How do people enjoy running?

It took me 6 months of training to be able to run 5k and I hated every step of it.

For some odd reason, the next time I ran after my first triathlon, I suddenly liked it. That was about 2 years ago.

I ran 6 miles this morning (not a big deal these days) and had several periods of pure bliss during the run. Not every day is fun, and even on day's it's fun, there's still pain mixed in, but do you remember that scene in Forest Gump where he talked about all the things he saw? I almost always get that feeling at some point during every run, that feeling that I could just keep going, that there is no other way to experience a sunrise or a sunset, that I'm seeing things I've never seen before and wouldn't have seen if not for being out on that run (I travel a lot for work and run for workouts, so that's actually really true a lot of the time).

Part of me thinks its something that grows on you. Looking back to when I started running I too hated it! I could only run a few driveways at a time..now, I've completed a 5k and incorporate running into my cardio routines 5 days a week. I do enjoy running and the feeling it gives me.

I think in time, you might come to like it..but, if you don't do what you love

I LOVE running. I find it freeing in a way. It relieves my stress, I feel strong and confident when I'm running and once I'm finished. If running isn't your thing, you don't have to run!! LoL. Find something you like and that works for you and your body and you will succeed with that.

Find some great music to listen and zone out on, and get it over with.

I was going to suggest that too, but most Tri's will DQ you for having headphones (USAT rules).

I have an iPod Shuffle that I train with, perfect size and format for running (the new one with actual buttons on it).

I'm not looking forward to the run leg of the 1/2 Ironman - 13.1 with no music!!

I have the ipod shuffle also. But, the one without the buttons. It is def. the perfect size. I was thinking about upgrading to the new one, as sometimes I can't change the playlist. Trying to do this on the headphones is annoying.

Find some great music to listen and zone out on, and get it over with.

I was going to suggest that too, but most Tri's will DQ you for having headphones (USAT rules).

I have an iPod Shuffle that I train with, perfect size and format for running (the new one with actual buttons on it).

I'm not looking forward to the run leg of the 1/2 Ironman - 13.1 with no music!!

I'm indifferent towards it...it's tough at first because every second feels so tiring and tough, but as I've built up endurance and I don't think as much and kind of just do. I ALWAYS listen to music while running, helps a lot. And when I go on the treadmill, I usually try to not look at the time for extended periods of time. Helps it move just a little more quickly.

Every sport that you participate in requires a different kind of fitness. You are fit for swimming, and that makes it easy for you and you like it. The same applies to biking. Since you don't like running, you likely do less of it and therefore are not as fit for that activity, making it more difficult, causing frustration, dissatisfaction and unhappiness. The enjoyment of running is a result of pushing yourself to new limits in that activity, achieving a new level of fitness for the sport, bringing you to a place that running an easy run of 5 miles or so is effortless, and therefore you are then more able to enjoy things such as the scenery, the weather, the idea that you are tough enough to do it even if the weather is not ideal, and creating memories of the outdoors that you associate with running. This is impossible if you are slugging through every run that you do because you have to. It is difficult, and you are absorbed by your misery and unable to enjoy the positives of the activity.

WOW!! Now that's dedication. I don't know that I could keep doing something that I disliked for 6 years. Kudos to you!!

I like running.. but I used to hate it. I just started signing up for races. joined a running group. now I'm training for another half marathon and a half ironman... i've found the right training team. it's become more social than exercise (same team I swim and bike with) I just think of the reward... all the calories burned. I use a garmin GPS watch with a heart rate monitor. I've very data driven (sorry, I'm an engineer...) and I like to see how i go faster, or do interval heart rate training. I listen to music when I run too... that really helps. I also find that if you pretend to like it (or anything in life) the mental aspect will take over, and you will like it. Power of positive thought!

I frequently strongly dislike the first 2-3 miles...but after that it's often like someone flips a switch and I find a groove. I wish someone would have told me that YEARS ago. I tried to take up running so many times before I figured that one out. Knowing that the first few miles usually suck gives me the incentive to keep going. I often wonder how many new runners stop after a short time, assuming that if it stinks for a mile or two that it won't get any better.

iPod!

when i first started running i hated it and sometimes the idea of getting up to run is not pleasant. but i think why i disliked it so much is i didnt know how to control my breathing or my pace. i was running to fast for me. my legs hurt, the back of my neck would go numb. as i FINALLY got the pace and breathing under control it was more enjoyable. i now have internal conflicts about taking a rest day. even though i know i need to i hate missing a day of running. i feel balanced and accomplished when im done and of course the endorphins play a big part. i say keep trying and listen to your body. i think the more you do it it will take hold of you and you'll be hooked!

I feel the same way about swimming. I do it for the benefits of swimming. I want to love it but it just sucks...but then I am a runner. I think you just have preferences. I can get through a swimming workout and and hoping that my kids swim coaches can help me become more effecient but I am not going to try to love it...rather appreciate it. who knows maybe it will become a love...I can't explain why I love to run so it would be difficult to help someone else love it.

I frequently strongly dislike the first 2-3 miles...but after that it's often like someone flips a switch and I find a groove. I wish someone would have told me that YEARS ago.

Yup! Thats me almost every run. Also why I almost never do my short runs unless I'm really strapped for time or too tired to do more.

That said, duathalons do exist, why not find one without the running?

I hate running, so I ride a mountain bike and I'm in the process of building a single speed road bike. I find that if I actually like the exercise I am more likely to do it.