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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:
Teladi · 10/06/2011 16:22

It is a bit crap to begin with but honestly once you have got to the stage of being able to do 5k comfortably it is really great. I started as a reluctant 5k Race for Life runner about five years ago, and ever since then have really got into it.

PrincessJenga · 10/06/2011 16:39

I love it. But I find it much easier to run in a group rather than on my own. If you do want to try it again then it might be worth trying to find a local running club. Ours has different groups, starting with the 'run/walk' group who only do a mile or so, right up to the super fit blokes and one girl who run about 10 miles in an hour. I find I run further, faster and for longer if I'm with other people (plus, I get a chance to meet people and have a gossip)

RevoltingPeasant · 10/06/2011 17:07

OP see a physio if you are serious about running. If you are starting it over the age of 30 and haven't built up the muscles you might be starting shin splints. You can get some exercises to avoid this, like the one I described. If you're either in Yorks or Devon I can give you some names, otherwise, google your local running club and email their named contact and ask for advice. Don't just go on YellowPages/ websites etc as some are dodgy, and ideally you want someone with running-specific experience. Your local club will know.

Physio appointment should be approx £25-35 and you should only need 1-2 sessions as they will show you exercises to do in your own time.

SmallSherryforMedicinal · 10/06/2011 17:09

I'm a newbie to running, about 5/6 weeks in. I bloody love it and I never ever ever would have thought I'd type those words about myself. Somedays I just get a rush of happiness when Im running, it's unreal. My bum is shrinking, my waist is whittling down. It's cheap after buying good runners and sports bras. I can see myself doing this for a long time.

Bennifer · 10/06/2011 17:15

In my experience, as a relative newbie, it took me a while to get into running. I didn't like running and I'd tried it a few times in the past. I always found myself going too far and fast and then hating it. Build up slowly, take your time, if your body says stop, then to do. Don't give up too early though

I would say running is a bit like an acquired taste, but six months in, I'm really enjoying it, and planning my first 10k.

bluebump · 10/06/2011 17:15

I have got quite into running lately, I started doing the couch to 5k in March and fell off that wagon when my iPod broke so started running with a friend. She has done 2 marathons so she is way out of my league but it is great encouragement going with someone even if you aren't speaking to them all the time (I'm too out of breath to!)

depob · 10/06/2011 17:20

Ruins your knees and, to me seems pointless. A good walk is so much nicer, esp if you can go with a friend. Running is extremely addictive though - which is why lots of people keep at it even with one of the many injuries you are guaranteed to sustain.

rookiemater · 10/06/2011 17:23

I have just run a half marathon, still don't really enjoy it Grin but I need something to train for or I stop. I do it because my hips have got smaller and I don't want to be a complete couch potato at the age of 41 but classes aren't run at times that suit and I find the gym too boring, plus by the time DS is in bed I'm too knackered to go out again.

Upsides - you burn calories like nobodies business and its easy to slot into your routine as it doesn't take much time, (unless you have to do longer runs of over an hour, which of course I have to and still hate them with a vengeance but have to do them for the 1/2 m) and usually if I have worked really hard I actually feel a bit sick afterwards so I don't want to eat.

See how you feel after your 5k and definitely get some music, I listen to gangsta rap when running Blush it's most out of character but gives me the necessary oomph to keep going.

Popbiscuit · 10/06/2011 17:38

You have to keep doing it...I'm an experienced runner but on every run I still find the first 10 minutes to be hellariffic. Then it gets good and by the time you come back, you feel like you're high!

Plus: If you can build up to half an hour of running and do that 5 x a week you can practically EAT WHATEVER YOU WANT. I've done all sorts of exercise, from kickboxing to cycling to swimming and I find nothing gets results like running does.

If you get hooked remember that REST DAYS ARE YOUR FRIEND and just as important as the running itself so that your muscles can repair. Running in moderation is best combined with a few push-ups, sit-ups and LOTS of stretching.

ThatVikRinA22 · 10/06/2011 17:48

really - just the first 10 mins?

i recently started running again, if i dont get to the gym i run, which i prefer in once sense but it absolutely kills me, went yesterday for 15 mins but it bucketed down which made it hard going,

does it really get better after the first 10 or so? after 15 mins yesterday i thought i was going to die! Blush

last year i was managing 5k which did take me about 35 mins. i aimed to do that 3 times a week, and the gym aswell. It dropped off over winter.

i didnt drop any noticable weight though and was disappointed, then i had a fitness test to train for (and still do) so i found i was going to the gym more and running less...i also have to do strength training for this test.

i still find running really really hard going as much as i really want to do it.

PenguinArmy · 10/06/2011 17:52

takes me a mile (so 10 mins) before I get warmed up and start to enjoy it

tallulahxhunny · 10/06/2011 18:07

i started the couch to 5k about 4 weeks ago, i had to take week and half off due to damaging my knee but im back at it and have run the 90 secs then 2 mins walking this week as i didnt feel i could run the 2 mins yet. im going to try runnign the 2 mins next week but its really really hurting my calves. has anyone any suggestions to help this?

also someone ^ up there mentioned breathing, what way do you breath when running? i thought it was through the nose and out the mouth but i cant breath through my nose while running Blush

My friend and i run together but some days when she cant make it i run on my own, i have to admit i enjoy these days too as i can play my ipod rather than knacker myself talking at same time. I need to lose at least a stone but im going on holiday in 5 weeks and with kids stopping school in 2 weeks im not fancying my chances :(

Original poster
MrsKravitz · 10/06/2011 18:16

Did you damage you knee in just 4 weeks? Im worried now.

OP posts:
rookiemater · 10/06/2011 18:16

tallulah it may be worth going to a professional running shop to get your gait analysed, I was getting really sore ankles and knees and got a pair of running shoes and orthotic insoles suitable for me, blinkin expensive, but not as dear as the 3x pairs of cheap shoes I had bought before that which are no good for me.

hmc · 10/06/2011 18:28

There is a lot of talk here about running = knackered joints. I don't believe that has to be so (although can't deny some association)...and also bear in mind that weight bearing exercise such as running is very good for building bone density and guarding against osteoporosis (and no amount of swimming for example, will do that for you). Decent trainers fitted by a specialist running shop help protect...and whoever mentioned black toe nails, that's because your running shoes weren't big enough - they are supposed to be a size or two bigger than your normal shoe.

I remember watching a discussion on tv (with footage of David Cameron running - apparently he has it all wrong) about the best way to run - basically they were saying plant your heal down first and also bend at the knee slightly when your foot strikes the surface (presumably cuts down on jarring).

Also, I used to have a shocking back and all sorts of aches and pains when running at 4 stone heavier than I am now (normal range BMI now), but now the sleeker me is pain and symptom free when running. How can I put this delicately (ponders....and blunders in anyway)...are some people who are experiencing physical aches and pains relating to running carrying a few extra pounds maybe?

OP - if you don't enjoy it why not invest in some good exercise DVDs instead? I find Davina Fit and Davina Buff very enjoyable (and a good workout)

Original poster
MrsKravitz · 10/06/2011 18:31

Of course Im a bvit heavier...thats why Im starting the running Hmm

OP posts:
hmc · 10/06/2011 18:35

I don't think my post warranted a Hmm - I was merely suggesting that it might not be the best form of exercise if carrying extra weight; from my own personal experience when heavy. Hmm right back at yer

hmc · 10/06/2011 18:36

I stuck to cycling and the cross trainer until I'd lost a fair bit of weight

vnmum · 10/06/2011 18:37

waves to hmc
I started C25K last year and struggled with asthma throughout. I recently had to take 5 weeks off running and i still hadn't got upto running 5k's. BUT when i started back i could do more than i could before and am now running 2.5 miles a week after starting back again. The sense of achievement is great and now i love it and look forward to going out, increasing my distance or speed come rain or shine. and I too am better now i have lost weight

hmc · 10/06/2011 18:38

Waves back at vnmum Smile

notyummy · 10/06/2011 18:40

It isn't for everyone, but that doesn't mean it is rubbish. It is one of the harder forms of exercise in terms of demanding fitness and sticking at it to see benefits. That said, it burns more calories than virtually any other exercise you can do and is great for weight lose.

I couldn't run without music, and also second the recommendation to get fitted for trainers. If you are seriously unfit or overweight then perhaps power walking for a few weeks/months as a means to get you to the point of being able to run could be the answer?

saggarmakersbottomknocker · 10/06/2011 18:41

MrsK - if you don't like it then give it up.

Run slower, the calves thing will improve.

Do you have decent shoes?

Warm up, but don't stretch cold muscles, stretch after.

Ormirian · 10/06/2011 18:43

Erm...no it isn't.

Does that help? if you can't be arsed that's up to you of course.

MegBusset · 10/06/2011 18:49

I hate running, so there. Used to find circuits much less boring. Now I have a knackered knee so banned from high-impact exercise, now I go swimming instead - I love being able to get in the jacuzzi afterwards Grin

saggarmakersbottomknocker · 10/06/2011 18:50

lol @ Orm