What has running done for you?

[Whatshallidonowplease]

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?

I had to stop for health reasons, but for me there's no better workout.

There's probably a local FB running group you an join which I find less formal than a club if you miss the social element.

I've always ran the same route twice a week for 45ish minutes, until last year. I joined an FB group and met others for a group run, then got a fitness watch which helped me set goals and challenges for myself.

Running has improved my mental strength as well as mental health. As I usually do it in the morning before work, I feel like I've already accomplished something so it motivates me to do better at work.

I used to be the slowest one in class, always last to be picked for a team and last in a race. At the age of 43, I have managed to complete a half marathon for every month since 2021, and last week I ran the Great North Run for the first time and finishes 3853rd out of 60,000 participants.

DH said I've become more adventurous, and braver.

I enjoy the different types of running amd am just about to do my first cross country event with the club next week.

Fucked both knees, cost me a lot of money trying to fix it to be told it was degenerative meniscus damage and nothing helped.

Now have permanently swollen knees, can’t kneel or walk long distances without significant pain and swelling, never mind run!

I did love running though, it was an awesome time when I could run.

If you do take up running, you really do need to look after yourself and your knees though. Regular physio and massage.

Buggered my knees, slimmed me down, took my boobs down a couple of cup sizes.

I loved the fact i could take my kit and run wherever i was, on holiday, away for work, visiting family, whatever.

Always a longer and a shoter route available!

I've always done some type of exercise, but the thing I like about running is it's done outdoors.
I've run consistently for about 4 years now and I'm always at a point where I can run a half marathon in good time.
The only running that I ever do on my own is trail running in the mountains, as I like to look at the scenery. Apart from that I mainly run with either my husband or the local running club that we attend once a week.
My advice would be to understand that it sort of never gets easier - every run is hideous in its own way! As you get better at it, you naturally run further, or faster, or up more hills - so it's always hard. So just manage your expectations as you give it a go.

"every run is sort of hideous in its own way"

😂😂😂

Like others here, I find running great for headspace - my mental health has definitely improved since I started a few years ago. Running 3-4 times a week (usually 5km, with a longer run on Saturday mornings), combined with twice-weekly Body Pump, has changed my body shape and I’m much more toned than I’ve ever been.

I do worry about the impact on my knees, but I stretch properly. And I enjoy running (or, more specifically, the post-run high) so it’s a risk I’m willing to take.

Making running playlists on Spotify has become a bit of an obsession too!

Thank you so much for all of your replies. ‘Every run is sort of hideous in its own way’ is my favourite though!
I’m here for the slimming down and toning up, but am also worried about the impact on my knees. It seems like stretching is a must! Exercise in general has had a positive impact on my mental health, so it’s good to hear that it’s given others the headspace they need. I ran 3km this morning and will hopefully get some more runs in this week.

I'm very lucky to run in a beautiful park.
I love watching the seasons change, the sun through the trees.

It lets me just 'be' for a while. Ive burst into tears on a run once, I think I'd been ignoring something upsetting and being alone with my thoughts let me get it all out & I felt better.

I love running in the snow & rain, it's quiet and cool and I love seeing the steam rise off me afterwards - literally seeing the energy that my body has produced.

And most importantly, I am 100% healthier mentally when I excercise regularly. I'm so much nicer.

PP isn't wrong though. I don't think I actually like the running bit 😂

I run about 1200 miles a year and my knees are fine (I don't stretch very much either, which I know I should). It may depend if you're carrying excess weight perhaps - that would put more strain on your knees.

I believe that the right shoes are the most important thing to stay injury free. Early in my running 'career' I had an ankle injury, and the physio linked it to overpronation. I now make sure I get shoes at a proper sports shop, and try them on a treadmill in the shop where they check my foot placement and ankle alignment. I've been injury free ever since.

If you like the class mentality and the push from the instructors it might be worth trying the Peloton app (30 day free trial) They have some outdoor audio runs - aimed at all different levels. There are walks, walk + runs, steady pace runs, interval training and more. All different lengths of classes too. I find I'm more likely to keep going for the whole duration of the class rather than run a short distance and give up and walk.

If you want to get fit join a gym, if you want to change your life start running
I saw the above once and its so true. Or at least it has been for me. I've been in many gyms, but I get bored after so long. I've been running for over 10 years now and I absolutely love it.

I've had the odd niggle here and there, but nothing a week off hasn't fixed. Maybe that's luck or maybe I'm doing something right (though not sure what) As PP have said, its great for headspace. It can be whatever you want it to be. Your own thing to have time to yourself or as social as you want it to be. I go through stages. Right now I tend to run with others. Over the last 3 months I think I can count on one hand the solo runs I have done, but then another time I can go for weeks running on my own. Both have their good points. I tend to walk more if I'm on my own though.

I am also a missive lover of parkrun. I've done over 30 different locations and enjoy running new areas. Like another PP it has taken me to places I would never have been and I've met lots of wonderful people I never would have met.

It really has changed my life, not overnight, but I am so much better for it. Physically and mentally.

Destroyed my feet

running gives me the mental space no other exercise does. I am another huge parkrun fan…you can walk…! parkrun has taken me to interesting places, I’ve met grey people and am an Event director for a junior parkrun (2k, Sundays, 4-14 year old) which is just joyous!

*great people even 😂

Caused a flare up of a condition in my hips that I never knew I had!

Buggered my knees up 😭

But I was too fat

I completed C25K 18 months ago at the age of 51. I've lost 4 stone in the process. Absolutely changed my life. The physical changes were welcome, but the positive effect on my mental health was a surprise. I feel mentally 'recharged' when I get back home, and for the rest of the day. I usually run 5k, and quite often hate it - although sometimes feel like I could run forever. Stretching is one key to fending off injuries, as well as good footwear. I try and get out 3 or 4 times a week.

I’m half way through C25K for the second time… completed it in lockdown but then buggered my knee (this seems to be a common theme 😬). Now trying again.

What it does for me… Cardio fitness, which I really need. And something more subtle, I think it’s a self esteem thing. As a long term non sporty person who used to avoid any strenuous exercise, it makes me feel good to look down and see myself running. Never thought I’d run ever, and I feel proud that I am (even if I’m still at the run 5 mins walk 3 minutes stage!).

Damaged knees and ankles. Was fit as a fiddle for the 8 years I did it though! Run on grass wherever you can. Road running is high impact and can really damage you. I'd go for swimming or cycling to be honest, zero impact.