I have gone to run with a friend a few times in town and have run farther/faster/longer than I thought possible.
I think the reason is two-fold. 1- Running in town with businesses, houses nearby in case I need to use the bathroom or get water helps my anxiety versus running out one direction and back in the middle of nowhere with nothing around. And 2- Even for an introvert like me - it's nice to have someone to chat with intermittently through heaving breaths lol. Thanks for the commiseration and encouragement.
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I've been running on/off for 3-4 years now. I started off outside, but then moved to the country on gravel roads and bought a treadmill and do most of my running on the treadmill now. Road conditions are too rocky, muddy, windy most of the time, but I do get outside when I can.
I have never gotten in the "groove" of running. I've never felt that buzz to just keep going. I count down the seconds until I'm done. I always set out with a time or distance goal (ranging from 25-30 minutes, 2-2.5 miles).
I want to enjoy it and be able to run longer distances, but... I just don't. Does it happen for everyone?
Post by vcubergirl on Mar 22, 2019 13:35:53 GMT -5
Do you not like running on the treadmill? How do you feel about it when you're outside?
Honestly, if you don't really like either, maybe running just isn't the right thing for you. It's not for everyone.
For me, I enjoy running but only when I can go outside (I suck it up and run on the treadmill when I need to if I'm training for something, but I don't enjoy it nearly as much). I also love swimming, and so last summer I decided to do a triathlon. Well, it turns out that I, um, dislike cycling. It's just not my cup of tea, but that's fine. I just went back to running and swimming for cardio.
On the treadmill, I get bored and play around with the speed and incline to change things up... but I still count down the seconds until I complete what I've set out to do.... which has never been more than 2.5 miles. I want to go farther, but I only have my lunch hour to run and shower, so I haven't been able to do any more than that.
I ride my bike some when the weather and road conditions permit and I like that.. I'm just limited on routes because of where I live.
I guess I have an excuse for everything. lol. Forgive me.
Post by foundmylazybum on Mar 22, 2019 13:50:08 GMT -5
🤷♀️ no one can answer this post but you.
Personally, I would do things differently than you, but I love running and look at things differently. For instance, running on gravel roads in pretty much any weather trumps a treadmill. In Colorado, running Magnolia road is pure heaven, and it's a gravel road that is often muddy, windy, and rocky.
Are you out of shape? Running too fast? Too far or too long?
Do you find it boring? I found running boring for awhile in Georgia. It was hot, the locations sucked, the surfaces sucked and it was basically a grind that I did because I wouldnt give it up. I live somewhere else now and love running I love being outside, feeling my body, being in shape, challenging myself, my running friends etc.
Do you lack goals? Why are you running?
If you dont like it, then find something else. There are tons of other ways to move your body, be active relieve stress etc, so dont force yourself into running!
I'm not in shape. I'm jiggly and lazy for the most part, but I like how I feel after a run. I like that it helps slim me down. I guess I need to remind myself of those things when I'm out there doing it... I don't know what I'm looking for here. Sorry all... just grumbling I guess.
Post by foundmylazybum on Mar 22, 2019 14:10:10 GMT -5
Theres nothing wrong with being out of shape! I mean it's just where you are. But in my opinion it's important to be honest with where you are, because it impacts how much you "like" running.
Do an honest assessment of where you are and then how far and what pace you can be running based off your fitness...and work to keep the judgments out of it: for instance, maybe you need to be running 2 miles at run/walk pace for a little while but give yourself grace and credit for the work you do and the process you are on.
Running sucks A LOT when it is viewed as this...evidence of what we are not..."dont like it," "not in shape" etc.
It's a lot more fun, when its viewed as...kind of just this way to show us our limits stretching.
On the treadmill, I get bored and play around with the speed and incline to change things up... but I still count down the seconds until I complete what I've set out to do.... which has never been more than 2.5 miles. I want to go farther, but I only have my lunch hour to run and shower, so I haven't been able to do any more than that.
Heck, that's how I feel when I run on the treadmill too. Honestly I just don't do it unless I'm training for something and have to get a run in, I'll do some other cardio.
I could barely run when I started (I did couch to 5k and I had to repeat so many weeks, I literally couldn't run 30 seconds), and it took me quite a while before I felt comfortable. But I pretty much always enjoyed it, I love feeling like I'm making progress.
Post by CrazyLucky on Mar 22, 2019 14:32:42 GMT -5
I'm different from most runners here I think, in that it's a chore for me, so I totally get you. I hate the treadmill. Changing speeds and inclines isn't really helpful. If I'm going to run, I want to be outside. And if I'm being picky, I'd rather run on a trail, so I'd like your gravel roads, I think. If a treadmill is really your only option, the one thing that helps me is putting a Netflix show on my tablet and watching it. Choose a show that lasts as long as you want to run.
Post by starburst604 on Mar 22, 2019 14:35:34 GMT -5
It took me years to get into running - somehow the bug finally bit me and I've completed 2 marathons. But I'd still rather get a root canal than run 2 miles on a treadmill. I got better at running when I began to run outside more, and when I started doing 5k races. Having running buddies also helped. I also learned HOW to run when I started paying more attention to my pace and how that affected the way I felt. From 5K I progressed over the years until there was nothing left to do but a marathon. I used to think people who ran marathons had to be totally and completely insane, and also completely physically superior beings to me! But I'm hugely competitive with myself so once I got over the hump over hating it I kept wanting to do more. You could try setting a goal to run a 5K and work toward that. All that being said, there are plenty of ways to be active outside of running and if you truly hate it you don't have to force it. Sometimes I take months off from running and do other stuff but I always come back to it and in my mind I think I'll always be a "runner". But if you asked me 10 years ago, I'd say the only way I'm running is if someone is chasing me with a knife.
On a note about treadmills, I know someone who trained for a marathon almost exclusively on a treadmill. I'm talking she did her 20 miles long run on it. That just blows my mind!
Post by lilypad1126 on Mar 22, 2019 15:10:35 GMT -5
I started running about 12 years ago (2007). It took me a LONG time to love it. Thinking back, I probably started liking it in 2012 when I trained for and ran my first half marathon. Prior to that, I just ran for 30 minutes a few times a week. I used any excuse I could to not run and do some other form of cardio. But training for a longer race like the half marathon forced me to run. And it forced me to try different things like intervals, hills, longer distances. I don't think there was a magical instant where I was like "YAY I LOVE RUNNING" but I will say after I completed the half, I immediately looked for another one to sign up for. I think part of it for me is that before the half, I was all, man running 3 miles is so tough. After, though, I was like, oh, today's only a 3 mile run, that's not so bad, that's 10 miles less than the race! Mentally that helps me enjoy running more.
Running on the treadmill doesn't bother me for the most part. The longest I've run on the treadmill is 13 miles (training through the winter for an early March race can suck for weather). I've discovered audio books and movies can really help me pass the time. And having a true training plan helps. I am a routine person, so knowing that Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat, Sun every week are run days helps me. I used to post my training schedule on my fridge so I could cross off workouts/weeks and see my progress.
Post by hurricanedrunk on Mar 22, 2019 15:47:42 GMT -5
I'm another person who can't do the treadmill. The miles take forever to tick by, I stare at the timer and mileage and it just sucks. So all my running is outside or I take to the Y track if the weather calls for it.
Once I signed up for the my first few races I was hooked, it helped to have something to train for. If I have a schedule I generally stick to it. Secondly it became social for me - doing races with friends & family and having people to meet for runs on a Saturday morning will get me out of bed. Do you have local running club you could tap into?
On a note about treadmills, I know someone who trained for a marathon almost exclusively on a treadmill. I'm talking she did her 20 miles long run on it. That just blows my mind!
On a note about treadmills, I know someone who trained for a marathon almost exclusively on a treadmill. I'm talking she did her 20 miles long run on it. That just blows my mind!
Ummmm what? That is crazy to me!
Yeah I was like whaaaat? She was training for NYC the same time as me and didn’t like the heat. She’s a bit of an odd duck though, but very sweet. She ended up doing very well in NY, and it was her first marathon.
I have gone to run with a friend a few times in town and have run farther/faster/longer than I thought possible.
I think the reason is two-fold. 1 - Running in town with businesses, houses, etc. nearby in case I need to use the bathroom or get water helps my anxiety - versus running out one direction and back in the middle of nowhere with nothing around. And 2 - It's nice to have someone to chat with intermittently through heaving breaths lol.
Thanks for the commiseration and encouragement.
****
I really have no goals other than to get better at running. I am an introvert and not sure that I could put myself out there to join a group. And like I said I typically can only find the energy to run on my lunch breaks from my house in the middle of nowhere.
I thought this year I may get up the guts to sign up for a race, but then life happened and my husband needs surgery and a lot of unpaid time off work so I don't really have the extra $ to sign up for a race either.
I'm not going to quit or anything, so thanks for the tips and commiseration.
Post by Wines Not Whines on Mar 22, 2019 19:43:53 GMT -5
I really dislike the treadmill. A big part of why I enjoy running is getting outside in the fresh air, seeing nature, sunlight, etc. Can you run outside more?
I also don’t love the first 1-2 miles of my runs. It takes me at least 2-3 miles to get into a groove. Most people seem to be the same way. You may want to try to run longer and see if you get into more of a groove.
A few things: - the treadmill is a medieval torture device. Do not judge whether or not you like running based on the treadmill. - go out and run without a goal. Run for fun for as long as you want, stopping when you want, and with zero pressure. - never ever judge a run by the first mile. I dont feel good till im on like mile 7. Which means the entirety of a 4 mile run SUCKS. - there is no rule that you have to love running. Not everyone does. The same way i hate yoga. I will never like yoga. Thus, i do not yoga. Do what you love, if its not running, find something else.
I'll provide a slightly different view. There is nothing wrong with not liking running (while being honest with yourself about your current fitness). I don't love to run. I like to walk for miles, but I'm just not in love with running. I love to go out on my bike for 50 miles and think nothing of it. I found what I like and stick to it.
I'm just here to agree with the prior posters if you don't like running DON'T RUN. There are so many other things that you can do as an alternative.
Now I think there are ways that you could enjoy running more. I also don't enjoy running on the treadmill, but I love running outside. I'll run inside in almost any condition. It has been raining for what seems like the entire last year so I have done a lot of running in the rain lately, but it is better than running on the treadmill. Have you tried running with people? I do some of my long runs with our local MRTT chapter and it is a nice way to change up my routine. Like others I prefer to run longer than 2-3 miles. I enjoy 10-13 mile runs the most, which I know may sound crazy. It is long enough to get in a nice groove, but you have to run it at a comfortable pace so you can get through.
I go through phases with running, I'm not all "i love this!" all the time. I've been using the Apptiv app for about a year now and it's definitely kept my motivation pretty consistent. They have tons of running workouts for all levels (including a lot of run/walk options, walk to one mile, 5k training programs, etc.).
If you want to keep running it might be worth trying out for a little while.
I don't love running, but sometimes I crave the way I feel after a good run. A few things that help me: -Run less than 4 miles -Run outdoors, preferably on trails -Do more run/walk that straight running -Make small goals for myself like being up to run up all 3 hills on my run after 2 months -Use the Zombie's Run! app which is a bit like an audiobook/podcast/video game/C25K program, but still allows you to listen to your music too. -Make sure I have the right gear, and always spend the extra time cooling down by walking and stretching
On a note about treadmills, I know someone who trained for a marathon almost exclusively on a treadmill. I'm talking she did her 20 miles long run on it. That just blows my mind!
Ummmm what? That is crazy to me!
I used to LOVE the treadmill. I did multiple 13 mile runs on a TM with no problem what so ever.
But now? I want to die doing 1/4 mile on the damn TM. HATE.
I like running. Sometimes I enjoy it. Do I love it? Nope. I despise long runs. So I think it is wholly possible to run without loving it.
My suggestions - I'm echoing everyone else that said get off the treadmill. I cannot run on the treadmill. I did 10 miles on an indoor track during the polar vortex to avoid the treadmill. To me, it's awful.
I have found the runs I enjoy the most are the runs where I'm doing something other than just running - so speedwork, intervals, progression. Just running is so meh to me, but when I have things in there to vary it and mix it up, I like those much better. I also had to learn to slow down in order to get better at running. I go out too fast, and it was killing my runs. Once I started doing HR training (now I train by power) it made a huge difference.
I do triathlons, so I can't really escape the running. But if you decide you don't love running and it's not for you, that's fine.
I'm not sure I could ever learn to love running on treadmill. I used to do it years ago. I lost a decent amount of weight, but I didn't really love it. I eventually let it go when I got busy.
It restarted running again a few years later and ran pretty much outside the entire time. I started with couch to 5K and it took about 6-8 months of forcing myself to run 4-5 times a week outside for me to really enjoy it.
Now I love running, but HATE running on the treadmill. I run 5-6 times a week and maybe 2-3 times a year I'll run on a treadmill. That's plenty for me.
It's ok not to love running. Running outside is what one of the main things makes me love it. I love seeing the sun rise in the morning, I love seeing a bald eagle, deer, or other wildlife on my run. I love the quiet. I love running on the National Mall during lunch. If I were stuck on a treadmill for eternity, then it would probably more of a chore than a love.
I'm trying to get back into running. I always say that I don't love running, but love having run, if that makes sense. I really like working toward goals, and how I feel afterward. I just hate the actual running part.
I get what other people are saying about finding something you love, but my reality is that running is logistically easiest for me. I don't need equipment, I don't need to pay for anything, I don't need to coordinate with a class schedule at the gym. I have very small windows to devote to exercise, and running is the easiest way to capitalize on those windows.
Things that have helped make things slightly less tedious: 1. training for something. It was very motivating to have a goal that I was working toward, whether it was a 5k or a 10-miler. 2. Finding good podcasts. I know people usually like to listen to music, but I found that podcasts were easier to get lost in, and more likely to distract me from watching the clock.
Post by penguingrrl on Apr 13, 2019 13:34:21 GMT -5
Everyone is different. I’ve been running on and off, but mostly on, since 2009. I still don’t love it, and have only felt a runner’s high maybe twice in all that time.
For me it’s been the only effective thing that I’ve stuck with and works for weight loss, so I keep chugging along. I love that I do it alone, not comparing to anyone else, and in my own schedule entirely. I don’t like exercising with other people at all. It’s my alone time to sort my thoughts out.
Unlike it seems like everyone else, I prefer the treadmill. I’m not an outdoorsie person at all (basically I like cocktails on a patio if it’s 75 and sunny and that’s my extent of interest in being outside), and I like that the treadmill forces me to maintain whatever pace I’m trying for. I’m a data person and like being able to push myself for 2 more minutes or 4 more minutes at a higher speed than I did on my last run.
But it can be boring, especially since at least twice a week I’m doing over an hour. I need good music combined with something at least semi compelling on the TV with closed captioning to read.
But really, I hate exercise and it will always be a chore for me. I power through running because it provides a good calorie burn and is the only way I’ve effectively lost weight. I’m finally okay admitting to myself that I don’t have to like it, I just have to do it.