Can I Learn to Love Running?

i ran all over like a wild pony when i was a kid. but never as an adult. i did start power-walking when the boys were small, thinking that was as fast as i wanted to go.
but my friend martha persuaded me to train for a 5K in 2000 and i did it. came in last. but i did it. and then quit running again.
fast forward to 3 years ago. overweight, out of shape and desperate, i found martha again, and we started up. no one runs more slowly than i. but i've been running regularly for lo these 3 years and i HAVE learned to love it. i still run so slowly that very few people can run with me. buzzards circle me. but i'm a tortoise. i did my first half marathon last year and will do it again in october. i'm thinking about a full one next year.
i'll never win a race. my issue is finishing in the allotted time. but to my surprise, my speed is picking up a tiny bit after running for years. i'll never be fast, but i'm a tiny bit faster. and i plan to run for the rest of my life, so it's important not to get injured. slow runners have fewer injuries.
i even got my dh running. he can't go as slowly as i do, but he can't (yet) do the distance i do either. we can't run together, but it's nice that we both run.
i take my i-pod but don't plug it in on the outward trip. i like to listen to the birds and the potomac river and the wind in the trees. but on a long run (anything over 6 miles) i need a little help getting back, so that's when i use music. i walk when i need to. i take water, and power gels, and on runs over 8 miles i set it up so i can refuel.
the 1st mile always sucks. but once i'm warmed up and my monkey brain has got over howling about how awful it is and how far i have to go and how i should just quit and go home, i usually not only enjoy the run, but think Awesome Deep Thoughts. or at least a great grocery list.
what i told my dh after his 1st run, when he came home gasping and wheezing and convinced he couldn't do it, was 'who's got a gun to your head? slow the frick down, seabiscuit!'
:) khairete
S.

4 moms found this helpful

Yep. I always hated even the idea of it. But I started running this past January. I am 43. I love it now. Not the heat/humidity so much the past 2 months, but the actual running? LOVE. IT.

Can't say why or how. Just start very slowly and don't force it. Walk a minute, run 15 seconds. Walk a minute run 15 seconds, etc... for a mile, on your first time out. GO very slowly. Seriously, as in please follow the "talk while you are running, if you can't you are going too fast" rule. You will build speed/ distance over a few weeks and you WILL be able to run a mile, and then some.

What made me change? Hmmm can't really say. Perhaps injuring my knee in December, and realizing upon recovery that I might not be ABLE to for physical reasons if I don't start now.

ETA: Go online to Runner's World and read some of the articles/items there. LOTS of people take up running at "later" ages. If you start slow and don't push too hard, you can avoid injury. And be aware that your breathing will be the thing you are most aware of at first. I didn't use music for the first 2-3 months. By then, I worked up enough distance that I was getting bored without it. And go outside to run, if you can.

Sorry, had to ETA2: Find a nice place to run (jog/walk) outside... and use the odometer on your car to check distance. It was one of the most motivating things for me. After I'd run, I'd get in the car and go drive it and see exactly how far I went. It's very inspiring to suddenly one day go an extra quarter mile. And then, one day you just keep going... and do 3 miles. And then you start wanting to really challenge yourself and start adding extra turn outs or side routes... and it is fun trying to estimate in your head how much extra distance you are adding in, and then driving it afterwards to see.
I always feel yuck the first half mile.. but usually about 3/4 into the first mile things start clicking and I enjoy the rest of it. And feel fantastic after. I actually get crabby and easily aggravated these days if I don't get a planned run in.
Feel free to PM if you need some more personalized motivation or ideas. :)

3 moms found this helpful

I'm a walker - a speed walker, even - but full out running? No. I thought it was an endurance issue, but I tried C25K interval training and it turns out that I simply hate it. I get the 'runner high' when I go on a long distance walk, but I don't get it when I try to run.

Some people enjoy running and makes them happy. Not me, it makes me feel annoyed or even angry. Short sprints are fine. Running while playing games - like baseball - is fine. But running just to run is not for me.

I'm in a mud run this weekend, but it is an obstacle course with only a sort distance in between stations, so it is more like a game than 'running'.

3 moms found this helpful

I didn't learn to love to run- but I learned to love how I felt about 2 weeks after I started running 5 days a week. I felt like a new woman- major energy and my headaches were gone.
I started gradually- run 2 minute, speed walk 2 minutes, gradually increasing the running- but breaking into a speed walk when necessary.
As funny as it sounds- my biggest struggle was my breathing...I had trouble keeping it in check. I also suffered from shin splints.

I highly recommend you invest in real shoes. We have a shoe store that videos you running on a treadmill and finds the perfect shoes for you! The store was called "If the shoes fit." Best wishes on your road to a healthier you!

3 moms found this helpful

YES! I hated running as a kid and teen! HATED it.
I didn't learn to like it until I was way in my twenties, I needed to get in shape, I wanted to work out and I couldn't afford a gym membership. So I started off walking. I did enjoy the neighborhood I lived in at the time, put some music on to listen to and found a good route.
After a few months I started to alternate running and walking and finally I could run for a couple of miles at a time.
Over the years I have stopped running for periods of time (lack of time for it mostly, or unfavorable conditions) but always take it back up.
I have also learned that part of why I hated it in school was the competition, I enjoy it much more if I run along an interesting route, paying attention to my surroundings by watching and listening (I no longer listen to music) and just let my thoughts go free.
I would suggest that you start off slow, outside if possible (nothing as boring as a treadmill) in a nice park or something like that.
Good luck!

3 moms found this helpful

I HATE running for the first 10 minutes. Then, over that hump, I LOVE it. It's mentally clarifying. You are relying only on yourself. Your senses get heightened and you notice trees and houses and the air -- things you drive by every day without giving them a thought. It makes you feel connected to the world in a physical and almost spiritual way.

Again -- first 10 minutes of EVERY run, I want to just give up. I want to cry and turn around and I wonder what the heck I am doing out there. It hurts, I'm creaky, etc. But push yourself past that and into the flow, and you'll love it. It will start to feel amazing.

Also, I'm currently using an interval training method -- run a minute, walk a minute. You can up that to run two minutes, walk a minute, etc. But do this for the entirety of your runs. I find it alleviates boredom and frustration, and it supposed to be much easier on your body without sacrificing time/pace. This is called the Galloway method -- you can Google it to learn more about it.

I also like the book "Running and Being" by George Sheehan. Good luck!

2 moms found this helpful

I'd bet you could. Get an ipod and put some good music and that may help!! That is funny that you said that. Not too long ago, I asked the same question, and I have not been exercising much because I injured my knee years ago and need a knee replacement, and it just aches to do much. Anyway I was talking about that with my kids while we were driving down the road, and to my astonishment I saw a lady running, and she had 2 prosthetic legs. She was just jogging like you wouldn't believe. It was an inspiration to me.

2 moms found this helpful

I will say this. I have always hated running. BUT... The two days before today (I got distracted today) I have alternated walking/running in 5 minute intervals and I have to say I felt FANTASTIC later in the day. So, here I go trying to get myself to get up early in the morning so I can do it some more. :)

2 moms found this helpful

I hear you! By nature, I am about as athletic as a marshmallow - never was involved in any sort of sports at all. But I had to do something to get and stay healthy. So, as part of my gym plan, I started walking. I do 5Ks when I have a chance. I've even done a couple of 10Ks. I'm in everybody else's dust, but I don't mind.

My walking routine includes some jogging. I started adding that because the walking got a little boring; I needed to liven it up a bit. I'm older than you so I know walking is the thing I really need to focus on. Meanwhile, I've built up stamina and strength I never thought I'd have. Even my posture is better!

And, amazingly, I like it! When I'm moving, I guess there's something that kicks in and gives me a boost. It isn't easy, but it's a challenge, not a chore. I'm always glad I've done it.

If you decide to get into this, don't really compete against anybody except yourself. Set small goals at the beginning so you'll have a lot of victories. Then, when you're definitely interested (and more confident), you can start looking at bigger goals. In addition, invest in the best shoes (and socks) that you can. You don't have to get the top of the line, but do go to an athletic shoe store so they can look at the way you jog/run regularly and give you a recommendation. That's very important.

I hope you'll have a lot of fun!

2 moms found this helpful

You'll end loving the way the way running makes you look and feel. It's also pretty simple, no driving to the gym, just put on your sneakers and head out the door. Finding someone to run with can be very helpful also. Listening to music can make the run better sometimes, although if you're wearing headphones be careful...you can't hear everything and everyone around you which can be a safety concern.

Give it time, it will be hard at first but will get easier as your body gets more and more in shape. Just start slowly and work up.

1 mom found this helpful

I think some people learn to love running, but it definitely isn't for everyone. With that said, I have done the couch to 5k program a few times now and run (well slow jogged) 3 5k's. I still don't particularly like running, but I love the feeling of crossing the finish line and while doing the program I felt a sense of achievement each week as I ran for longer periods of time. So while I don't really like running, I love the way it made me feel. I have 2 pieces of advice if you start running: 1) get good running shoes 2) get a running partner if possible. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

In my opinion, no, there's nothing that makes non-runners learn to love jogging. I remember as a young child hating running (although I've always been a great athlete - All-American swimmer, played basketball, volleyball, was a cheerleader, did ballet...). And guess what? As an adult, I still hate running! ;) Don't get me wrong, if forced, I'll run. I can run a few miles at an 8 minute pace, but I HATE EVERY MINUTE OF IT. Walking is another story - I can walk (really fast, like an 11:30 mile) forever. I've done several half-marathons and really enjoyed myself. Actually, I tend to be way less injured and in way better shape when I walk (fast) than when I run. So... if you hate running, consider walking. Same basic muscles. You burn just as many calories walking 2 miles as you do running 2 miles, it just takes longer.

1 mom found this helpful

Yes, I believe if you start out slowly and follow the great advice below about switching between walking and jogging, you'll learn to enjoy jogging.

I think of running as an all out, get winded immediately, type of exertion.

I think of jogging as a fun, look around, get a nice work out, don't jar the joints, stop when I want to, kind of exertion.

Wear very supportive shoes and make sure you stretch and stretch at your age too.

P.S. I don't jog or run any more. It's too hard on my achy joints and back.

1 mom found this helpful

I started running about a month ago and here is what I like about it.

I enjoy watching my endurance increase. When I first started I was winded at 1/2 mile. Now I'm up to 2 easy miles. It's a mental thing - when I feel like I have to stop, I do an extra lap as a little screw you to my lungs and legs that want to stop.

I like the quiet time. I don't use music to keep me going - I just like my thoughts.

I feel so good after I do it - I've done something good for my mind and body and I like that. I feel strong.

I'm a little fussy about it though. I don't like to run outside - I don't like it too hot and I don't like hills (up mostly :) I like running in an air conditioned gym where I can count my laps, because I'm type A that way. I like knowing exactly how far I have run.

With all exercise, I have to shower, it's a hassle and time consuming to shower again, and I won't wake up early to do run before my first shower of the day.

I have to drive to the gym to do it (I don't like running on my treadmill at all), but they are building a new rec center much closer and it opens in a week!

Give it a go and see how you like it. If you don't try something else.

1 mom found this helpful

You build up a tolerance for it, just like any other workout. It is very difficult at first, but if you keep going little by little you can get it.

I, personally hate running and have absolutely no desire to do it. I love working out though. Even I have had times when I built up a tolerance to running, but unfortunately I do not have time lately. I save running for life threatening circumstances. lol Haaaate it.

But I have a lot of friends who can run miles, of course they didnt start out that way, but you get used to it.

Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

only this last time around (about 6 months ago) has it "taken". before my back or hips hurt.
the difference this time was I started with a changed gait....I recently read "born to run" - highly recommend it. it changed my mind set and emphasized shoes that have little support/padding and to run on the balls of your feet. so, that's what I've done and for the first time ever - NO, NONE, NADA pain or injuries. and when I'm good about getting out, after a couple of weeks, it just feels good and feels like I can go a long way.

so, pay the bucks and spend the hour or two at a running shoe only store to get fitted properly and get high quality minimalist shoes. they will force you into the way you ran as a preschooler - on the balls of your feet.
I only run on dirt - no pavement of any kind. so I use the horse trail on the local bike path or the track at the rec center. I think that has also helped with no pain.
I started slow. ran a block, walked two or three at the start. cardio reacts faster than your muscles and bones so take a full month or more to work up to a 1/2 mile or more at a time - again no injuries.

so, what I love - anywhere/anytime (in theory except this summer has been so blasted hot). being outside at a slow enough pace to see things (versus a bike, which I love too). and once I got beyond the $100 shoes, no cost. but to be fair - I needed new tennies so I was looking at $60-70 anyway at the time. I'm doing it with my 8 year old, who wants to get stronger for soccer - it's been good bonding. we use an app on my phone to track miles/time and it's fun to watch us get better. and we get better rather quickly - so that has been good motivation. also, my daughter gives me the motivation - don't want to let her down!

also , interval training with running can really, really give you a lot of bang in a short amount of time in terms of increased fitness, calories burned, and metabolism speeding up.

good luck.

1 mom found this helpful

No. If you don't like running...then you don't like it. you may learn to tolerate it...in my opinion. I would give it a try though...see how it goes. If not so well, then take up a different kind of cardio activity.

When I was younger, I didn't do it (and other things) because I thought everyone who did was really good at it and I was too subconscious. But I had friends who also encouraged me and I started to love it.
Take it slow at first! And as someone else mentioned, if you don't like it, try something else.

I've been trying to love running for 16 years & it still hasn't happened. I get my cardio in, using an elliptical ( which I still don't like but tolerate). The 1st twenty minutes is the worst, after that it gets a lot better. Maybe running is the same. Good luck.