If you run, why?

Where do you run? I can't do treadmill running but I live somewhere flat and pretty. I can do a 4 mile route (the last 100 m or so on the outwards journey is an incline). It's on a pavement but goes past a river and park so it's scenic.
I probably enjoy the feeling of freedom and of having exercised.

Do you listen to headphones? (I have never tried).

Running around streets or housing estates isn't as enjoyable and I find myself counting steps on those runs. (1-2-3-4, 1-2-3-4...)

There's a big undulating park not far from me and that's glorious on late summer evenings.

I always say the best bit about running is stopping! 😬

I run because it’s a quick and easy way to get some cardio. To help my knees and joints Because occasionally, I quite like it.

I can’t help it! I love the idea of it. I love watching my family when they run races, I get so emotional seeing lots of people all coming together to do something. It’s a lovely bonding experience for them and I wish I could be part of it. At least a bigger part than holding the coats 😆

Don't be jealous! We're all wired up to enjoy different types of activity. I wish I was better at swimming and lifting weights!

I swear a lot at myself when running.

which is sort of freeing in itself

bloody fucking hill. who fucking chose this route

Started for physical health, wanted to get fit and loose weight. Now I find when I am not running my metal health suffers massively.

I also like that I'm outdoors and alone and am lucky that i too have lovely views on my routs.

I’m so jealous of people who love to run. My husband and three of my kids are runners and they get so much from it and it’s so accessible.
I’ve tried and tried, but it’s just not for me. I can’t switch my brain off in the way I can when I swim or lift weights. Not sure why but the internal chat is constant and negative when I’m running and I come back feeling really drained and crap.

I don't have indoor legs, I can't stand running on a treadmill.

LOVE this for you! X

If I don’t run the zombies will catch me.

Hills are no joke!!

The trick is to use the treadmill to prepare you for running outdoors.

Then be prepared for your first few outdoor runs to feel like shit.

But you do find your "outdoor legs" eventually. Every run is a step in the right direction.

If you have a fitness tracker watch, try feeding the data into AI for more detailed feedback (asking it to compare with your previous run/s). It was only by doing this that I became aware of incremental improvements from one week to the next, that I otherwise wouldn't have noticed.

Our bodies are amazing once you start to understand them in terms of more than just weight!

It’s very hilly where I am too. I’m a beginner. I’ve found a track/footpath around the valley bottom and started with that. Then I’ve used uphills as my rest walk if I needed to, and ran flat/downhill bits. I’ve just started adding in uphill slopes.

Absolutely love it. Totally obsessed. I think a lot of it is due to the sense of achievement (when it goes well), plus having a goal motivates me.

I’ve been injured and not able to run for the last year. I really miss it. I run to HR so spend quite a bit of time walking, which gives me time to see the nature around me. I also explore and try new routes I’ve not been before. It keeps me sane, burns calories and just keeps me moving as I get older. I’m hoping I can sort my injury and get back soon.

What a lovely thread! I haven’t run for ages, bar 10 min on treadmill at end of gym sessions, but this morning I started 5k with my 2 DDs. Was great fun so thanks for the encouragement everyone.

You are me 2 years ago!

I had tried the couch 25k a few times and just couldn’t get to grips with it. Last time I did it but all on the treadmill at the gym. I eventually ran outside doing 5ks 3xs a week. I was so so nervous to run outside to begin with but I did it and absolutely loved it. I then got the app Runna and haven’t looked back. Doing my first marathon this year. Now I love nothing more than a long run with my audio book. It’s been a process and I’m still incredibly proud and in awe of my body and all she can do.

What a great question.

I run because it makes me feel accomplished. Running was something I never thought I could do. Turns out I can and I still get an incredible kick that my body can do this. I also love the sense of calm and peace it gives me.

Originally because something compelled me to do it. I'd been thinking I'd like to for probably a year then one day, I tried.

After a while I realised that it helped my mental wellness.

I like the way you I see something different each time and hear and smell birds, soil etc.

I run for my long-term physical and mental health.

I also love to identify as a runner. I’ve never been sporty and this is something I can do.

Thanks for your message but I’m honestly too unfit and embarrassed to join a group.

Also where I live is v v hilly and I think would destroy me!

I find Treadmill running soul destroying.

is there a club near you with a friendly beginners group to get you out on the road if you’re worried? It’s honestly so much more enjoyable.

Just wanted to say thanks for this thread.

I’ve just started running and I’m finding it really hard. I’m very very unfit and my gym is full of sculpted 20-somethings (I’m fat and over fifty). I feel self conscious and stupid and like I’m not making any progress.

(I’m running at the gym because it feels safer than running outdoors)

I’ll try and use this thread as inspiration.

It's a moving meditation for me, the only time I empty my head of trash 😆

Also views. Those are amazing 😍 OP!! thanks for sharing. Where's that?

I took up running in my 40s and it was the most enjoyable, fulfilling exercise I ever did. I ran 10Ks and a half marathon, but developed bad plantar fascitis after a few years and to dial it back. Now at 68 I have severe osteoarthritis in my knee and having to consider a knee replacement. I will never run again, but even if I was certain running caused my knee issues, I wouldn't regret it.

I initially ran for health and to encourage weight loss. Then I found the mental health boost is priceless. I’m a morning jogger and love the feeling of being in nature, literally me and the birds and the odd dog walker. Pure bliss.