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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:
Themasterandmargaritas · 10/06/2011 18:58

MrsK, how long exactly have you been trying to run? It does take a bit of time to get going, but you need to have the mental willpower to want to do it.

Of course, what all the other runners say is right, you must have a decent pair of trainers from a running shop and you must stretch afterwards.

Your muscles are not used to running, it is bound to be uncomfortable afterwards until you build up strength in your core running muscles. If you don't want to go to a physio, do combine running with pilates or yoga and that will help strengthen your core muscles.

Remember its not a quick fix solution. You have to invest time and energy and eventually I promise you, you will enjoy it. Smile

nellie02 · 10/06/2011 18:59

I love running, but have been injured for the last year so starting from scratch again:( but a year without running and I'm still craving running. It's the best for weightloss and speedy fitness, and great for the endorphins and clearing my head.

I do agree with others that there are other good sports out there as well. Swimming is super relaxing, walking is good for taking in the world, spinning for getting out my anger! But running is so easy.

If you're struggling to run, just slow down. And yes, we're not designed to run on concrete pavements (as both my podiatrist and physio tell me), so head for your local green patch.

[running like the wind emoticon] Grin

nellie02 · 10/06/2011 18:59

I love running, but have been injured for the last year so starting from scratch again:( but a year without running and I'm still craving running. It's the best for weightloss and speedy fitness, and great for the endorphins and clearing my head.

I do agree with others that there are other good sports out there as well. Swimming is super relaxing, walking is good for taking in the world, spinning for getting out my anger! But running is so easy.

If you're struggling to run, just slow down. And yes, we're not designed to run on concrete pavements (as both my podiatrist and physio tell me), so head for your local green patch.

[running like the wind emoticon] Grin

Original poster
MrsKravitz · 10/06/2011 19:27

I have asics gel trainers. Are they ok?
Ive been going a few weeks and cant get past the minute

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsKravitz · 10/06/2011 19:27

I do run on grass and slowly btw

OP posts:
saggarmakersbottomknocker · 10/06/2011 19:53

Is it just the legs MrsK or the breathing too?

Asics should be fine.

Themasterandmargaritas · 10/06/2011 20:00

How many times a week are you going? If you are going too frequently then your legs are not getting enough time to rest. Don't try too much too soon.

How about not focusing too much on the time and instead use a physical reference point to aim for? it doesn't matter if it is less than a minute. Also try not to do laps of a same circuit, it can be terribly demoralising.

I'm with Saggars, your asics should be fine.

And remember you have only just started. Stick with it I promise it will get easier.

ThatVikRinA22 · 10/06/2011 20:26

what do you do when you have no where nice to run? i get embarrassed running through town. the park is tiny. i have a few places i go but they are a bit rubbish....

(i loved running on hols - went to the cotswolds - loads of lovely places to run!)

skybluepearl · 10/06/2011 20:35

i used to think the same but i still made myself run three times a week for three months and it got so much easier and then suddenly out of nowhere i really started to enjoy myself - then got completely addicted! now run lots with friends and chat as we go. really great chance to catch up. is there someone you can run with?

skybluepearl · 10/06/2011 20:36

... and running has done wonders for my sleep and self image.

RevoltingPeasant · 10/06/2011 20:47

MrsK, I third the point about decent trainers - and actually Asics might not be fine depending on your foot shape and gait.

E.g., I have v wide feet [buffalo emoticon!] and Asics are no good for me, as they are generally cut narrower. I wear Mizuno or New Balance or Saucony. Or, you might overpronate. The pains in your legs might be because you need more support or space and therefore your gait is off at present.

I'd get down to a physio with running experience, taking your running shoes with you - they should be able to advise. And/ or going to a proper running shop and get gait analysis done, but beware they will try to sell you a pair of shoes for £60, whereas a physio visit will be half that - and you might not need new shoes!

RevoltingPeasant · 10/06/2011 20:48

Oh also, are you cross-training? I think that's really important to avoid injuries. Try cycling or using a xtrainer at the gym at least once a week. I think it'll help.

dementedma · 10/06/2011 20:52

another reluctant runner here. started training for the Race for Life via the couch to 5K programme in March. Jogged for 1 minute and threw up.
Three weeks ago, completed the 5K race in 38 minutes. 38 minutes jogging non-stop!!!!. have lost weight and gained fitness. Still don't really like it though and first 10-15 minutes are horrible. It's bloody hard work but good music on the ipod helps and I have thighs which resemble thighs, rather than huge wobbly blobs. Am planning to keep at it. Can't afford gym membership so run outside in wind, rain and sunshine.

Ormirian · 10/06/2011 20:53

I spent years running in cheap trainers. Finally invested in some good fitted shoes (Saucony) just as I stopped running regularly. Sods law.

saggarmakersbottomknocker · 10/06/2011 21:07

deementedma - I've been running for 15 years and I still dislike the first 10 minutes. Love it after though.

TheMaster makes a good point about time - try to run from one lampost/tree to the next or something similar. A tangible target rather than focussing on time. You may find that helps.

tallulahxhunny · 10/06/2011 22:11

it wasnt the running that damaged my knee, i think it was (1). the 30 day shred dvd which puts a lot of stress on your legs and (2). running in a pair of easytone trainers which werent made for running :(. I have now bought a pair of adidas running shoes and my knee has been fine.

Someone mentioned running with a few extra pounds , well i do have a stone maybe 2 to lose but i wouldnt think that was a massive issue.....or is it??

CoteDAzur · 10/06/2011 22:17

How can you not run for more than 1 minute? Hmm

You don't want to, that is something else.

CoteDAzur · 10/06/2011 22:21

YABU, by the way. Running isn't rubbish, and calling something human bodies are made to do "rubbish" because you are too lazy out of shape to run for a minute is a bit pathetic.

RevoltingPeasant · 10/06/2011 22:25

tallulah I think running when you are overweight puts more stress on your joints - bound to, they are having more weight slammed onto them. That's not judgy, btw - I run regularly but also eat too much and have been ill recently so comparatively out of shape. Weight makes sooooo much difference to running performance - seriously, lose that stone and you will go so much faster and feel better :)

I have to say that motivates me in a way that thinking 'Oooh I wish I were a size 10' never will.

tallulahxhunny · 10/06/2011 22:27

i dont think she meant runnign once for a minute was the problem, its the program running for 1 min then walking for 1 n half mins then running for 1 min, it does get harder especially if you arent used to it. that is why it is called couch to 5k!!

i find it hard doing the 90 sec run then 2 min walk, it kills me but if i only had to do it once then of course it would be easy

tallulahxhunny · 10/06/2011 22:29

yes revolting i see what you are saying, but i need to run to lose my stone lol,

backwardpossom · 10/06/2011 22:33

I used to hate running. Then I had DS and I couldn't do the sports I used to do anymore as they take up too much time. So, started running again and actually enjoyed it. I think it's the peace and me-time I get. Then I joined a local jogging group and have found a whole new social life. 4 of us from the club just ran a half marathon and I am completely addicted.

YANBU in that it might not be for you, but since noone actually forces you to go running, YABU Wink

bonkers20 · 10/06/2011 22:35

For a good running bra check out this

Warning...best not to do it at work!

LieInsAreRarerThanTigers · 10/06/2011 22:35

vicarinatutu I would recommend getting a bike and maybe finding somewhere prettier to run! Then you would get x-training in too. I didn't realise that was so important. Luckily I get around most places on my bike including up a steep hill to work every day. It's only the running which gives me the longer and more weight-bearing exercise though.

bbbbob · 10/06/2011 22:36

Ok (thick emoticon) when you are running for 1 min walking for 1 min etc then decide to up your running by 30secs are you actually timing yourself or are you guessing? I really want to try the couch to 5K but just keep imagining myself to be panting 1 mississippi, 2 mississippi to keep track of how long I've ran/walked for.

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