When does running become "fun"?

I've been running off and on for about 1 1/2 years now. And I still don't "love" it. I don't know that running and I will ever be best buddies, but I've learned to get along with it.

Like others have said, once I got off the treadmill and started running outside it was so much better. I kinda like running outside. But right now it's still almost 90 degrees when I get home so it's back to the treadmill until the end of September.

Also, as others have said, set a goal for yourself. My first goal was to do a mile without stopping. Once I did that I did a mud run (AWESOME). After that a sprint triathlon (DOUBLE AWESOME). Then last December I ran a half marathon. And looking back, I have to admit I did love running the half marathon. I just couldn't believe I was actually doing it and just really enjoyed the experience.

So try a few things (running outside, setting some goals) and see if that helps with the joy of running

For me, it wasn't really that long, but I kept at it. The key is to not push your speed to early in the game. Take it easy. If it really gets tough and you're breathing is out of control, then walk for a minute. As long as you're breathing correctly (deeply and not erratically) your runs will improve. Breathing while running should be deliberate, low in the belly, and enough to fuel your muscles each time you do it. And sometimes, runs just suck. No matter what shape you're in. My advice: listen to your body, try to give it what it needs to succeed in the run, but don't push speed too early. And no matter what, don't stop! The more you push your body on runs to just keep going--even at a slow pace--the more mental steel you'll gain when you run. Truly and honestly, running is about 90% mental. Good luck and I hope you keep running!

When you stop doing it because "I need to workout today"

This -- I'm training for a 1/2 marathon but I don't see my training runs as "needing to workout"... I see them as a chance to reach my goals.

I'm still obese, so running will hurt at times but I still feel free once I get rid of the negative talk and get into my zone

The other thing that helped me enjoy it was when I finally got real running shoes. Who knew the wrong shoes were what was holding me back?! I had cross trainers which I thought were good for everything but I found out that they're designed more for side to side movement than front to back and tend to be heavier as well! Now that I have my Brooks, I can go faster and have far less joint pain than I used to.

Agreed! A good pair of shoes make a huge difference. I have a pair just for running so I don't wear them out too quickly. And you don't have to spend $110's of dollars. I got a pair that were 50% off because they were last year's model and the new ones were coming in.

I started in March. I couldn't even run a full minute my first day. It was hell. Several days/weeks following it was still hell. I am now completely in LOVE with running and my "regular" route is 5 miles.

Give it time, once it becomes easier and you get the breathing rhythm down it will become enjoyable. Hang in there! It *may* not be your thing, but it's worth giving it a shot! All i know is, I'm glad I didn't give up.

when I hit c25K w6d3 and realized that "YES i can run for 25 minutes non stop!!" now its a challenge to increase the time/distance... honestly running is one of those things you either love it or hate it ..

Running became fun when I started winning prizes for my age group! I'll never beat a gal in her 20s, but I've been in the top 3 of ladies 40-44!!! Give me a medal, a certificate, a beer glass and I"m hooked!

Also, get off the treadmill if you use that. Get outside. When the temps are reasonable (may mean early in the morning). Find a nice trail.

Invest in quality shoes and some fun gear! I like using my heart rate monitor with GPS so I can not only see how many calories I burned, but also my speed! I like to set a pace for myself that's slightly challenging and then push to acheive it.

And, so people like to run with others. I'm a solo runner. But, you might find joining a running club or dragging a friend out with you ups the enjoyment factor.

When I'm out of commission with an injury. . .I literally feel like crap until I can lace up my shoes and go. I might not go fast or far, but at least I'm back out there. (I'm currently getting back up to speed from an injury.) I used to loathe the thought of running. At 40, I became a runner!

But, if you never develop a love for it, find something else. Running should be pleasurable or you won't stick with it!

For me? Two words: neh ver.

I think some people just aren't built for it.

I've never enjoyed it, and its not because its hard to me, I was at a point where I was running 4-5 miles a day and it still wasn't fun. I've just accepted running will never give me the thrill that swimming did, and thats ok. I've honestly switched out running with other exercises depending on what resources I have available. I've added zumba and spin in as cardio. I also never saw any weight loss or body change from running, but most of my friends did. However, I saw drastic changes when I fist started doig spin, still nothing to the results I saw when I swam, I just need to get back in to that.

Running while you still have quite a bit of weight to lose is NEVER fun. However, other than the initial investment in a supportive pair of shoes (get professionally fitted) it's basically free. I run because I can't afford gym memberships and didn't really use them when I had them.

My own personal measure has been entering 5Ks and then watching my race t-shirt size get smaller and smaller. I plan to make a t-shirt quilt out of them once I've reached "goal."

Hang in there. I agree with everyone else though - get outside and take a friend or some tunes. Makes all the difference.

^^^like this!