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Original poster

What has running done for you?

45 replies

Whatshallidonowplease · 19/09/2022 09:36

I’m thinking about getting into running. I’m fairly fit and do around 3-4 gym classes each week (a mixture of body pump, body balance and circuit training) and often run 1 or 1.5km on the treadmill as a warm-up beforehand. I did couch to 5k in lockdown and got as far as about week 7 when the gyms reopened.
I really thrive off the group mentality of a class so think I might struggle running on my own. I know about finding a good playlist or podcast to listen to, but I’m worried I’ll just sack it off halfway round my route and walk back to my house.
Inspire me, please! How has running changed your life?

OP posts:
BorryMum · 19/09/2022 09:44

I started running 10 years ago and it was the best thing I've ever done. It has changed my shape, I've achieved goals I never thought I could have and also inspired my family to join in. Now two of my children are county runners! If you want to get really fit I think it is the best way to do it and it's free!

Wallaw · 19/09/2022 09:48

I find it head clearing in a way no other exercise seems to be. I often find that my mind feels focused on the run or my music or podcast but afterwards, I've solved a work problem or at least figured out a way in.

RetreatRetreatRetreat · 19/09/2022 09:50

It gave me a bad back and a bad knee. I loved it though, but I've had to stop now as it was great for my mental health and terrible for my physical heath. I cycle now

Iamblossom · 19/09/2022 09:50

Gives me endorphins I never got in the gym

Mind clearing, exhilarating, fresh air, go with my dogs which is awesome.

Fittest and slimmest I've ever been at age 47. Don't believe those who tell you you can eat what you like though... You can't.

I always stretch after or I would deffo get injured.

I run between 25 and 35km a week.

ReviewingTheSituation · 19/09/2022 09:53

It has made me challenge myself. I'm about to run my 7th marathon (starting running in 2015).
It has brought new people into my life (mainly from running club, but I also run with other people not in my club).
It has obvious physical benefits - fitness, body shape etc.
It has made me appreciate where I live- I know every footpath through fields and woods within a wide radius of my house.
It has made me realise I'm capable of more than I thought.

Teacherteachernotapreacher · 19/09/2022 09:54

Mental health wins for me. Also used to be how I kept trim but that’s not working as well now I’m menopausal. Nothing beats that running high - I also go to the gym and love it but it’s not the same.
run outside - not treadmill as that sucks - as then you get the fresh air too.
i really really struggle if I can’t run - I need it to clear my mind, shake off that sluggish feeling and feel like I’m winning at something :)

Menopants · 19/09/2022 09:54

cardio fitness. I cycle walk etc but running outside is another level.

LondonLovie · 19/09/2022 10:02

Wallaw · 19/09/2022 09:48

I find it head clearing in a way no other exercise seems to be. I often find that my mind feels focused on the run or my music or podcast but afterwards, I've solved a work problem or at least figured out a way in.

Exactly this. I was terrible at running/ cross country at school. It's been a life line as I started in my 30s (I'm mid 40s now). I love the solo element, the running to music, the freedom, the sunsets, the feeling of running in the rain. I embrace all of it. It's great cardio, and it's supported my weight loss this year too. But road running, it's hard on the body, be warned!

Wallaw · 19/09/2022 10:19

LondonLovie · 19/09/2022 10:02

Exactly this. I was terrible at running/ cross country at school. It's been a life line as I started in my 30s (I'm mid 40s now). I love the solo element, the running to music, the freedom, the sunsets, the feeling of running in the rain. I embrace all of it. It's great cardio, and it's supported my weight loss this year too. But road running, it's hard on the body, be warned!

Show quote history

I should have added that as I've gotten older, I've started interspersing road running with treadmill running and think it's going to really extend my running years. It's a different experience at first, but now that I'm used to it, I find I can still get the head clearing benefits and it's so much gentler. I've had way fewer knee and hip twinges since.

Tabbouleh · 19/09/2022 10:21

I have tried running and given up a million times. Is it too late? I am in my early 50s and walk a lot, but I can never run because it hurts too much. But menopause weight gain has kicked in and I need a cardio exercise.

HipsterCoffeeShop · 19/09/2022 10:28

There's always a new goal I find. Keeps me motivated. First it's increasing the distance you can run, getting a bit faster, maybe a race. Then new races, trying to get faster at parkrun, new parkruns to do. Half marathons, road, trail, hilly ones, novelty ones. Running with friends, joining a club. I'm about to run my 5th marathon in October and after then I'm going to start a speed program to try and get faster.

It's great for my mental health. If I don't run for more than two days I really feel it. Getting out into the fresh air is so important.

Paperdolly · 19/09/2022 10:37

The C25K app helped get me started. Why not try that?

Wallaw · 19/09/2022 10:39

Tabbouleh · 19/09/2022 10:21

I have tried running and given up a million times. Is it too late? I am in my early 50s and walk a lot, but I can never run because it hurts too much. But menopause weight gain has kicked in and I need a cardio exercise.

I don't think it's too late. As a PP said, C25K is excellent. It's also good to add in some strength training - takes lots of the stress off your joints.

Tabbouleh · 19/09/2022 10:42

Started C25k many times and gave up in the second week! I am not v overweight but not fit either. Wish I had started earlier. Will give it another go now the weather is cooler.

HipsterCoffeeShop · 19/09/2022 10:47

It's never too late. I'm 41 now and I still feel like I can improve massively. And the best runners I know didn't start until later in life. The ones who were runners at a young age all have rubbish knees and hips now.

Cece92 · 19/09/2022 10:49

I am a beginner to running since I had covid I'm so unfit. I started the gym couple months ago and usually walk the treadmill and do a lot of weights but recently started running in 2 minute periods then walk and repeat. It's definitely helped my stamina and I've noticed I'm more active and weight loss has sped up again. I actually enjoy it too xx

Pinkdelight3 · 19/09/2022 10:50

Knackered my knees, but I loved it and miss it.

CheeseMaiden · 19/09/2022 10:55

I used to run to my favourite coffee shop (changing the route up according to what distance I wanted) a lovely post run flat white was perfect motivation!

rainbowandglitter · 19/09/2022 10:57

I was a club runner. Everyone gets injured at some point. I don't think it's that great for the body really. Most have knackered knees etc after a while. It's good for cardiovascular health though.

CheeseMaiden · 19/09/2022 10:58

I should add, I don’t run at the moment due to work/childcare patterns but hoping to change that this autumn!

TigerRag · 19/09/2022 11:01

I've been to places I would never have been to and met some wonderful people along the way

Daisy03 · 19/09/2022 11:06

Damaged my hip and knee.
If it's body shape improvement you want you're probably far better doing what you're currently doing.
Resistance training has done far more for my shape than 10 years of running ever did

Roserunner · 19/09/2022 11:15

If you enjoy exercising with others joining a running club or going to parkrun may be best for you. I love parkrun as there's such a mixture of people all ages etc and everyone is so supportive of each other no matter what your speed.

Running hasn't made me lose weight but it helps tone me and def increased my stamina. I also think it does wonders for my mental health.

FrangipaniBlue · 19/09/2022 11:28

Whatshallidonowplease · 19/09/2022 09:36

I’m thinking about getting into running. I’m fairly fit and do around 3-4 gym classes each week (a mixture of body pump, body balance and circuit training) and often run 1 or 1.5km on the treadmill as a warm-up beforehand. I did couch to 5k in lockdown and got as far as about week 7 when the gyms reopened.
I really thrive off the group mentality of a class so think I might struggle running on my own. I know about finding a good playlist or podcast to listen to, but I’m worried I’ll just sack it off halfway round my route and walk back to my house.
Inspire me, please! How has running changed your life?

If you like group activities join your local running club! Regular group runs for differing abilities Smile

knickersniff · 19/09/2022 11:40

Buggered my knee