too great a beating. Fish oil can also help lubricate the joints.

I CAN run, but I don't like it, and my hips pop after the first few miles. Why do something that I don't enjoy and hurts just to burn some calories?

Find something that you like. I LOVE spinning and dancing. Having fun working out barely feels like a workout!