That runners' high

[roarfeckingroarr]

You know how runners supposedly get this high? A sense of freedom and joy and it becomes wonderfully enjoyable...

What am I doing wrong?! I'm pretty fit but not a runner, I prefer weights and swimming and walking, but in the absence of gyms and pools I've started running and nearly completed C25K. I can run without pain, although I do get tired.

But it SUCKS. Once, ONCE, in months, I really enjoyed it because the weather was beautiful. I run in a beautiful spot with great music but it's still a slog.

Is running just something you like or don't, like coriander, or can one learn to love it? I want pure joyous elation!

I lived to run, loved every second of every run, felt properly out of sorts if I couldn't get out for a quick 10km every few days.

However, I'd urge keen runners to keep the milage down. I'm not old but I will never run again due to knee damage. It's funny, I used to comment to friends about DH's iron man running friends all getting hip replacements when they hit 50, but didn't ease up myself. After all, I was different... or so I thought. I'll need a knee replacement soon. I wish to god I'd not got into running, as now I can't hike, or swim, or play tennis, or do anything really other than short walks .

@goodbyegreenbelt - can I ask you about your knees? I’m a keen runner but my knees constantly give me bother. I’ve tried all sorts and am now worried that I’ll have to stop.

@DownWhichOfLate if you have knee issues I'd urge you to get a proper diagnosis asap. That's where I went wrong. Took a physio's word that it was a ligament issue, so did all the wrong exercises and made the problem worse. I have bone cysts, caused by uneven joint wear, often a precursor to osteoarthritis. Very common issue with older runners in my running club.

My advice to stop running, find something else. I wish I had. I am so depressed, I have young kids and I can't kneel on the floor, muck about in the garden, go for a bike ride with them. It's tough.

I only started running about six or seven years ago, having previously only been a swimmer and occasional gym-goer. It was a real slog at first: I'd only enjoy every fourth or fifth run, but the others would feel awkward, slow, sweaty and boring. I joined a lovely running club and started signing up for 5k and 10k races, which really helped make running fun. I have done a half marathon but found it too long/difficult, so now I stick to running 5-8k, three times a week. I run alone now (pandemic issues!). I can honestly say I like or love every single run I do. I think I just love the feeling of escaping the house - literally running away from my responsibilities! I'm lucky enough to live in a pretty scenic part of the UK (hilly - which i detested at first, but now I love, for the views, and I now hate boring flat runs). The views definitely help. I love running off road, too - probably better for your knees and other joints. But basically at some point, maybe two years in, I started loving running and getting a real buzz every time. I'm not a fast runner by any means, and I really struggle with heart rate (its between 160 and 190 on all my runs), but mentally I find it so energising and satisfying. Bit concerned about pelvic floor and knees in the future, mind you.

@goodbyegreenbelt - thank you. That sounds utterly horrendous. I’ve had creaky knees for many years. They hurt sometimes. But I’m an idiot and I run through it. I’ll get a proper diagnosis and heed your warning. Sending you sympathy as I can imagine how upsetting it must be.

I get runner's high.
After a long run I feel so happy, relaxed and at peace. The kids are wise to this and know it's a good time to ask for stuff!

The run itself gives me a buzz and either energises or unwinds me depending on my mood when I head out.

I am 50 and have always been a runner. My knees are fine.
The only difference to what I did when I was younger is that I've added other sports (cycling and swimming) to mix it up a bit and add a different social side (did my first little triathlon last year), but running is my true passion.

I hate the first 10 minutes, my body is saying 'turn back, don't bother, this is SHIT'. I live in the most beautiful countryside but it doesn't make the experience any less shit however, after that 10-minute grim zone, I start to get a rhythm and begin to kind of enjoy it

I definitely get post runner's high, the feeling of accomplishment can last for hours. I usually run once or twice a week (otherwise I'm lifting heavy weights or doing HIIT) and I choose Fridays as my 'run day' as it sets a good feeling for the start of the weekend.

@goodbyegreenbelt
I'm really sorry about your knee replacement. Is it definitely running that is responsible ? I have a knee problem, a torn meniscus but manage to run with it. I recently had a bone density scan which showed I had above normal density for a woman if 55 and I thought my running was a reason for that - I didn't realize it could have the opposite effect.
There are a lot of older runners in my club who have now switched to cycling and swimming, no coincidence I suppose!

I only ever got the runner's high when I completed park runs or races - I assume because I pushed myself harder.

@Jemenfouscompletement yes, it was the running, although to put it in perspective I have been a runner all my life, competing in long distance runs from about 13. I think I ran my first 10km at 6. There are runners in my club who took it up much later, and obviously haven't the same cumulative wear so are in a much better position than me.

You are right, it is no coincidence that the older runners in your club are switching to lower impact exercise. It is wise to be a bit savvy as you age. My parents are in their 80s, and still ski and climb mountains. They can do everything I can't. Both have kept very fit all their lives but never ran. Tennis, hiking, swimming, the gym. They looked after their knees!!! I wish I had.

One tiny bonus (and it really is tiny) of giving up running, I have a much better figure now . Long distance running did me no favours looks wise.

@goodbyegreenbelt
One tiny bonus (and it really is tiny) of giving up running, I have a much better figure now grin. Long distance running did me no favours looks wise.

How? Were you underweight? I'm definitely not, BMI 19 - 20 and very high muscle %age, and scared of putting on loads of weight if I stop running

I never used to get it but I’ve changed my route and always run in woods or by the river and now I get it. Before I was on country roads and dodging cars. I think now it’s about the scenery and fresh air. Same when I cycle. Don’t get the same feeling on my turbo trainer so it’s definitely the outdoors not the exercise.

@Jemenfouscompletement No, not underweight, about the same BMI as you, but strong legs, flat chest, weaker upper body, slightly haggard face at times. Now that cardio is limited to press ups and the like, I'm toned all over, chest has rounded out, face is softer. I just look generally better.

I'd still trade functioning knees over appearance though!

I did actually have a lovely rare run this morning where I felt light on my feet and nothing was hurting.
I like to totally zone out when I run, I find it really helps my stress to switch off, take in my surroundings and push myself.

One day it just clicks. Long runs are my favourite. I remember once running a 20 mile training run out in the countryside. I felt good and effortless. I was so elated and happy at one point I had a little cry. Towards the end it got difficult but as soon as you finish it comes rushing back again.

@goodbyegreenbelt you must miss running an awful lot. I love being outside, could never get the same endorphins from a running machine! Did you have to reduce your food intake when you stopped running?

@Jemenfouscompletement I do, a lot. I've struggled mentally to accept that this is my life. That I can't just go for a run. I've not found anything else that allows me to clear my head and de-stress in the same way. I find it hard when I see other people out jogging, people who are obviously hating every second of their run, it feels so very unfair. I put a brave face on it when friends send me strava links of their personal best runs, their best distance, etc. Jealousy is a wasted emotion so I try not to be jealous, but bit it can be hard.

To be honest food wise I've not had a problem. I think I was naturally more hungry when I was running miles every week, and probably ate more. I'm not one to measure. I've not gained weight since, just evened up my body tone, and softened a bit.

'Be kind to your knees, you'll miss them when they've gone.....' Bad Luhrmann

*Baz

I’d give this a read OP www.adventure-journal.com/2017/01/i-hate-running/

I’m an experienced/half decent runner and frequently get “oh absolutely fuck this” days.
Showering off disappointment is part and parcel of it!

[quote goodbyegreenbelt]@Jemenfouscompletement I do, a lot. I've struggled mentally to accept that this is my life. That I can't just go for a run. I've not found anything else that allows me to clear my head and de-stress in the same way. I find it hard when I see other people out jogging, people who are obviously hating every second of their run, it feels so very unfair. I put a brave face on it when friends send me strava links of their personal best runs, their best distance, etc. Jealousy is a wasted emotion so I try not to be jealous, but bit it can be hard.

To be honest food wise I've not had a problem. I think I was naturally more hungry when I was running miles every week, and probably ate more. I'm not one to measure. I've not gained weight since, just evened up my body tone, and softened a bit.

'Be kind to your knees, you'll miss them when they've gone.....' Bad Luhrmann[/quote]
I'm so sorry you can't run any more

As a fellow runner I really get it.
I've had 3 stress fractures in the last 10 years and a period where I was advised by GP not to run (high CK levels) and it was so hard. And that was knowing I just had to be patient. I have lost my complacency now and make sure I remind myself how fortunate I am.

During one period of injury I had to find something comparable to de-stress. I took up swimming. If you knew me then you'd have laughed. I'm the classic non-swimming running type. It was an excellent work out due to my complete inefficiency! And the faff.....I'd get to the pool thinking I could have done a 5 mile run in the time it took just to get there.

BUT (I'm getting to the point!), I stuck at it. I had to, it was pretty much the only thing I could do, and in time I did finally start hitting that sweet spot in a swim session where I would lose myself, feel good and feel myself relax. I got into a routine, and the faff time diminished, met some people.

I love it now. So, even though I know nothing will ever be the same as running, there might be a sport out there which ticks many of the boxes.

Dear god, I hope that didn't sound too preachy and lovey.

Sat here wasting time on MN when I should be running. Wish the runners high would come before I went out 😩

@TheOrigRights thanks for your lovely post. Yes, I do need to find a sport out there that ticks the boxes. Swimming is great, but difficult to fit in as there is no local indoor pool. Between work and dcs I don't have the enough time to get to one. In summer I can get to an outdoor one, but even a straight leg crawl kick causes my knees to inflame so I am restricted to arms only crawl. It's fine, and I've got pretty good at it but I feel very self conscious and ridiculous. As I can walk no one understands why I can't use my legs to swim!

Realistically I need the operation, but obviously COVID.