What is so special about running???

135

Replies

  • lcnelson
    lcnelson Posts: 279 Member
    I love that I just quit making all of the excuses and just did it! ( I can find any research to support my lazy habits be it exercise or eating to justify my all of my excuses.) I started running last year just to get my heart rate up in small sprints. I have to agree with the 'high' afterward is totally addictive. That time is just for me and is a huge stress reliever. I look better, feel better, sleep SO much better and can eat more food! My longest run is 9 miles, and I will run my first half this spring:)
  • lmalaschak
    lmalaschak Posts: 346 Member
    easy to do with little or no equipment
    enjoyable (for some)
    real-world applications; e.g., running from zombies, running from police

    Hahaha. Or, in my case, running after your children. Those little guys are fast.
  • trijoe
    trijoe Posts: 729 Member
    I have a motto: "If it's not fun, I'm not doing it." Pretty simple, really. The truth is, if you're only running to piss somebody else off, or because you're told it's good for you, or whatever, and NOT because you like it, you'll stop. Working out needs to be something you enjoy. It's the only way you'll make it a life habit. Pretty simple.

    With that said, I love running. Love it! I also enjoy cycling, swimming, and although not as much, lifting weights. I've found that if I mix all these activities through the week, it makes it even MORE enjoyable, as I don't burn out on any single type of workout.

    My advice is, find what you like. If you seriously just don't "get" running, then what do you "get"? Try cycling. It's less injury prone, you get to go really fast, and it can be a real hoot getting out on the trails. Try swimming. Very low impact, excellent full body workout, and there's always a shower nearby so you don't have to go home all stinky and sweaty. Try cardio classes at your local gym. A positive setting, motivating instructor, and supportive people in class. How about kettle bell? LOTS of fun, great workout, combines aerobic and anaerobic.

    In short, find what you like, and own it. Then, when somebody posts, "What's so special about
    ???", you can reply, "Oh let me just tell you..."
  • mummum2
    mummum2 Posts: 415 Member
    I love to run! Fresh air, no cost, social/can do it with friends, can run at any time/as far as I want/as fast as I want, burns calories, tones my body, reduces anxiety/stress, and makes me feel so good!

    ^^^This is also true for me!^
  • summertime_girl
    summertime_girl Posts: 3,945 Member
    Nothing.

    There are people who get the "runner's high," which I've never had...I just get boredom. You don't have to run to be fit, you can get the same benefits by lifting weights....excuse me, lifting heavy weights.

    You're never going to get the cardio benefits of running from lifting heavy weights. My husband can bench in excess of 500 pounds -- so really damn heavy -- I can run much further than he ever could.
  • mostaverage
    mostaverage Posts: 202 Member
    +1 for the Zombie escape.

    I couldn't run, honestly 20 yards and I would be tasting blood, I could cycle for miles & miles and wasn't too bad at swimming, so I got the notion to do a try-athlon (mini triathlon) before my next birthday. This meant I had to be able to run 5k, having already swam & cycled so I embarked upon the C25K programme and it has been fantastic for me. I'm in week 8 now so next week will be the full 5k distance and I'm looking forward to hitting that milestone. The running has greatly helped my overall fitness level, helped with the weight loss and I have actually started to enjoy it too (who knew?)
    The trick to staying injury free, like in most exercise, is to ease into and build slowly, listen to what your body is telling you and ease off & rest if you need to.
  • lisapr123
    lisapr123 Posts: 863 Member
    The rhythm of a run is amazine...it calms the body and the mind.

    I used to hate running. Nearly 6 years ago I fell in love with cycling. Again, I think it's the rhythm of repetitive exercise. A few years back I noticed cycling doesn't tax my body at all anymore--and, quite frankly, I like the soreness that follows a good workout--so I decided to try running.

    While it is much more difficult for me than cycling is, I always feel good after a run. Even a bad run. And isn't that what it's all about?
  • Fay84Vegan
    Fay84Vegan Posts: 225 Member
    I never used to be able to run, I hated it and just thought i would never be able to do it.

    I decided to give it a real go and over time i was amazed by my progress. I really enjoy running now (Never thought i would ever say that) and my fitness has improved GREATLY!

    I have found that it's really rewarding reaching my set targets and losing inches in the process!

    :happy:
  • sarahbagley
    sarahbagley Posts: 18 Member
    It's not exactly the run that is special. It's the feeling that you get afterwards. I have such a better outlook on everything when I have finished up a run. It is refreshing to my mind and body. I'm not saying that I am excited to put on my running shoes daily and get out there, but I always know that I will feel WAY better if I do :)
  • theoneandonlybrookie
    theoneandonlybrookie Posts: 341 Member
    For me, personally:

    1) It is my zen. It creates a mental place (even though ironically the location is constantly changing!) for me to clear my mind. I do my best thinking when I run.

    2) It makes me feel strong. I definitely get a major runner's high rush of endorphins.

    3) It helps me in all of my other physical pursuits. I never run out of breath playing with my kids, leaping up the steps at work, picking up the impromptu game of tennis, throwing the football with my son, etc.

    4) It shreds my abs. My stomach, aside from that pesky c-section scar, is flat and toned from running.

    5) It allows me to eat so many more calories on days that I run! It is a calorie killer.

    :smile:
  • Ha_1D_JB
    Ha_1D_JB Posts: 1
    haha I love this example: running from zombies.. ;D
    I like running but I get tired very fast, when I run in a treadmill I can during longer, but when I try to run in the street I get tired very very very fast. I don't understand why, and also when I run in a treadmill I always run at the same speed, when I run in the street I run fast in the beginning then I find it more difficult as I progress. Actually, one of the reasons why I get tired is because I have anemia but I'm taking my medication now, I hope it'll get better, I love running, and I love the feeling I have after running :)
  • kcantella
    kcantella Posts: 6
    your answer about running from zombies just cracked me up! thanks for the smile!
  • _LilPowerHouse
    _LilPowerHouse Posts: 365 Member
    I hate running, I believe its only useful (for ME) if I am running away from danger.. other than that its my enemy.. I get my cardio by doing Plyometrics and I do HIIT on my elliptical which only takes me about 20 minutes to do.. It works for me and yes I can run a 5k if I choose to but then again, why would I?..
  • auticus
    auticus Posts: 1,051 Member
    It runs after those nasty hobbitses that stole the precious!!
  • CauseyMac
    CauseyMac Posts: 11 Member
    real-world applications; e.g., running from zombies, running from police

    LOL!!
  • TigersLions
    TigersLions Posts: 34
    I was at the doctor for a checkup and they took my blood pressure and the nurse asked me if I was a "runner". Never being 100% on anything, I wishy washy told her I had started last April but don't run that fast, or marathons, etc. She told me she could tell because my heart beat was so strong. My first goal in exercising was to keep my heart strong and exercised so mission accomplished!

    It also burns off stress and helps me to sleep.
  • Jesea
    Jesea Posts: 376 Member
    When I was in my 20s, I walked. A few miles a couple times a week was all I needed. Then I got married, had one son, dealt with infertility, had my second son, and was the biggest I had ever been. A year and a half ago, I discovered the Couch -5k program, and it was amazing. As soon as I started, I noticed I was losing inches. I lost 3 sizes in my pants, and 2 sizes in the band size of my bras. And I only made it to week 7! I made a lot of excuses and stopped running pretty much altogether, the inches started creeping back. Now I'm back to working out every day with my Treadclimber and Wii fit and running whenever I can. I'm slow, but I don't care. I breathe very loudly, but I don't care. I get red in the face, but each time I run I feel stronger and more in control, even if it's just 8 minutes at a time.
  • yoovie
    yoovie Posts: 17,121 Member
    bump to answer when I get to work
  • Pookylou
    Pookylou Posts: 988 Member
    driving home today I saw a whole heap of people running in the rain. I just thought "I hope they're actually training for some running event or something!" Otherwise, go do some other sort of exercise!

    I've been running in the pouring rain and snow, and I'm not training for anything in particular......... Running in the rain is ace :love:
  • sjackson902
    sjackson902 Posts: 154 Member
    Zombieland: rule no 1 Cardio. :tongue:

    Haha! The best!
  • SilviCor
    SilviCor Posts: 110 Member
    Running for me is therapeutic. During my morning runs, I go over my day and the things I need to get done, I solve problems, I come up with creative ideas. Once I have gone over those things in my head, I am able to let go and just run, without struggling, without feeling pain. And once I am done, I feel euphoric, wonderfully happy and at peace.
  • CallmeSbo
    CallmeSbo Posts: 611 Member
    Running has been a godsend for me in the last year. I had a hell of a year (my mum was in hospice care for three months before she passed away last August) and running was one of the things that i could control. I could decide how far and how fast and how long and I found that I really enjoyed being able to achieve something positive when there were so many things that were completely beyond my control. Another surprising thing was that my running gave other people something positive to enjoy too - both mum and dad were very proud of the fact that I had lost weight and got fitter and was able to run... in fact I ran the local City to Surf race only a few days before mum passed away and apparently she told everyone in the hospital that "my daughter ran 12km in the the City to Surf today!"

    Plus I like feeling fitter, my resting heart rate has dropped, running burns enough calories that I don't have to cut my calories too dramatically and, I just like it!
    this brought tears to my eyes. This is how running makes me feel.
  • HauteP1nk
    HauteP1nk Posts: 2,139 Member
    Last night I just finished my first full 5km run! I am extremely proud of myself. Each week I was apprehensive as I upped the distance and time of running...but each week I surprised myself!

    While I am running I get in my own head and make it even more difficult on myself...however, I am learning that it can be therapeutic. You have to learn to let go of all the 'noise' and just become one with the road... Not to mention, once I am done I feel such a huge accomplishment that all that 'struggle' makes the run worth it. It is so motivating when you are done!
  • AllanMisner
    AllanMisner Posts: 4,140 Member
    #10 - Your body was built for it. Right foot, left foot... there you go.
    #9 - Runners tend to be cooler people, a bit quirky, but they are fun.
    #8 - There are races of various lengths almost every weekend. Training for a race can be very motivational.
    #7 - You can do it with friends, make new friends. Running can be very social.
    #6 - Endorphins during and after!
    #5 - Improvement is evident. A given run gets easier each time you do it.
    #4 - It is true "me time" when you need to think.
    #3 - You can do it practically anywhere (and when the weather is bad, even the worst hotels usually have a treadmill).
    #2 - It costs you nothing but a pair of good shoes.

    And the #1 reason running is special:
    #1 - You can easily find a part of running that gives you a sense of achievement (speed, distance, or a challenging hill). I ran a 50 mile ultra-marathon when I was 30. Nobody can take that away from me and the finish is still listed on the Internet.
  • hotpickles
    hotpickles Posts: 639 Member
    I think for me, it was just something I've always told myself I couldn't do. When I was actually able to finish a 5K without stopping, I had such an amazing sense of accomplishment!
  • anta1
    anta1 Posts: 53 Member
    I hate running too. I continue to do it because when I'm done I feel strong and like I've accomplished something. It seems to be the only thing that really gives me results.
  • susandg
    susandg Posts: 4
    I think Will Smith explains it best when he tells children that for success in life you just need running and reading. There are so many times my head tells me to quit while I'm running. Sometimes my head wins, but when it doesn't, I feel so good about myself--like when I run another 10 minutes rather than stopping. Here is the Will Smith video:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-08M7JpLpl4&feature=related
  • kwoj09
    kwoj09 Posts: 18 Member
    I'm still in the beginning stages of running but I love it because it's a stress realiver and it relaxes me.
  • realdeal39
    realdeal39 Posts: 1 Member
    I have a love/hate relationship with running. I love the thought of it. I sit at work and, on a nice day, I'll wish I could be out there running but when I actually DO get out there and run, I spend the whole time wishing it was over.

    Running has changed the shape of my legs, no doubt about that. It most definitely will tone you up rather quickly. For me, I have to do more than run to get the overall results I want but if you're looking for a quick tone up in your legs, running will do it!

    I've been a runner on and off my whole life and truth be told, I don't enjoy as most people do. I do it because it doesn't take coordination - everyone knows how to run.. Putting in the effort is the hard part!

    Good luck with your running career.
  • athensguy
    athensguy Posts: 550
    There is nothing particularly special about running as a form of exercise. In moderation is can improve metabolic efficiency body-wide and generally improve health in sedentary individuals. However, strength training is far superior with many more advantages than steady-state aerobic activity. For example, only anaerobic exercise offers all of the following benefits.

    • Stronger bones & increased mineral density
    • Stronger body & musculature
    • More robust organ and systemic fitness
    • Improved cardio-vascular function (better than "cardio")
    • Higher basal metabolic rate (50 cal/day/pound of muscle)
    • Healthier immune system
    • Easier fat loss
    • Increased energy and efficiency
    • Improved physical appearance
    • Slows natural loss of muscle mass over age 30

    There is a potentially significant down-side to running too much. For example, check the following execerpt from this book --> http://www.bodybyscience.net/home.html/?page_id=18

    "The scientific literature is filled with data that strongly make the case that long distance runners are much more likely to develop cardio-vascular disease, atrial fibrillation, cancer, liver and gallbladder disorders, muscle damage, kidney dysfunction (renal abnormalities), acute microthrombosis in the vascular system, brain damage, spinal degeneration, and germ-cell cancers than are their less active counterparts."

    Each assertion is footnoted. They're making the point that most people have "cardio" all wrong and don't really understand how to train to be fit. The book explains why running is so incorrectly associated with cardio-vascular fitness and positive health benefits when it does little to build the systemic and organic fitness which can only be provided by increasing lean muscle mass. It's a "must read" for all trainers.

    Good luck and good health!!

    ♠

    I didn't see any footnotes on your link.

    However, here's a legitimate paper:

    http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304383597001894

    Another:

    http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/157/2/191
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