Jogging is awful

Oh wow, @alittleprivacy, that woman is amazing! I would really love to do that. Thanks for posting the clip. 😀

Also after being stuck inside for months in lockdown even when I don't enjoy the running, I appreciate it iyswim!

I'm doing C25k and so far it's working! I've tried it in the past and failed but this time I'm going slower - so slow that my phone hasn't actually recognized it as running! I do feel like I am improving though.

@ilovecardigans We have older people than that in out skate group. In fact watch this woman who trained with a skate teacher I follow on youtube and see what's possible.

Oh I've always wanted to try in line skating, @alittleprivacy! But I'm the most accident prone person ever, so I think it probably wouldn't end well.

Also, I'm nearly 56, so I think people would point and laugh... 🤭

Depending on the quality of the surfaces around you an amazing alternative to running, is skating. Skating provides all of the cardio benefits of running and many more anaerobic benefits, it creates an amazing core without the impact on the joints. It's also a million times more fun because you are gliding. Even maintaining a consistent 30/km/p/h pace it's possible to chat with a companion because you aren't dealing with impact. Though if alone with fast paced music, you'll probably find it easier to work harder.

You do have to invest in good quality skates designed for endurance/ultra endurance and really should get some safety equipment. Like handguards, knee pads and wear a helmet because it's possible to hit speeds of up to 50km/p/h even just cruising. And unfortunately it's not a sport that works well with wet weather or persistent ice. But the lack of impact on the joints especially as you get older really allows for serious levels of endurance to be maintained right through old age.

It definitely gets easier.

I started running (couch to 5k) over a year ago, finished it on time, but found it hard going. After that I didn’t run for ages and did spin at the gym instead.

I went back to running when gyms closed at start of lockdown. I still hated it. But (due to a lack of gym) I persevered.

Now, I can go a decent pace for as long as I want. I can do 10k or 15k without feeling sore during or after. And I really enjoy it now.

I think it’s all about slowly letting the muscles develop, and figuring out posture etc. Like anything in life, the more you do it, the better you get.

I am a natural runner. When I've had really difficult runs (too tired, pushed myself when coming down with a cold, ignoring a niggle) I think that's what it must feel like for people who don't enjoy it. There is no way I would keep it up - you need to find an exercise you enjoy. Then you get the benefit of fitness, the excitement of getting out, the buzz during and the anticipation of the next one. I think I'm fortunate but I do believe there is a form of exercise out there that everyone can enjoy.

Agree, I don't look forward to exercise but I do look forward to the feeling I get afterwards.
Running is hard, I've been getting back into it and it feels like such an effort sometimes but always, always feel better for doing it so it's more the reward rather than the process for me.

I would occasionally look forward to the idea of my run, then be disappointed by the reality!

'Looking forward' to exercise is something that has never happened in my 54 years.

Just do something else! Exercise should be something to look forward to not dread.

Not sure I’m at the ‘enjoying’ stage yet, and it’s still a struggle. I’m waiting for that breakthrough moment (I hope) when it becomes easier.

I’m not a natural runner and posted a similar thread a few weeks ago.

I was feeling despondent after starting C25 and finding it like running through mud. I got lots of encouragement and three weeks on, am still at it. I use the Fitness 22 app, which gives you the option of repeating runs if you feel a stage is difficult. Consequently, I’m still at the running for 1 1/2 minute stage, rather than much further along.

However, even though I haven’t progressed far, I tell myself it’s not a race, and at least I’m doing thirty minute exercise 2-3 times a week, which I wasn’t before.

I think some people just aren't built for it. I just don't seem to get fitter or stronger, whatever I do. Maybe I'm in that 30% someone mentioned upthread!

I was very pleased with myself when I completed the c25k in May after three years of build up - lockdown meant I couldn't make any excuses any more.

I kept running for 30 minutes three times a week during June, July, August and September... hoping I would start to enjoy it, and that the overwhelming sense of shame and inadequacy would abate. I never got any faster or better, and never started to enjoy it. There would be a couple of minutes at about 12 or 13 minutes into the run where I might think 'actually this is tolerable', but that was it.

Being constantly overtaken by springy ponytailed women hardly breaking sweat was just awful.

I went slowly, or did intervals, or whatever, but no. BALLS TO IT.

So I don't do it any more. It's no longer handy, now it gets dark early, so even that appeal has gone. I cycle two miles to work and do a Joe Wicks three times a week. My exercise humiliation is mine alone, and private. Something grim that has to be done, as quickly as possible.

Running is hard work, on a bike you get up and down hills and with weights etc you get a bit of recovery but running is just hard going (and hard impact!) all the time!

Good plan to slow down, you’ll be able to go further for longer if you run just slightly slower than you feel you can but if you stick at it, you’ll be shocked by how much easier it gets! Quite quickly too if you have a good base level of fitness.

I did a lot of track stuff when I was a teen and have always run as part of general fitness, I mainly do triathlons and ultras / marathons now (they say you lose speed but gain stamina as your bones get older!) and spend a bit of time in the gym doing weights but nothing else on earth tires me out as suitably as a good long run.

I am on week 5 of c25K, yesterday I did 8 min jog, 5 min walk, 8 min jog.

5 weeks ago 8 would have told you that would be impossible. I felt like I had barely survived the 60 sec jog, 90 sec walk phase

Tomorrow I will be doing a 20 minute jog!

I am obese right now at 198lb, I was 233lb 3 months ago and hadn't done any exercise for years.

I can't say I love jogging, but I do love the sense of accomplishment I feel when I finish one of my sessions and haven't dropped down into a puddle of twisted muscles

Slow, slow jog is the key, barely faster than a brisk walk. I will work on speed once I've built up my stamina enough.

I always run with music or podcasts.

I used to be like this, am NOT a runner, am a snail! but two years ago found that I didn’t feel v fit with walking/classes and after changing jobs and increasing hours needed something I could do anytime.

So started to jog/walk, used a heartrate monitor, taking walking breaks whenever heartrate got above my target zone. Several times a week for 45 mins to an hour. Gradually got better and now can run 10-12k no problems, no breaks, and really enioy it. Run most days.

Am still a snail, which is fine!

Running on the spot on a rebounder has helped me to get into it - its much easier on the joints and fun too.

But is jogging that much better for you than very brisk walking?

If you are starting ... then I'd really recommend some earphones and listen to some music. I do a good bit of running, but hate running without music.

Use an app like Strava. The free version collects interesting data, and you can see how much you do, pace, etc. I find that interesting too.

Take your time, be gentle, build up over time slowly. Do re-try the couch to 5k!

I think what a lot of people don't realise (I know I didn't!) is that 99% of people HATE c25k when they start. It hurts. You feel sick. You might even physically throw up. It feels wrong in a way that walking or cross training or HIIT or other easier forms of exercise don't.

So you quit and then start again, and fall off the wagon, and maybe start again another time, or maybe just jack it in altogether.
I hated c25k. Hated running. Was so unfit I would let the bus leave without me rather than run for it. But then, once I stuck with it and forced myself through the whole c25k programme, something clicked. Now a half marathon is a "short" run to me; I love distance running, and I get tetchy if I go more than a day without. Most people who see me at races probably wouldn't believe that just a few years ago I hated running with a passion and swore I'd never do it.

What I'm trying to say is that hating running is normal. Cos it's hard! But the only difference between someone who runs marathons and someone who quits c25k after a week or two is perseverance... marathon runners aren't a different physical breed!

Good luck OP - and as pps have said; slow down, and then slow down some more!!

Love walking (go along at a good 4mph pace), love weight training, but HATE running so I just don't do it. I'm very fit and walked a marathon in 2018, but there's no way on God's green earth that I could jog or run one.

I fall over easily, so it's probably just as well... 🙄

I literally just can't run! I desperately wanted to be one of those people who 'catches the running bug' and has to go for a run several times a week to clear my head etc, and I have tried C25K several times in the hope that this time will be the time that it happens.

It has never happened, I literally hate every single second. I have finally given up on running.

I lead C25k for my running club and spend half my time telling people to slow down, so I’m glad you’ve found the secret.! Most people start off as they used to run at school ie sprinting and then find out the hard way that they aren’t as young and it as they used to be.

Just remember that to start with its the effort and recovery (run and walk) that is improving your fitness, its really not about speed at this point..as long as you are moving and then letting your heart rate and breathing recover in the breaks you’re doing great. As you get fitter then the speed will come naturally, but for now its endurance that matters.

Good luck