Runnng: How to NOT Hate it with a Passion

I think it's all in your mentality. When I first started out - I did not like it, but eventually I began to be more proud of finally being able to go 15, 20, 30, and 45 min and still feel good, and then completing my first 8K under my goal. It's not about being the fastest, but more so about feeling good. You may want to read more into proper running form, which could help you with being tired so early. You may be wasting a lot of energy based on your form.

If you don't really want to be a runner, I wouldn't suggest you run. Finding something you WILL do is fundamental to choosing a workout. I am currently on Week 6 of C25K and it's definitely a state of mind. --> So, if you don't want to be a runner, the program won't make you one. It does gradually transitions you into NOT HATING IT WITH A PASSION if you follow the program. Most of the time I find myself fighting my thoughts. I wanna stop right this moment, but I keep pressing until I finish. I remember when I started the program and running for a minute was the longest and walking for 1 1/2 was the shortest. Now I can run for 30min without stopping to walk and I still have 3 more weeks to go in the program.

One thing I have learned from this program is before I pushed myself way too hard to say I was trying to run distance. You have to pace yourself and this program will help you do that. Talking to one of my MFP friends, I found out that the the run should actually be a converstional jog. Yeah, that sounds really slow and won't help a lot with fat burning is what you might be thinking. I typically increase and decrease my speed in intervals.

Ok, I'm giving a lot of personal experience here, so I'll stop and you can inbox me if you have any questions (let's let some other ppl comment) So, just ask yourself, "Do I really wanna be a runner?" If the answer is yes, give C25k a try. If the answer is no, work that elliptical baby. Or experiment with other things you might enjoy. What ever you do, KEEP IT MOVING!

I agree with the folks doing the C25K. I bought a treadmill a few years ago with every intention of toning up. I started dreading it every day and started to make excuses as to why I didn't want to run that day. Then I started doing the C25K and although the first few times was hard, I found myself starting to really enjoy it. I've even started running outside which is even better!

I have always hated running. I am on week 6 of the c25k program right now and it honestly hasn't gotten any better yet. I want a runners body so I try to think of that when I am running but I find it kind of boring and it doesn't help that I have quite a bit of pain when I run in my right hip and left knee. I always thought if I got into it I would grow to love running like so many people you read about on here but so far it still hasn't happened for me. I am, however, commited to finishing the program and completing the 5k I signed up for after I finish. If I still hate running after that I will probably move on to something else but I definitely want to give it a fair shot. I do feel a sense of accomplishment after each run but it's not really enough for me to find it enjoyable.

It's about music!
Get some fast pumpy music you like (or Rock) and it will urge you on!

I prefer cycling to running, so maybe running isn't for you?
But I do run and the more I do it, the easier it becomes.
You won't know what people love about running till you get there and that takes dedication and determination.
Take one day at a time and increase the amount you do each day.
Doing it enough will make you love it (and that goes for any exercise).

The benefits are more than just physical!

I'm a lot like you in that I can literally walk all day and not get bored or tired, but I've been trying pick up running, too. And if you peek at my exercise diary, you'll see I havent' been wildly successful at making it a habit, but we're working on it.

Someone mentioned having goals will help, but also looking hard at *why* you want to run will also motivate (in other words give yourself a reason). You stated that you wanted a runner's body (presumably not in your freezer, sorry bad joke), so find pictures of runners and hang them maybe near your bed to get yourself up for a morning run.

I don't know if this is helpful.

For me (disclaimer: crazy dog woman rant) I just need to look at my dog for the reason I want to run. She and I walk every day for 2 -15 miles. Yes, that means we often would walk for more than three hours as part of our regular day, just me and her. I love that dog. I recently found out she was hypothyroid, and since she's been on the treatment for that, she's had more energy, so I've tried running with her, to burn off the extra energy. She's about 50lbs, but even at a run, she stays right at heel, so she makes a wonderful running partner. The one thing that will get me out running is knowing that it's good for my dog.

I hate running but I have a few ways to keep me on the treadmill. I've downloaded the series called Chuck and watch one episode a run, I see if I can run in time to the song I'm listening to (I make sure I have dance type music) and I cover the screen with my towel to hide the time. I also time my runs to cooincide with programs I like on the television. I can now run one hour without stopping and can do a 10k in 56 minutes. Goodness help me if I ever run on the road. I'd have to carry a TV with me!

I love to run. But, I don't love running for any of the physical benefits. I simply love running because I long for the moment my shoe hits the pavement. I love the open road and feeling that I control it, I own it. I spend nights putting together my playlist and can't wait to put my earbuds in the next morning and take off. When I hit around mile 5.... I am free and I feel there is little that can stop me. I love to run. But, there are days that my runs can be sour because with each stride there is some sort of ache or pain in my knee, my thigh or some place new. I want to quit and I wonder why I am up at 600 am running when I could still be in bed. But, I dig deep & run through it and once again I find it... my freedom, my peace, my place away from the stresses of the world. I love running with a passion, I am a runner.

Back to you, here is my advice

1. Start slow. Very slow. Think jogging/trotting. Start and finish with where you feel comfortable, even if it's not even a mile. Pushing yourself too quickly and too far will of course make you hate it. You will build up the miles & the speed will come later.
2. Invest in good running shoes. Get fitted!
3. Invest in appropriate running attire.... to keep everything in check.
4. Music that inspires/motivates you.
5. Join a running group.
6. Map & Record. Locate great running routes in your area, map them and keep track of your progress. I use Run Keeper.
7. Later, change things up a bit & work on your speed. Look up how to do fartleks. This can be fun.
8. Most of all, have fun! Don't focus on how you want lean legs & tight bum so much. Find the joy in running and the rest will follow.

Good luck and good running!

i wanted to be a runner for years ... never was... EVER

then i started running in september and thought i was going to absolutely die after 1 minute of running.. AND NOW: i love running - it's an escape for me i ran 6 miles yesterday!!!

***best thing i did that kept me going - slowed down my pace.. for some reason i thought i had to SPRINT the whole time i was running??? LOL. it took me a while to get that long distance runners have a slower pace lol

you can do it!

I haven't read all of the responses, but I, much like you, wanted to run to get fit and not necessarily for the love of running. What worked for me:

1. Don't be cheap when it comes to proper gear. Make the investment in a good pair of running shoes. Go to a running store and get fitted. Buy some good socks. Invest in good quality technical shirts, some tights, and a good jacket. If you spend the whole run being uncomfortable you will never learn to love it.

2. Start out slow. Do C25K or another "learn to run" program. These programs are designed for beginners. They gradually increase your mileage over time so you can avoid injury. Don't over train. Take it easy when you start.

3. Reward yourself. When I graduated my Learn to Run class, I bought a Garmin. I love taking that thing out for a spin.

4. Make friends with runners. Even if you don't run with them frequently, it's nice to have people to talk to about running. Lots of cities and towns have free running clubs, you might have to seek them out but they do exist.

5. Don't force it. Some people will just never love running. For me, I love the way I feel after a run, so that is what I get out of it. Have fun. You can run just for the sake of running and keep it relaxed.