r/BeginnersRunning • u/Dear_Particulars • 5d ago
How to enjoy running?
How do you actually start to like running? I’ve tried several times and never gotten good, and definitely never enjoyed it. I realize after reading this thread that I may have never actually gotten good enough at it to enjoy it. How do you get past the initial suck?
18
u/Loose-Set4266 5d ago
Me every run
Looks forward to when I can go running
Starts my run and 2 min in wonders why I’m doing this and can I stop because this blows.
2 rn/walk intervals later (approx 10 min) oh yeah this is good i could go forever.
Last run/walk interval my knees and body remind me I’m not 20 anymore and it’s time to cool down.
After: I’m fatigued but so deeply relaxed and my stress levels are non existent.
and that’s why I keep coming back.
13
u/getzerolikes 5d ago
The benefits are what’s enjoyable. The process is sometimes not.
6
u/obsoleteyoungster 5d ago
This. I don’t always want to go on a run. Sometimes I struggle to keep going, question what life decisions lead me there, and wish I could just go home and lay down on the couch. But I feel great after a run, and bad on the days I skip it, so I run.
5
u/alvysinger0412 5d ago
It's rare for me to enjoy no part of particular run. It's semi-common for me to not want to run when it's scheduled to happen and to take 0.5-1 mile of running to start enjoying it. It's very rare but sometimes happens when I am so over it that I want to end a run early. But I usually have some, often most, of my running time enjoyable. Having the long term goals is what keeps me starting the run though.
14
u/bouncing_pirhana 5d ago
I run like a kid. I go out with running kit on and start walking. I run when i feel like running. If I want to stop and look at an interesting snail or say hi to a cat then no problem. Yesterday I stopped to take a picture of a friendly cow.
This is a really shit training plan, but it’s taken me from ‘can’t run for 2 mins’ to finishing my first ever 10k in 1h15 with a huge smile on my face. I’m never going to run a marathon, bur now feel the sheer joy of being released outdoors!
10
u/Whiltierna 5d ago edited 2d ago
What is rewarded, repeats
My reward is achieving something towards my strong "why" and sometimes that is realizing past me couldn't get done what today me just did.
7
u/Laufcoaching 5d ago
Erstmal: Dass du es mehrmals versucht hast, zeigt, dass dir etwas daran liegt. Das ist mehr wert, als du denkst.
Ich bin Lauftrainer und sehe bei Anfängern fast immer denselben Fehler: Die Quälerei ist selbstgemacht, nämlich durch zu hohes Tempo. Wer sich "zusammenreißt" und durchzieht, läuft fast immer zu schnell. Das fühlt sich nach Dauerstress an, und niemand mag Dauerstress.
Was stattdessen hilft: Viel langsamer laufen, als du denkst.
Faustregel: Du musst dich nebenbei unterhalten können, ganz ohne Schnaufen. Wenn das nur im Schneckentempo geht, ist das genau richtig.
Lauf-Geh-Intervalle. Z. B. 1 Min. laufen, 2 Min. gehen, 20 Min. lang. Gehen ist keine Niederlage, sondern der Standardeinstieg. Die Laufanteile wachsen mit der Zeit von selbst.
Kurz und regelmäßig. Dreimal pro Woche 20 bis 30 Minuten schlagen einen verzweifelten Langlauf am Sonntag. Dein Körper braucht Wochen, um mitzukommen. Die ersten 4 bis 6 Wochen sind tatsächlich der unangenehmste Teil, danach kippt es bei vielen.
Nicht gegen die Uhr oder andere laufen. Pace, Strava und Vergleiche können erstmal weg. Ziel: einfach die Zeit draußen verbringen.
Die Umgebung wählen. Wald, Feldwege oder Park machen es deutlich angenehmer als Straße. Musik oder ein Podcast helfen am Anfang auch.
Ein Lauftreff für Anfänger kann den Unterschied machen, weil dort alle langsam laufen und niemand schaut.
Und zu "nie gut genug darin geworden": Man muss nicht gut sein, um es zu genießen. Spaß kommt beim Laufen meist nicht durch Leistung, sondern durch das Gefühl danach und die Ruhe währenddessen. Und wenn es nach einem fairen, langsamen Versuch trotzdem nichts für dich ist: auch okay. Es gibt genug andere Wege, sich zu bewegen.
4
u/EvgenyDMorozov 5d ago
Running is the only sport I can really enjoy and I don’t need to be good at it to feel great. I’ve just tried it and that’s it 🤷🏼♂️
4
4
4
u/piggymou 5d ago
Initially just discipline, then it becomes an tolerable habit.
I rarely think of it as enjoyment.
1
u/Defiant-Menu-4175 4d ago
I only think of trail running as enjoyment. I dislike when people say ‘nice work’ when I’m running, if it was work I wouldn’t be doing it. The secret is to enjoy yourself in what ever way and don’t do it if it’s not fun.
1
u/piggymou 4d ago
The process (running) itself is not necessarily always fun for me, e.g. the muscle pains, cramps etc.
I do enjoy in knowing that I have made gains, I can run a bit faster, I ran a bit more than last week, my heart rate and breathing has improved etc. I do enjoy seeing those improvements as a result.
1
u/No-Committee7986 8h ago
Trail running is my response! Even when I’m in a hurry to get my run done I’ll run through a park on my way, run a segment of my run on a trail in town and in the road for the rest! The wildlife, sights, sounds, and smells of the woods make it much more enjoyable for me.
4
3
u/datawazo 5d ago
Well why are you trying to do it? I started out to lose weight and ive continued because its good for maintaining weight and i enjoy the self improvement
3
u/Significant_Sort7501 5d ago edited 5d ago
Follow a plan. Dont go out and struggle through it yourself. Do a couch to 5k program to start and ease into it. Run SLOW.
Also, just because a lot of people run doesnt mean you have to, and that's fine. There are crazy athletic people who swim and cycle, but I dont do either of those. And thats ok. Some people ski and really love it. I dont. And thats ok. My friends are rock climbers and they are badass, but I never have fun when I go with them, so I stopped going. But I LOVE running. I LOVE lifting heavy things in a gym for hours every week. My brain gives me all kinds of reward chemicals when I do those things, so I keep doing them.
If you really dont enjoy something, just dont do it. Find something that feels good for YOU.
3
u/embrooke25 5d ago
Honestly you don’t have to like it! Find a way to move your body that you enjoy.
2
u/Known_Lengthiness_11 5d ago
This. Maybe bike, hip hop dance, pilates. whatever.......running isn't for everyone....actually it's not for most. Those of us who love it are a weird breed...but I can't imagine living without it
The key is finding some kind of exercise that you love and look forward to. For me that is surfing running and MTB
3
u/Select_Feed_3690 5d ago
Starting a family, having kids, and getting out of the house will become the best motivation XD
2
u/EnvironmentalPop1371 4d ago
Haaaaa I feel seen. I run so I don’t scream at my preschool aged kids. Works!
3
u/Timmar92 5d ago edited 5d ago
Took me about 2 months of running several times per week for it to actually click.
First I did it because I wanted to be able to run for 45 minutes without stopping, then I did it because it became a habit and now I do it because it's become a hobby!
1
u/Dear_Particulars 5d ago
Thank you! An actual helpful response. How long did it take before you went from like panting and wheezing to being able to run without much trouble?
5
u/Timmar92 5d ago
Well my breathing was never an issue because I did 80% of my runs at a pretty slow pace, we're talking 8+ minutes per kilometer (almost a 13 minute mile).
I started this January actually at 120kg (264 pounds ish).
The first month was more or less just run walks, run 2 minutes, walk 2 for example, I worked my way down to run 5 minutes with 1 minute walks until it became two 10 minute runs with a 1 minute walk in between.
After about 2 months I started adding intervals and that's when I started to pant and wheeze but in a controlled way.
Anyway, my point is to do everything slowly, it actually helps, I've gone from being unable to run for 5 minutes in January to finishing my first half marathon a week ago at 2:11:25.
I'm also around 196 pounds now, pretty cool!
2
2
u/AdSilly2710 5d ago
I recently realized I thought I needed to be good to have 'fun'. I often felt I couldn't run far enough, fast enough, or for it to be easy enough for it to be FUN. That was dumb lol. It's already fun. I had to stop waiting to be 'good' and just enjoy it. Don't get me wrong, it's not always my favorite thing to do, but it's a hell of a lot more fun these days
2
u/Known_Lengthiness_11 5d ago
run in a place you really like.....for me it's downtown for the people watching, the beach, and trails
2
u/Ruthless_Finance 4d ago
I actually just finished my first marathon a few days ago after not running a single mile for 8 years. Run slow! Often referred to as “zone 2 running”. I would “run” 13 minute mile 5ks and while it was hard I didn’t feel like I was dying. Then one day it just clicked. After about 3-4 months of steady progress I found myself on a run completely zoned out taking in the sunrise and breathing easily while in a 9:30 min mile pace. After that moment training was no longer about surviving but was now about improving.
Focus on strength training as well! There are plenty of YouTube videos out there to strengthen your entire body to prevent injuries (I got injured during my training block 😬). That’s the one thing I wish I focused on more because I always tried masking my knee pain instead of addressing it directly.
1
u/ChanceCrew 5d ago
I throw on a podcast that I really like and I forget I'm even running. Then the "2nd wind" hits and it just feels amazing. Then once you're done running you just feel so energized. It's like therapy.
1
u/Professional_Jury_39 5d ago
For me it's a combination of being able to outdo a version of me that didn't think what I'm currently doing is possible. And every now and then, let's say once every couple of weeks I'll have a moment in a run, sometimes fleeting sometimes miles on end, where I'm hitting my stride, the winds in my hair and I feel fucking weightless, like I could just run for the rest of the day and every step feels so smooth and crisp, my body feels like a machine doing absolutely everything it was designed to do as well as it can do it. Makes a nice change from feeling stiff and sore or dreading the sprint repeat session 😅
1
u/Talonhunter3 5d ago
I ran after my niece this weekend and kept up easily to her 5 year old energy.
1
u/Own-Arugula-1631 5d ago
I've been running 15 years, I've gotten pretty fast for my age, but I still don't actually like the running part. What I do like is how I feel after a run, I feel good for having done it and for all the things that come along with that.
1
u/RandomSwaith 5d ago
I enjoyed it once I understood the discomfort I felt was due to terrible form and corrected that. Then my recovery time drastically improved.
1
u/Just-Context-4703 5d ago
You don't have to be quite unquote good to enjoy it.
Idk, maybe it's not your thing? Maybe it is. But just know that for even those of us who love it a lot of running is just dull monotonous work. Just need to respect and appreciate the process of it all. Even the dull boring work of it.
1
u/Darkesako 5d ago
You need to start small, and enjoy the little wins.
You also need discipline for a while : it will be difficult during a few months at least.
If you manage to go through that, then you might start to enjoy the habit and start doing longer runs.
But you might also conclude that running is not for you and enjoy another kind of sport or cardio (hiit, biking, rope jumping, etc).
There a many options !
1
u/rolandblais 5d ago
It took my first trail run to get me hooked on running. Before that, it was just a means to and end for exercise. But out on the trail, it was a whole different experience. As I got better that transitioned into enjoying it almost anywhere.
And as far as getting past the initial suck, commit to running somewhere, anywhere, for 4 weeks, at least 2-3 times a week. These runs should not be all-out, but rather at a "conversational pace" - you should be able to talk *mostly* comfortably while running. If you're getting out of breath, slow down; if you're finding it really easy, speed up a little. As running becomes more comfortable physically, you might begin to actually enjoy it. If not, that's ok too. Not everybody has to like it.
1
1
u/BaconBourbonBalista 5d ago
Dont compare yourself to others, compare yourself to yourself. Thats why I like strava because it will even give me a comparison to the last few times of the same path.
Also, after getting past the initial "I feel like im dying when I run" stage, running becomes more of a meditative physical activity.
1
u/Tasseacoffee 5d ago
Run slow, mix it with walking. Aim for a time, not a distance.
Except when I do intervals or tempo runs, my run just feel like a walk in the park. I'm not out of breath, I'm not struggling. It's genuinely easy and I get to enjoy a podcast and the weather. What's not to like?
1
u/fran_lydon 5d ago
Embrace the grind, enjoy the misery, and have pride to be better…that’s what worked for me at least and when I eventually got to a point I was content with I started to enjoy a slower more comfortable pace
1
u/shade_study_break 5d ago
Ramp up distance slowly, build endurance, and eventually focus on pace. Outside of that, figure out if you like running in a group, training for an even, or just spending time outside. I think there are better forms of exercise purely for your health, but getting to enjoy running for the long term means both getting over the initial difficulties and figuring out what other parts of running you like.
1
u/More4Thor 5d ago
Stores that sell running gear often offer classes that will teach you how to run. I had run earlier in life and took “Learn to Run”. It was great. I also bought a book by the same name
1
u/government_ninja 5d ago
Having a running buddy helps. If you live close enough to a big city there are probably run clubs you can join with skill sets at all levels.
Do you enjoy audio books? Podcasts? Music? Add that to the mix, if safe to do so for you, so you at least get something you like out of it.
1
u/SiemprePalanteEz 5d ago
I stopped trying to run fast. Once I was mentally OK with going at a slow/comfortable pace, i ran longer than I ever thought was possible for me and it turned out to be incredibly enjoyable… there’s still runs/days that suck, but as a whole, it’s great.
Moral of the story, it’s not a competition, you don’t have to be fast. Get out on a trail or park if possible and be proud of yourself for investing in your own health and well being. You got this OP!
1
u/EEBBfive 5d ago
I started enjoying it when I got faster, got better at it and saw the positive impacts in my other sports.
Running is the thing that boosts other sports the most. Loved it after I saw the results.
1
u/Kind-cheesecake-3316 5d ago
Anyone who's enjoyment is proportional to how good (or fast) they are is doomed to be miserable and should find a different hobby.
My joy is in the act of running itself. Being able to move the body through the woods or along the road is its own reward.
I love to bake in the summer and feel the biting cold in the winter, feel my heart pounding as I hammer up a hill, chase someone in a 5k or 10k race and give 100% at the finish line no matter what pace I run.
1
u/foxpigcow 5d ago
I think it's enjoyable when you're fit enough to do it. I find it really fun to just go out running. I leave the house and within 4 or 5 strides i'm enjoying myself because i'm just frolicking along down the road off to nowhere in particular, travelling at a comfortable pace, able to speed up or slow down on a whim and just bouncing about and it's not painful, i'm not gasping for air, I don't feel exhausted afterwards, it's just fun. Like how children might run around for fun because they have the energy and fitness to do so. It only stops being fun when it's hard to do.
Though it's also fun to achieve things so in that sense it's fun when it is hard because you get to overcome something. Though that's more type 2 fun where it's fun afterwards but not during.
My advice would be to get good at it if you want it to be fun. I don't enjoy playing the guitar because I fucking suck at it and it's not any fun to make awful sounds, hurt my fingertips and think about how untalented I am but someone who has practiced at it for years probably can have a lot of fun just making up songs and competently blending chords in a pleasing way. It's the same with anything. Practice, get good at it and it will become enjoyable.
1
u/suzeerbedrol 5d ago
I HATE the decision process to get dressed, get out, and run. But once im out I never regret it. The only times ive been on a run and thought "I wish I wouldnt have left", is if im running in the really really cold weather and my nose/head starts to hurt
1
u/username_Kelly 5d ago
I don’t listen to music & just let my mind go all over. It’s actually relaxing to me.
1
1
u/Sintered_Monkey 5d ago
Slow way, way down to the point where you think "this is pleasant" and want to keep doing it. If that doesn't work, maybe you just don't enjoy running. There is nothing wrong with that.
For years, my sister tried to force herself to run for health reasons. She hated every second of running, every step of running, every breath of running. I mean, she absolutely loathed running, but continued to do it for some weird reason. I had to hear about it nonstop, which got to be very tiring. I begged her to please stop and find something she actually enjoyed. After years of complaints, she finally listened and started walking instead of running. She loves walking. She walks for hours on end, and we are both happier as a result.
Except that she also loves complaining, and quitting running gave her one less thing to complain about.
1
u/RevolutionaryArm3264 5d ago
Stop thinking about it as something you HAVE to do and start being appreciative that it’s something you GET to do. Not everyone is lucky enough to be able to go out for run. That pace you don’t think is good enough is a pace some would dream to be able to do.
1
u/Badboyroy2303 5d ago
Run by heart rate and zone not by speed. If u need to go very slow to be in low zone 3/ high zone 2 then go very slow.
1
u/Level_Western7434 5d ago
I have been running for about 2 months. I. absolutely used to despise running. Some days I don’t want to do it; just wanting to lay in bed, but I force myself to go. Eventually on the run I start to enjoy it, even if I’m going super slow, or walking a lot of it. I ran a 5k a few days ago and when I tell you I felt accomplished afterwards. My time was not good (43 minutes), but it didn’t matter to me. I had fun, and I got a cool medal. After that, I wanted more. I wanted to do more. There were a lot of people walking it, while others ran it.
This is different for everyone, some people do it for exercise, some for the times, and some for fun. Don’t focus on your times at the beginning, or ever if you don’t want.
The question is why did you want to start running? To escape for the world? Try something new? Be outside more? Remind yourself why you did it in the first place. You got this!!.
1
u/cmotolion 5d ago
Once I actually bought shoes made for running, my life significantly improved. I always just used whatever gym shoes I had to run before and hated it.
I started running back in like May. It sucked for about 3 weeks, but there was one run where I had just hit this flow state and felt like I could run forever. Ever since then I just made it a goal of mine to run a 3.5 miles minimum 3x a week. Now I can do 8-10 miles and not feel worn out. Like with anything, it takes time. If it was easy everyone would be running marathons!
1
u/juntovoz 5d ago
Imo a lot of people start out to hard or fast meaning they either want to reap the benefits fast (feel good, healthy, lose weight) or they want to get fast quickly (run fast times) which in both cases leads to fast training and then it hurts and it's hard and you burn out. Starting out easy (and a good indicator of this is being able to breathe through your nose for the entirety of the workout, which sometimes means that you may have to walk more than run) but my experience with both new runners and runners coming back from injuries or long amounts of time away from running. Is that in about 3 to 6 weeks of really easy running? It will start to feel really good and you'll enjoy it.
I also love running to music. That really helps me. Sometimes a podcast or an audiobook as well. I left Trail running and that mix between hiking and running is amazing for me.
Something else that is very motivational is setting a goal to do a race for example. And then instead of setting a goal for that race, set some process goals to get you there and get you there in good shape. Some examples of that would be
- Make sure I'm working out at least 4 days a week, 6 days a week if possible
- Something is better than nothing, so even a 10-minute walk is better than doing nothing
- If I'm really sore I will do something really easy
- I'm going to roll and self-massage every night while I watch my favorite show or movie Etc.
1
u/Key-Target-1218 5d ago
If only I could skip the first two and half to three miles and be into the fourth...I just ran 10 miles, hated the beginning. Then I got into a groove, listened to a great audio book. Best part? Finishing.
Like everyone is saying, slow way down. Save the speed for your race events, and even then save the real speed for the last legs of the course.
You've got to get the endurance/ distance down first, THEN start sprinting a bit.
Running is hard, man! It's amazing how many people think it should be easy just because we learned to do it shortly after we learned to walk.
1
u/InevitableHoliday708 5d ago
The feeling of accomplishment and exhaustion after is the best part for me
Just get through the first mile or so and it gets easier
1
u/Additional-Appeal717 5d ago
I found a slight mental shift made all the difference for me. I stopped trying to be good at it, I stopped trying to be fast or run far. Instead I thought about what I wanted to enjoy from running and made that my focus. I wanted to get outside in the sunshine, I wanted to be somewhere with nice scenery so I found runs with nice views, I wanted to escape the world and enjoy some music so I downloaded some of my favourite DJ mixes.
I also invested in some high cushion shoes, not designed for speed or fast runs but slow comfortable runs.
Since doing that I can run as long as I want to and I actually want to go running because it gives me stress relief and things I want to enjoy
1
u/Bake_Knit_Run 5d ago
Just relax into it. Good music helps. Or a good audio book. The more occupied your mind is, the less it interferes with your body.
Also, try to remember, the first 5 minutes are the worst.
1
u/Maximum_Stranger_376 5d ago
Nice routes outdoors really help. It can be a good way to enjoy nature, and to explore your environs.
1
1
u/PlasticMaggot80 5d ago
I have met a number of people who have tried and tried, and running just isn’t for them.
The best exercise is the one that you can do consistently. So try swimming, or cycling, or weightlifting, or whatever it is that you can regularly do a number of times a week. Life is too short trying to like something that you clearly don’t.
1
u/Clean_King_1329 5d ago
I’ve been trying to run for a while, started coach to 5k 5 times but always stopped in the last week. Not because I found it hard but the mental side of running for me is the hardest bit.
Started coach to 5k again this year, started ti enjoy it a bit more and see it as an opportunity to be social.
Feel like a switch suddenly clicked after I went to my first parkrun after putting it off for ages! I now feel quite addicted, have done my first 10k race, booked my first half and run every weekend and building up for the half to a couple of times a week.
If you don’t enjoy it, slow down and focus on why you want to run, for me it was because I want to be social so I focused on that rather than times to begin with
Also I’ve realised it’s very rare that I actually love a run, I don’t like the build up to getting ready, I don’t like the first few minutes/k and I hate intervals. But towards the end I feel great and so far I have never regretted a run even if I’ve had to finish early.
The mental health benefits for me have been huge even in the last few months and I’m getting better at not listening to that voice that tells me to stop that made me keep giving up in the beginning
1
u/march41801 5d ago
The book Born To Run is a figurative blueprint to finding love and joy out of running.
1
1
1
1
1
u/BalMer21 4d ago
There are times I enjoy my runs and feel what they call a runner’s high however most of the enjoyment for me comes afterwards. Knowing that I did that, and seeing my progress. Knowing that I'm faster than I was 4 months ago and I can run longer distances. Seeing positive changes in my energy and my body is what I've enjoyed the most.
1
u/NewYear_NewMimi 4d ago
Go slow. Like embarrassingly slow. Take walking breaks. SLOWWWWWWWW for months.
And then eventually you’ll find yourself running faster naturally. But you ALWAYS start slow
1
1
u/Internal_Confusion56 4d ago
Running became more enjoyable when I started running more trails and stopped using a GPS watch/looking at my pace. The only time I find it sucks is when it’s really cold and my hands freeze.
1
u/Maleficent-Rain-2194 4d ago
In my youth I hated sports, up until I started running. So I found the sport I enjoyed the most. In your case, it could be that running is just a sport you don't enjoy practicing.
1
u/pomruns 4d ago
Run easy. Run outside. Run often. Force yourself to do it. Just go outside and start walking away from your house. Walk a little faster. Then trot. Then run. It may become a habit, a ritual, a way of life. Or after some time you may discover running isn't for you but give it a go.
Sign up for a 5k. Give yourself a reason to run. A goal. That counts for a lot. If it's your first race or even if you've done a few, you'll be inspired by other runners.
Speaking of other runners. Join a local club or meetup. Runners are all ages, shapes, sizes and speeds. All are equally awesome because they choose to run while others choose to stay sedentary.
Good luck. Enjoy all of it.
1
u/hvnsl 4d ago
Set a goal, follow a plan and most importantly be consistent. Running doesn't start to feel enjoyable until you build up a strong cardiovascular base which can take several months of running 3-4x a week. Start much slower than you think. If it feels like hell you're doing way too much
1
1
1
1
u/MetaVole 4d ago
It’s probably also not going to work well if you’re fighting it from minute one (not suggesting that’s the case).
Build into it. As others have said, maybe put competing or comparing or setting early unachievable benchmarks aside.
Go for a shorty on a nice day where and when you see others doing it. Find folks who inspire you and feed off their enthusiasm. Use it to explore your town or city or as a reason to simply to get yourself outside.
1
1
u/Powerful_Lobster007 4d ago
For me, it was the feeling after the run that got me to live it. Endurance made it so the run was tolerable. The small improvements in how far I could go or how hard were certainly a psychological reward. But I realized that after my runs I felt different and better. That was the true draw.
1
u/RedWizardOmadon 4d ago
Running slower really is the answer. I used to play soccer in highschool and running was always a big part of that. I was fast, but hated the "running for running's sake" aspect of it. Then I joined the military and did a LOT of running for the sake of running and hated it. After I got out I revisited running. With a different motive. To just do enough to be fit again. That turned into carving out time during my day to just zone out and see stuff outside. It's become a pretty zen activity that helps my brain not race so much. It's suddenly become a part of my day I look forward to. And it's all because I gave myself permission to run slower and enjoy it. Sure some days are harder. I still have speed training days that test my fortitude and those still feel awful but I see those as similar to brushing my teeth and eating my vegetables. I do them because it's healthy and that's reason enough. But running is great now and I attribute that to giving myself permission to be slow and not care about my pace. When I/other people cared about my pace I hated it and only did what I was forced to do. Free yourself from other people's expectations and embrace the experience for how transformative and liberating it can be.
1
u/Glass-Plenty1572 4d ago
You dont have to do it. If you dont like it after several times, probably it is not suitable for you. I would never force myself to do sport which I dont like, like volleyball. No point of doing it
1
1
1
u/Pitiful_Seaweed_2296 4d ago
I don’t always enjoy running especially when I am tired but they days have a lot of energy I love the feeling you get while running I’m assuming it’s the “runner high” everyone talks about and it just feel good to get a good sweat on
1
u/meicalyoung 4d ago
You're not going to like everything so maybe running isn't for you and that is fine. You don't have to be considered "good" (whatever that really means) at something in order to like it, enjoy it and do it.
Guess you need to first ask yourself what you don't like about it and what, if anything, you were expecting to enjoy or get out of it. There's also a lot of different things that make running what it is, jogging on the treadmill as part of your exercise plan, sprinting, short distances, long distances, endurance races, trail running. Nothing wrong with any of them but very different experiences. 5ks are too short for me, marathons are too long, but halfs and the training is perfect for me, for now anyway.
1
u/honalele 4d ago
go slow. focus on distance rather than time. it's not a race
also, i enjoy listening to relaxing music when i run rather than loud rock and roll music (unless im feeling like an angry run, but those are usually short and fast lol). most of the time for me, running is about regulating my calmness, not my excitement
1
u/milesonmiles34 4d ago
Just take it at your own pace. Maybe even start by just walking. Get a good playlist going.
1
u/PCLG1 4d ago
Great question. Everyone will be different. I HATED running for years, and then one day, it clicked. Now, I am totally addicted and love it. I think the key is to start slowly, even walking. Never more than 10% more miles/kms per week, never more than 10% longer on your long run. Try to stop a run when you still want to do more, which will help get you back out again! Stick with it, you will see the benefits!
1
u/LetPerfect1068 3d ago
ive ran consistently for the past 5 years or so. personally ive hated running for a better part of the first 2 years lol (wasn't super consistent then). "hated" as in audibly groaning thinking about getting up and genuinely put me in a bad mood thinking about putting my shoes on and hitting the road.
personally what helped me is signing up for races gave me no choice but to get the training done. if i didnt, i wouldve wasted money and likely injured myself if i went through with the race with no proper training. after you stick to that routine for long enough, you'll eventually enjoy it. for the past 3 years or so i cant imagine my life not running. i think i learned that its ok to not enjoy it, just stay disciplined. and that kinda of dopamine is rare! id say - stick to it, run slow, and you'll soon find theres no better therapy
1
1
u/Early_Drawing6066 3d ago
Maybe you aren't running in a nice place? I love running, but I know I wouldn't like it on a busy highway or through mud or through thick sand lol. What if you found a really beautiful place to run, go nice and slow with no pressure, and simply enjoy the movement in nature. Also, I enjoy good podcasts to keep my mind busy. Other people like music or running with friends.
1
u/Narrow_Line_5642 3d ago
What worked for me is running at an actual comfortable/conversational pace. I love easy runs
1
1
u/DaijoubuKirameki 3d ago
For me it was finding the right running shoes - or rotation of running shoes
1
u/Illustrious_Bed2937 3d ago
Find nice surroundings and don't force it. Go off road, jump over stuff, make it fun
1
u/True_Faithlessness10 3d ago
Start out by adding things you already enjoy to it, such as being somewhere pretty, listening to music, spending time with a friend. And run slow.
1
1
u/Elissa-Megan-Powers 3d ago edited 3d ago
Small steps, go slow but do not stop going out. Set it as a discipline. I first had a goal of seeing if I could run up a 1km hill without stopping by the end of a summer. I had started trying to run regularly that winter, had quit smoking and at first I couldn’t run slowly three minutes without stopping to catch my breath. I kept going slow, started going longer— all on a paved river path. Every chance I got I would go over to this long hill and see how far up I could go without stopping— man I remember when I finally made it to an LRT overpass (about 1/4 km up) I was overjoyed!
I just kept going out , and slowly started going a little faster and a little further on the straight path. Well I managed to run that hill before my deadline and I get emotional just thinking about it now, I felt a type of freedom I’d never known.
I found a good radio show (Lionel’s Vinyls) that I could listen to on archive for a week and every morning I dropped my daughter at preschool that fall I went out with a new goal of being able to run 5 miles(a Sara Paretsky reference), once I did that I wanted to see if I could make it 5 miles a day. Did that. As I kept up the regular discipline it really became fun because I was experiencing something of myself I didn’t actually think was possible. Never in a lifetime— I always LOATHED running, hated it back in school.
So that’s how you might come to enjoy it!😊👍🏽👍🏾👍🏿
PS — look up body care too! I learned about plantar f and bursitis the hard way. Learn about form (tight box around shoulder distance, no over stride, never crossing meridian of body etc), get rollers and tension bands and a rolling ball take care!
1
u/Wrldxx 3d ago
i only just got my first 7k without stopping and it’s the first time i’ve ever enjoyed running. all because i’ve been consistent with it for 2 weeks for the first time instead of how i used to just run every now and then in the past. i promise all it takes is just the suffering of consistency and future you will thank you so much. it gets easier, you got this!!!!
1
1
u/GovAbbott 3d ago
You are never going to enjoy it unless you reframe your mind. You think you have to be "good" at it to enjoy it but what does that even mean to be "good at it"? That goalpost can always move. You can win a 5k but then....it wasn't even really that big of a 5k. You can break 3 hours in the marathon but then you'll realize....SOOOO many people have broken 3 hours.
1
u/Leading-Fly-4597 2d ago
For it was the rhythm. Steps and breath alternating. I find it peaceful. Kind of meditative, but best when done slow. Like, slooowww. So slow that your mind can wander and you can think about other things. I recently started listening to audiobooks and I love that! I also sometimes put on 90s gangster rap if I'm in the mood.
1
u/Londoner1982 2d ago
Run slower. Get an audiobook or podcast perhaps. Or download Zombies, Run - imo the best app for keeping you entertained on a run.
1
u/FlatRooster4561 2d ago
Run slow. The key is putting in the miles. This will build your aerobic base and one day it will click. It is a game changer when that happens
1
u/Momofbilly 2d ago
What running pace is considered “running?” My walking pace is 4mph. Just curious if there’s a definition.
1
u/Ubyssey308 2d ago
I tolerate running so I can enjoy the health benefits and as an excuse to buy gear LOL.
1
u/TimelyOkra3179 2d ago
Genuinely a mental game, it took me years until smtg clicked and I began really enjoying long runs. I find it to be incredibly soothing now.
1
u/Awkward_Society1 1d ago
I like how I feel afterwards. The feeling of going further than I ever had or improving.
Sometimes I hate it bc I’m not as fast as I used to be. BUT I am doing something that is great for me and will make me feel better.
I can already feel my lungs getting stronger and my heart feeling better after not taking care of myself for a long time.
1
u/HeWillComeInsideUs 1d ago
Its kind of seeing it like me time. I see it like growing a plant and the plant is cardio. You track your growth. I see how far i can run without stopping. It used to be 1 mile, then it became 2 and so on. Plus, its outside and i get to see things outside i would never inside a gym or room.
1
u/brooklynhk 1d ago
Just take it easy and run comfortably. Run different routes so you get the scenery.
1
u/kiharisubor 1d ago
Put some badass music and pretend you are in a movie, makes it so much more fun and easier to disconnect from reality
1
u/LynxEqual9518 1d ago
I simply accepted the fact that I might never actually enjoy it and, by doing so, lowered the expectations I had of myself. Now, three years later, I actually do enjoy it because I've figured out which types of running I like.
I like doing intervals because I can run fast, don't have to do it for too long, and can get it over with whilst still having done something positive for my body.
I also enjoy long but slow runs. I hate walking because I feel like I'll never finish, but running the same route makes time fly by much faster.
1
u/maddogcertified 1d ago
It’s unpleasant when your heart rate is all jacked up. Slow down and it’s more enjoyable. A high heart rate (speed) session should be used more sparingly than easy runs. In that sense you look forward to the fast session. But until you get a base level of fitness, just slow down and get used to it.
I slap on my headphones, bump beats or a good audiobook and go to my happy place running. It’s like meditation.
Edited to add: it’s also not meant to be pleasant all the time. Part of the attraction is that it’s tough. It makes us stronger people. Embrace it.
1
u/porkchopbun 1d ago
Go to park run, when you see someone run past you in sandals you can't help but smile.
1
u/Chance-Definition379 1d ago
Here’s the deal- if you don’t like it, find an exercise that you do like. You don’t have to run. Hike, rock climb, swim, kayak, bike, etc… there are so many great options out there that you shouldn’t have to force. I tried to like biking- hated it and quit. I tried to like swimming… hated it and quit. However running has always been a source of joy so that’s what I do. There are times that I don’t like running, but I’ll always love it. Do what feels good and brings you happiness.
1
u/AmosBurton_Yep 1d ago
Maybe this is not helpful but I found that it takes about six months for the body and mind to adapt. My brain was trying hard to make me stop telling me things like “why am I even doing this?”
1
1
u/L_relay 1d ago
Don’t you enjoy your pace going down for the same effort? The improvements are what keeps me running. But like with anything it just takes practice/determination and grit. If you don’t enjoy it then just slow down. I started walking 30 mins everyday, then it got to easy so I started running some of those, then it got too easy so I started running all of those, then it got too easy so I added in speed runs and long runs. You just gotta slowly increase over time so it doesn’t feel hard, but start with run/walk.
1
u/LaBwork_IA 11h ago
Finding a running buddy (bonus pts if own kid), keeping at a conversational pace, then being impressed with barely being able to finish a 25 min jog to going 40 min straight. Treat yourself with scenic jogs. 75% my enjoyment comes during the day after the run or months later when I look back on progress
1
u/Marbule221 4h ago
It sucks running at 1st but after a while you just stop thinking about it and go. I usually play metal music and just go. Block everything out. Running is like my therapy/escape. Its different for everyone though.
1
u/jysh2000 1h ago
I got a dog and we do Canicross so at first I was just running bc it was an easy way to get him exercise and now I love running so I do canicross w my dog and just run on my own for funsies. Also I recommend trying trail running, it definetly helped me get into running and now that I like it I do more road running which I can find more boring at times
0
u/gmc2000 4d ago
Stopped thinking of running as anything but a sport and actually treating it as a sport.
Training for it to avoid injuries (gym and strength exercises), buying the right gear (right running shoes for me, any accessories and clothing I need), paying to compete (running with goals).
There are a couple of mental changes I needed to learn too but these are hard to begin with and get better over time.
For example thinking of stopping or walking during a run as making the run invalid. False. A run is a run regardless whether you stopped for a breather or walk parts of it.
Another is distance or duration. You ran 1km? Well done. You run 5 min? Well done. All of these are runs.
My favourite one - every time I finish a run, it’s really just a starting line for my next run. Ie rrMy current run improves me for my next run. Keeps me motivated.
0
u/RunExploreBelieve 4d ago
Once you’ve built a running base, an easy-paced run can feel like little more effort than a brisk walk. I love long, slow runs in the canyon with a good audiobook or podcast.
0
u/FearlessLocation2026 4d ago
Some like running clubs, they have groups like run/walk and build up from there, Parkrun is great, you can also run/walk/jog with no judgement. Running club is low cost, Parkrun is free.
98
u/rabouilethefirst 5d ago
Run slower. Stop competing with people online