Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask how you enjoy running?

60 replies

thewinehasgonetomyhead · 29/04/2019 10:00

I have tried running several times in the past, but every run just feels like an effort and so I give up. I’ve done couch 2 5k, completed it, ran a charity 5k then stopped as I simply didn’t enjoy it.

I’m feeling inspired after watching the marathon yesterday and would love to give it another try. I’m going to do couch 3 5k again, but all you runners out there, how can I enjoy running??

OP posts:
Original poster
thewinehasgonetomyhead · 29/04/2019 10:00

*2 5k

OP posts:
therearenogoodusernamesleft · 29/04/2019 10:03

Try different variations. Run with music, without, with podcasts, with friends, with a club, on trails, around the city etc.

But also - I only really get into my running groove after 30 mins, which is post 5k. Try training for a 10k race and you might find your sweet spot. 5ks are bloody hard work!

TeaForDad · 29/04/2019 10:03

I run quite a lot. The not sure I enjoy it!

But I always feel better afterwards and I do like the feeling when running around the fields that I am free to go wherever I want and explore- exploring as a family is always much slower!

If you really don't like it, don't do it!

DiscoMoo · 29/04/2019 10:04

It helps if you have company, so get a friend to join you or think about joining a running club.

It also helps if you don’t focus on the running but on other aspects - I love being outside, appreciating nature and the scenery, or running through quiet streets on a Sunday morning before most people are up, nosing at houses and gardens. Running benefits my mental health as much as my physical health.

It also helps to have a goal - a race, or getting faster or running longer. When you achieve the goal get another one.

AudacityOfHope · 29/04/2019 10:06

Well the problem is that the first mile really really sucks. You aren't taking in enough oxygen yet so your muscles are screaming. Erm ok, mine are anyway Grin

I don't know the answer. Usually music! But not loving it is why I stopped, which is why I'm now feeling super unfit again, so I'm going to try again tonight.

Get some Beyoncé on and find a pace that works for you, not anyone else.

Artura · 29/04/2019 10:07

Just do it. Get up in your running gear and make it part of your routine (so it feels strange if you miss your run on certain days of the week). Parkruns are great and I find them really motivating. I'm not fast, and I don't run further than 5K, but when I'm running somewhere lovely it really lifts my mood.

AnchorDownDeepBreath · 29/04/2019 10:12

I'm not sure that many people do enjoy running itself. They enjoy the freedom, the effects on their health, being outside... but the actual run is a "just do it" thing, I believe. Even in the big running clubs.

I know 14 people who ran yesterday as a running club, they run all the time... they don't enjoy it for running, and all of them swore this was the last one afterwards! Now they're preparing for Edinburgh.

RestingBitchFaced · 29/04/2019 10:13

Try walking instead, much more enjoyable

AwdBovril · 29/04/2019 10:15

I liked it. I am not a natural runner - I'm short & a bit overweight. I got to about week 5 of C25K before I had to give up due to migraines after every run. Gutted as I was enjoying it - sense of achievement, I was getting fitter & better at it, being outside, I could feel my muscles improving, the endorphins etc. But the migraines. I had been looking forward to being able to listen to music instead of just the C25K track (boring). I used to speed walk to music, really enjoyed that & I could go much faster, further etc to music compared to without it.

Rabbitmug · 29/04/2019 10:16

I can't stand the first 3 miles, feel dreadful. By mile 6 or 7 I'm in a lovely rhythm and could run all day. Clubs can be amazing for support and company on long runs.

Oysterbabe · 29/04/2019 10:17

People enjoy different things I guess. I really enjoy it. I love the silence and just my footsteps and breathing and they fall into a rhythm and it's almost like meditation. My view may be coloured by having a 1 and 3 year old causing chaos at home.

Stravapalava · 29/04/2019 10:21

I enjoy it because I don't think about it, if that makes sense? I use it as my time to switch off & think about stuff. The minute I start thinking about what I'm doing or how far I am from home or my breathing etc, it all goes to pot!

Not going too fast or stressing about it (like "I have to run x amount of miles") seems to help as well.

grannycake · 29/04/2019 10:31

i started 2 yrs ago and I find I always stop post Christmas - too dark and cold. Last year I repeated the Couch to 5k but this year I started again last week and ran 3.5 straight off so you don't lose as much fitness as you think over a break. I don't love it for the first 20 mins but the last 20 mins I get into the groove - couldn't do it without music though. If I can only run for 30 mins I mix it up with sprints - so run as fast as I can between 2 lamposts and then walk between the next two ( or trees/cars/anything).

This turns into a bit of a game and I feel I'm getting a benefit from it.

Like others have said I don't really enjoy most of my runs but I really like the smug feeling I get after it

HavelockVetinari · 29/04/2019 10:32

Music, podcast of talking book. All good stuff.

But it's really not for everyone - it's ok not to like it. Try something else you enjoy as exercise.

TheOrigRightsofwomen · 29/04/2019 10:35

I live for my running.
I am firm believer in finding and doing the sport you enjoy.
I've had bad runs where I think I must feel like people who don't enjoy running, and there is no way I would continue. No way.

I love everything about it. On my own. With my tunes or podcasts. With one friend chatting. With a group having a laugh. Racing.

Going to the running shop for new shoes or kit. Looking up races. Planning my training. The buzz. The nerves and fear and then the post race high. The trophies. That it keeps me fit. That I can fit it in so easily.

Running in the dark, in the sun, in the rain, in the snow. Off road, on road.

Setting my goals. Reaching them, or accepting I can't.

My running friends. Supporting others. Marshalling in races.

I think I am a natural runner.

Does that answer your question?

Joey7t8 · 29/04/2019 10:37

It’s feel great after a session where you’ve put in the effort. Also, when you get to a reasonable level of fitness, going for a long easy run along a nice route becomes a pleasure in itself on the same way as a walk in the fresh air.

Thatsnotmyotter · 29/04/2019 10:41

I never enjoy a 5km, and rarely a 10km because you barely get a chance to warm up, and have to run at a high intensity. I love the endorphin rush after and will run short distances because they are easy to fit in, but it’s never a pleasure!

Slow down, up the distance and get out on some trails. It was a complete game changer to me to discover trail running. Unless you’re very light, road running is horrible! Hills and rugged terrain are where it’s at!

Lolly86 · 29/04/2019 10:41

I enjoy running...but slowly. I dont like to run fast or push myself to much but a gentle plodding run/jog is enjoyable for me. I did listen to music but now I prefer and audio book. I just did a 10k and I was very much one of the last over the line but I didn't care. Did a half marathon 2 years ago and the same thing. Find the pace that suits you, also I dont road run unless in a road race, I run across country mostly.as I'm lucky enough to have some nice country park areas to run free in. That helps for me too

EllenRachel · 29/04/2019 10:43

I only like running with others so I joined three clubs!

Thatsnotmyotter · 29/04/2019 10:44

And I second a supportive, relaxed club. Mine are lovely. We meet at the local leisure centre or a pub and run as a big group. The faster runners do ‘runbacks’ so everyone stays together. We always run at chatting pace. It’s a great atmosphere. I wouldn’t consider myself an amazing runner and I’m one of the faster ones!

Theredjellybean · 29/04/2019 10:47

I would say I love running.. When I am not running.
I run a lot.. And still hate the first two km.. Even though I am fit it still feels hellish.
Then I just endure up to about 6km.
Then feel I could run forever.
I love the silence, the space to let my mind wander, and the smug endorphins afterwards.
I love my body being toned and fit
I love being able to eat the odd huge pizza knowing I will run off the calories the next day.
I love watching the changing seasons as I run.
But it is still a huge effort to get out of bed and out the door... ☺

Original poster
thewinehasgonetomyhead · 29/04/2019 18:47

Wow thank you everyone 😊

OP posts:
Sunnyjac · 29/04/2019 18:51

Learn to enjoy the ache in your legs after, find what you enjoy in running (I love hill running, who knew?), set yourself goals and be your own best competition!

KnitterOfSocks · 29/04/2019 18:57

First 2k is always hard as you are warming up. I get into my groove about 6-8km and can then go for hours.

Drogosnextwife · 29/04/2019 19:03

I enjoy it because I like being outside, I sometimes just go round my local park but when I get the chance I go to a beach park near by. They have distance marked out on the ground. I listen to music, I take my dog and get some alone time. It's hard going and it I have to push myself and I do have to stop every now and then. I like the feeling after aswell as if I've achieved something, I'm not great at running, and I doubt I ever will be and I go through phases of doing it, I sometimes completely stop, usually in the winter but always start again. I get a sense of freedom when running.