If you run, why?

i feel great afterwards and love the collagen boost in my face

Because I injured my shoulder and couldn’t do any other exercise. I hated it then and don’t particularly enjoy it now that I can do my primary exercise again. But I keep doing it cos it kept me from going mad and turning into a blob lol. And it is pretty in spring and summer.

Headspace, I do my best thinking running.

I crave achy calves, the good you ran today calves.

It took a While after couch to 5k to enjoy it, but once I did enjoy it it was amazing. 3 marathons later I love it.

I gave up running about 18 months ago due to a shoulder injury and never started again, but this thread has reminded me why I loved it, so I think i'll start again, thank you!

Initially it was to lose weight and gain some fitness. I was one of those people who liked cross country at school (even though I was never a sporty child) so decided to take up running in my mid 30's

My reasons have changed through the years. There were social reasons, the enjoyment of races. The buzz of the finish line. Currently I'm struggling, but still trying and the main motivation is that I don't want to go back to the start and when I retire I want to be able to enjoy my time. I fear that if I'm not active now then my future self won't have the energy to travel and have an active life in my 70s and beyond.

Where do you live!!!! Gorgeous.

I'd never wear fashion trainers for running. These are something like Mizuno Wave Rider 20 when the current model is Mizuno Wave Rider 30.

I'm wondering if they are actually proper running shoes made to 2010 specifications or a cheap shoe with the outer appearance of a retro running shoe because that look is trending as a leisure shoe.

(They're not Mizuno Wave Riders but I used that as an example of a known brand and model).

FWIW My rules with running shoes are
They don't get worn as leisure shoes
They don't get worn as gym shoes or tennis shoes
They get washed by hand if necessary, not in the washing machine

I think you could start c25k or do an ocassional run in fashion trainers but tbh running shoes are cushioned in the right places to avoid injury.
plus my feet sweat buckets running.

I think this is part of it for me. I did my first ultra at the weekend and at one point I was running along eating an ice pole, later I was charging down hill through over grown woodland on a really uneven path, it was so fun!! Also, nothing quite like the feeling of getting to the top of a massive hill and seeing the sea knowing you’re going to be running down to it.

it wasn’t always like this. The early days were hard and I had to bargain with myself to get out the door! I spent a long time doing it because I wanted to be better at it but actually not really enjoying it. Now I love it!!! I don’t even really think about the distance, I just run along enjoying different bits, knowing that even if I feel tired one minute I’ll be ok again on the next down hill.

bow I want to challenge myself to see how far and fast I can go. Next goals are to properly race a 50k and then enter a 50 miler.

Gorgeous photos OP!

Why do I run? I run because I feel so much better, both physically and mentally, when I do. It's as simple as that. When I fall off the running wagon, and I do from time to time, I end up feeling rubbish - tired and grumpy and just out of sorts. I don't run because it makes me look amazing, because it doesn't. The calories I burn mean I have fewer of them to sit on my arse, so I suppose I'm slimmer than I would otherwise be, but as a 52-year-old with a sedentary job the amount I run hasn't turned me into someone who is firm and lean. I wish it had!

re clean lungs
running in high humidity/rain feels really good in my asthma damaged lungs.

I started as bereavement therapy and aiming for better cardiovascular outcomes than my parents. I love it for the fresh air, stress relief and the sense of achievement. I'm fitter than I've ever been in my life and can't believe my middle aged body is capable of the things it can do. I'm fortunate to live by the sea and have my choice of beautiful coastal running routes. I always feel like my lungs have had a clean afterwards!

I run for the sense of achievement and wellbeing for having done it. Also it helps control my weight and improve my fitness.

I'm more motivated to go running now that I live somewhere with lovely riverside running routes close by, but I can't say that I actually proactively enjoy the views much while I'm running.

For me, it’s the closest thing to feeling like a child again. Particularly running in the rain or really bad weather. It feels like we (age 55!) should be tucked away at home, but we’re outside enjoying the freedom.

I find the opposite. I can run miles being angry about something then decide to not worry about it. I don't get an endorphin high, as far as I know, just a sense of pride in having shifted myself outside and stuck it out.

I run because my mates do. Or did. Increasingly injuries and family commitments mean they rarely come.
Running alone is bad for my mental health. I go out with a problem, stress about it for several km then come home with the same problem but more tired, with sore legs and fewer beans to solve the issue.
And jealous that other people seem to have some kind of endorphin high.
I used to enjoy it more when I was fitter and less stressed.c

Ha! I tried qigong once and had to leave after the lovely guy asked my friend if she could feel the qi and she very solemnly nodded and said “yes I can feel the qi” then once he’d gone she looked panicked and whispered “I can’t feel the qi at all can you?” She looked so worried I just couldn’t stop laughing.

I also like that it makes me appreciate cold weather. I love the summer but a very cold run is far better than a hot one for me.

I just got home from a run. There is something about running that feels different to all other exercises but I can’t explain what it is. It makes me keep going though.

I try and mix up my runs, sometimes faster, sometimes slower and longer, sometimes run/walk.

Nothing compares to being outside and running. Only times I won’t run are temps over 30 and ice/snow.

@FrancieMulldoon , maybe it just isn't for you. I went to Pilates once.
Was told off for laughing - a man was snoring on his yoga mat.
I didn't go back.

I’ve tried all kinds of places, beach, park, woods, urban areas, gym. I’ve joined running clubs, done park run, run with friends or family and my own.
With music, podcasts, audiobooks or nothing!
I think I just need to admit defeat and hold the coats with pride!

@tamade , when I was young, someone local went out jogging every morning. When he was asked 'Why?' he'd say 'Why not?'

@BitOutOfPractice , when I started jogging, I used to warm up to the same song. It still gets me going. It's quite a distinctive one.

Embarrassing question. I bought a pair of retro running shoes. Can I wear them for running despite them being like the ones I wore 20 years ago?
They're a top running brand and that model is still going but now something like mk20 not mk10.

I'm not too concerned about looks but don't want to wear them if they're fashion shoes masquerading as runners.

Yep. I 100% agree. I’m ok once I get going (and can Look forward to stopping!) but the getting going is still a challenge. I persevere though, I persevere!

"I always say the best bit about running is stopping! 😬"
The hardest part is putting the shoes on and getting out through the door.