To say I bloody love running!

[IveGotBillsTheyreMultiplying]

Just for back from a run in the countryside. High as a kite and sweaty as a thrash metal drummer.

Crisp, autumn day, mist on the hills, saw a heron, stoat, loads of pheasants. Cyclists, other runners, dog walkers, golfers, just people out enjoying the outdoors.

I only took up running a few years ago and never expected to be this smitten.

It makes me eat well, sleep well, drink less, and I’m a lot more chilled. My chronic lung condition has all but vanished (touch wood). I’ve met loads of lovely people of all ages and walks of life. And all for the price of trainers and some Lycra from Aldi.

If anyone is even thinking about trying running, try it and maybe you’ll end up as head-over-heels as me.

Rant over. Off to have long, hot bath.

Actually DH thought he had shagged out knees a few years ago but a visit to our local running shop and trainers for over pronaters sorted him out. He is 53 and training for an iron man.

I started Couch 2 10K at the end of August and I'm not up to 10k yet but I've done the Parkrun 3 times now. Found it quite hard (especially last week as they changed the course slightly and accidentally made it 600 metres too long!) but I felt brilliant afterwards and I've got slightly quicker each time. I couldn't do it today though as I've got a really bad cold/fever and feel rubbish. I haven't run all week in fact. I'm worried now that by next Saturday I'll be so out of practice/unfit that I won't be able to run 5K anymore. Will do my best though... I'm determined to stick with it!

Have tried it and hated it. Never got the 'high' and felt either like I was about to run out of breath, throw up or both

So that's a stoat!

Yup, never seen one. I need to get out more.

I do cycle quite a bit but am convinced I'd like running, mainly for the head clearing really. I would need new trainers, my knees are a bit dodgy as I used to do tons of martial arts when I was younger.

I do fancy running in the early morning when there's no one around, new day etc.

I'm the same as you, pink, no way could I run in a group of talkers - I'm there to exercise, not chat!

I am really jealous OP, sounds fantastic. After years of wasted gym memberships, we invested in a treadmill, changed my life. I love a good sweaty run now and feel so much more energetic. I wish I could run outdoors but just find it too nerve wracking.

Ivegotbills

Haha - glad your mum has come around. It’s funny since rounding out during pregnancy mine has started dropping hints about how soon I’ll get back to it as it really suited me. Apparently I looked so much healthier!

I don't exactly hate it, but rather see it as a means to an end. I like cake, therefore I run.

I've had about 15 months break but now have started back from scratch. DD1 came out with me yesterday night for week 2 C25K. She is 8, she chatted the whole time whilst I gasped along. And she was quicker. Definitely takes after her Dad!

I love running too. I love feeling like my bones are made of steel and I could go on and on and on and never need to stop. Running makes me feel invincible. I've done a few races in the last year and in every pic I'm running with a huge stupid grin on my face.

I love running too. I love feeling like my bones are made of steel and I could go on and on and on and never need to stop. Running makes me feel invincible. I've done a few races in the last year and in every pic I'm running with a huge stupid grin on my face.

I really really miss running.

4 months after having DD I feel ready to go out for a short run and start building up but it's hard to make the time - plus it's hot here in Oz. I'd much rather go out in the cold and rain where you can warm up once you get going!

Nothing like a good long run to clear the head and give your day a buzz of achievement.

You've all inspired me to stick with it. Im restarting my c25k training now!

Love running here too. I've been running regularly for 9 years, met my husband in the pub after a race, lost nearly 5 stone in the early months of it and got fit again between babies. I'm getting to see loads of different places through parkrun tourism and being fit has helped me to have relatively easy pregnancies. I'm 27 weeks with DS2 and still running 3 times a week. Will probably take DS1 out in the running buggy in an hour or so for a short one.

I love it too!
10k for manorlands today 1500 entries and perfect weather !

I don't love the actual running but it's a big part of my life now and I go three times a week and I still find it really tough BUT love how I feel after a run- calmer, proud and definitely physically in great shape and feel fit for the first time in years. Fabulous for mental health as well and to get out in the colder months

I am happy you love running really I am but maybe you love it because you are thin. The idea that running while carrying the equivalent of another person (and the resulting strain on your knees and ankles ) could be "fun" is hilarious to me.

I have been trying to exercise more including running as I am very very overweight and unfit ,(more pathetic jogging in my case,) . It is frankly awful and I dread it a bit more each time I do it but I keep trying because it is supposed to be good for me

Anyway I am obviously a bit envious of how great you find it but I am also pleased for you

What an inspiring thread, thanks for starting it OP. I am thinking of starting C25K tomorrow (on the treadmill as got gym/spa membership for my birthday so better use it!) but am quite overweight. (5ft3, 13st, 16/18). Anyone been able to run while carrying some extra winter padding?!

Thanks op. I was going to go tomorrow but you inspired me to go today. I made dh go too. We'll be nice happy parents today and able to sit and watch Paddington 2 later while troughing popcorn guilt free.

Oh bumbling... Don't give up... Even if you just walk /run and only manage a km.. It's still better than sitting on sofa eating rubbish, I was 4 stone heavier when I first started... Didn't lose it by running, needed major shift in way I ate too but the running helped.

I hated it, but kept thinking that it was time I was not eating and more bulk to move maybe heavier but means more calories burnt.

I am not slim slim, nor athletic naturally but definitely running has made me feel fit and happy in way I have never been before.

My motto when I don't want to go.... 'some is better than none'

Pinky I am 5ft4 and weighed 13.10 stone when started... I wobbled rather than ran...

Bumbling I am also very overweight. I was 15.5 stone at the beginning of this year and now a slip of a thing at 12.5 stone. Absolutely not all down to running but it played it's part.

I run for my mental health and if I lose weight it's a bonus.

I have thin friends who are incredulous that I can run for 8 miles without stopping who tell me they can't run.

What got me was the guy in the shop telling me "if you've got legs you can run" alright for you I said telli g me about all your marathons. Slip of a guy that I swear would blow over in the breeze. Used to be 22 stone!

So actually running might not be for you but it might be due to other factors.

I do wish there was less of me to haul around but now I just want to run to preserve my sanity. As the OP said often running to lose weight is off putting

Did a 5k this morning - feeling ridiculously chuffed with myself! Although I really enjoy running once I get into it, I definitely prefer to do it earlier on in the day and get it over with rather than having it hanging over me.

You’re all a lovely bunch on this thread, loads of enthusiasm. Glad it has got some people thinking about running again or for the first time.

Major sympathy to anyone else who wants to but can’t.

I bloody love runners!

I had a lazy recovery day today-even got my teen to walk the dog. Roast dinner and crumble soon then an early night before a run tomorrow evening.