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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not bother with trying running as its a bit rubbish

154 replies

MrsKravitz · 10/06/2011 13:03

Ive been trying the couch to 5 K and cant get past the 1 minute running, 1 minute walking stage as I just find I hate running.Why on earth do people enjoy it? Im giving up.

OP posts:
Happymm · 10/06/2011 13:32

I have no boobs :( but I can run :o

LieInsAreRarerThanTigers · 10/06/2011 13:32

Agree it can be hard to get into, and not always enjoyable throughout, but worth it for the feelgood factor when you have done it. For me it's the only way I can fit in aerobic exercise - there's no set time, travel time, parking, so completely flexible whenever I have childcare. Swimming is such a faff and doesn't really do the 'burn' for me. I love being outdoors so that is a bonus. Finding somewhere pretty to run, on grass as much as possible, is really important for me, and it's a great feeling to be out quite early when hardly anyone else is around, just the birds. Also find which time of day suits you best. I go twice a week before breakfast, which works for me.

allhailtheaubergine · 10/06/2011 13:33

(so it gets it over with quicker, I mean)

MrsLevinson · 10/06/2011 13:33

I'm doing the couch to 5k too, I couldn't do it without my iPod. Butterbur thanks that's motivated me! How many times a week do you run?

Ephiny · 10/06/2011 13:35

I hate running too. I do like walking (including hillwalking), cycling and swimming, so not completely allergic to exercise, but I've never been able to see the appeal of running. I've never seen a runner who looked like they were enjoying themselves, though apparently some people do!

BettySwollocksandaCrustyRack · 10/06/2011 13:38

I agree Ephiny - all the runners I see (me included properly) look like they are about to expire!

Butterbur · 10/06/2011 13:41

I started off doing 2x a week outside, spending about 20-15 minutes on it, plus 20 mins on a treadmill when I went to the gym. Now it's 3 times a week most weeks, and I eat loads of crap what I like.

Try getting some good pounding music for your runs. I find that when I don't want to go, just putting in my earphones, and hearing my running music start makes my legs start running by themselves Grin.

Butterbur · 10/06/2011 13:42

That's 20-25 minutes btw.

RevoltingPeasant · 10/06/2011 13:46

Second the Enell sports bra, a must - try googling lessbounce.co.uk. They are like body armour, those things - I'm on my third!!

Try joining a running club once you can do a couple of miles (c. 20 min). Running with other people is a fantastic motivator.

I miss it too - injured now and putting on weight like a fat cow nobody's business.

HeavyHeidi · 10/06/2011 13:47

but...don't run if you don't like it.
There are plenty of other optioins, from biking to dancing to martial arts and so on. everybody should do whatever exercise they actually enjoy and not force themselves to do things they don't - way easier to actually gert up and do whatever you have selected, I promise.

thesurgeonsmate · 10/06/2011 13:48

When I start each run I still feel a weird crunchy feelings in my ankles, an uncertain balance, a general self-consciousness, the sorts of things that made me think I didn't like to run when I was younger. But I find that I settle in to it, and after a few minutes I just feel great. So maybe you just have to try running for a bit longer than a minute!

FruitSaladIsNotPudding · 10/06/2011 13:50

Try running slower. You're probably hating it because you've started out too fast.

TheCountessOlenska · 10/06/2011 13:51

Hmmm. Pros: I lost 2.5 stone running 3 times a week, the high afterwards is better than sex - fact. Cons: never had so many aches and pains (sure it does terrible damage to joints), had to buy decent trainers eventually when my toenails turned black (expensive), hate running outside as look like knob so have to pay for gym membership (expensive)

thesurgeonsmate · 10/06/2011 13:57

FruitSalad speaks the truth - it's fine to start out going slower than you think is even credible.

Trills · 10/06/2011 14:05

Running is shit. IMO

Lots of people enjoy doing things that I would hate.

Lots of people would hate doing things that I enjoy.

Original poster
MrsKravitz · 10/06/2011 14:26

Right. I have just been out trying again.
Running slowly makes my calves hurt so much I cant run the minute.
Ive just had to stop after 6 run rounds as the pain is so bad.
I have stretched, I have warmed up and I have drunk water.
It just burns.

OP posts:
LabMonkey · 10/06/2011 14:56

DD is 5.5 weeks and I can't wait to start running again. It's going to hurt a lot to begin with but hopefully I'll be back up to 10km soon. It will also help me lose the post-pregnancy michelin man look I'm currently sporting. Running isn't for everyone but for me it's the best stress relief around and I can enjoy the scenery too!

flamegirl77 · 10/06/2011 14:56

When I first started running I couldn't believe how awful I felt after a minute. I stuck at it and somehow managed to do two, then five, then ten - that was a big day! It got much better once I got past the stop, start stage and I really started enjoying runs. The first fifteen minutes are always the worst for me - after that all the nice chemicals kick in.

earthpixie · 10/06/2011 15:35

I'd love to be a runner as they have great bods but am not built that way. However, as middle age apporaches I've been taken aback recently by how many experienced runners of my age I know who are now suffering with permanent joint problems which have stopped them running. I'm not wholly convinced in the long run that it does more good than harm.

RevoltingPeasant · 10/06/2011 15:51

surgeonsmate You might want to go to a physio about the crunchy ankles as your talus (I think - not a doctor!!) might be stiff. Where are you? I can recommend people in Yorks and Devon.

Also OP, ditto. Where does it burn? If it's down the front you might have shin splints. If that's so then try doing a forward lunge and tapping your front toe several times before each run, it will help. If it's the back, then you just need to get used to running probably. Don't stretch before a run - warm up gently and then starting running, and then stretch afterwards.

Shodan · 10/06/2011 15:52

For some reason I find running to be immensely hard work. Fine for five minutes or so, then can't breathe properly.

However- I am convinced that it'll improve my stamina no end and since I have a major grading coming up next year and don't want to look like a wet nelly I have persuaded DH (who use to do all this kind of stuff) to come with me and help me out. Plus I want to lose some weight.

I am Determined.

Trills · 10/06/2011 16:02

You don't have to run or enjoy running.

It's not compulsory.

millymolly5306 · 10/06/2011 16:04

I was always bad at running but in March i joined a bootcamp, needed to lose some weight, we done circuit training, bleep tests, then started running towards the end, which i was terrified at doing, (images of me wearing a high vis jacket did not help) but i found it great, the first run was 2 miles and i could not stop smiling all day! Since bootcamp has finished me and my dear friend run 3 times a week at 6am and it really is great, outside in the fresh air, i can honestly say i love it now!

IWantToBeAFairyWhenIGrowUp · 10/06/2011 16:05

I loved doing the couch to 5K - I managed to complete it and also do the Race 4 Life in 29 minutes. Result.

Running isn't for everyone, but its cheap and the weather has been fantastic too.

Original poster
MrsKravitz · 10/06/2011 16:20

revoltingpeasant its both. The calves and radiating down the lateral front

OP posts:
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