When does running become enjoyable?

fancynewbeesly · May 2014

I always hear that people love to run. And the "runners high." etc.

I just started couch to 5k today, and running is not fun. Or enjoyable. It was torturous.

Please, does it get better? At all?

fancynewbeesly · May 2014

Also, i am SOOO out of shape. Which doesn't help the cause at all. My back has been hurting lately and I think it is due to weight gain since January. I hope not and then I have just been sleeping funny--but I really need to exercise more. And exercise in general, I never found enjoyable. I wasn't athletic as a kid--more of a klutz with zero coordination and balance and grace. So I need to start.

LaurelBee · May 2014

I always joke that if I'm running, you can bet something is chasing me! But yeah, I have noticed the better my stamina is, the more enjoyable my workouts are.

e.mannix · May 2014

Lurker coming out of hiding.... I just started c25k for the third time and for me, every.single.time has been week 3 day 1. The first 2 weeks feel like someone is torturing me, but I wake up the first day of that third week excited to run. Of course, I also do WW and those activity points really make my life worth living... So there's that.

fancynewbeesly · May 2014

Thanks for making me think there IS hope.

I will definitely keep at it---because I want to become in shape again. But the beginning stages suck. Maybe when my endurance is better--and I know I can do it, it will become more enjoyable, instead of the "I am going to throw the robot voice into the woods and just walk all the way home."

Unknown · May 2014

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msdrdg · May 2014

I hate exercise. I do it because I am sick of being a fat ass. Sorry to say, I don't think it will ever be enjoyable to me. I ran a 5k last year and everybody was like, oh, you have the running bug now, when are you doing your next one, wasn't that great? And I was like, ummmm...it kinda sucked, but go me I did it and then I didn't run again for a month.

I hate it less when I start seeing results. Right now I am really hating it because I have been on my ass for over a month with a broken toe and yesterday was my 1st real workout back and OMG I am in pain!!

TiffanyBerry · May 2014

A couple weeks for me. Like four or five, of being consistent.

oscarwao · May 2014

A few months before it was enjoyable for me. True runners high, at least for me, only happens intermittently and usually with several miles down. I'd add to PPs recommendation (sorry for format I'm on IPad): 1. Good running shoes are worth it if you're going to keep at it, 2) running on softer terrain might help with your back 3) short uphill intervals make flat surface running schway easier 4) cadence breathing or lifting my arms above my head always helped with stitches in my side ... Anyways that's all the slightly useful stuff I can think of. Good luck!

vandelay · May 2014

For me, I never got true runner's high until about 5 miles into a run, so I had to build my endurance up quite a bit before I got there. But once I got where I could run 1-2 miles without feeling like I was dying, I would have nice moments even on shorter runs. I don't run much over 5 miles anymore, so I just try to enjoy those moments, like running downhill or leaping up onto a curb.

If it helps at all, I was a very unathletic kid and did not start exercising at all until I was almost 30, and that was only because my pants didn't fit anymore. When I first started, I couldn't run more than a quarter of a mile without stopping and walking. I became able to run distances that were a little longer each day, and although it wasn't my goal starting out, I ended up running marathons. So whether or not you end up enjoying running, I know you can reach your goal. Good luck!

Ardmhs83 · May 2014

Ugh, I wish I could say I enjoy it now. I run 4x a week, religiously and still don't love it. I just do it b/c I have to do it to stay fit.

Sorry...hope you are one of the lucky ones who fall in love with it!

studyinpink · May 2014

Never.

Kewii · May 2014

For me, it's when I can start seeing the improvements. When I get further then I did before or when I PR I know I'm not just wasting my time. I need that feeling of accomplishment.

SandyClam · May 2014

It gets so much better. I was not a runner. Like not at all. I couldn't even run a block without getting a side cramp. I started training for a 10 K and it took about a year before I started to really enjoy it. I think you just have to find a routine that works for you. Like, if I am doing a long run, I like to eat a box of Good & Plenty about an hour beforehand and it always helps me to have a better run. Stretching and having the right shoes for your feet are really important too. I think it's such a great stress release and it's so accessible because you can do it on your own schedule and don't need any special equipment (except shoes). An iPod shuffle is really helpful to have too. I have to run with music and I like it because it's really light and just clips on. So basically, it gets better after you find the routine that works for you. I also like having my watch that tells me how far I've ran. That always keeps me going.

SandyClam · May 2014

Oh, and yesterday, I had the runner's high. But not in the I am so elated, everything is fucking flowers. In the like, I am kind of delusional way. It was really hot out and I looked down at the sidewalk and it was spray painted and said "Bee Nest" with an pointing. And I was like, "Huh, who calls it a bee nest? It a bee hi...OH SHIT!"

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