Would love to really get in to running.

[NoDrinksForMe]

I would like to really get into running and have read so many times that it's so addictive etc, but it just doesn't seem to be for me. I've ran in the past and did couch to 5k a few years ago, but it just feels like a slog.

Does running just not suit some people? Do only certain people really click with it?

I save audiobooks I want to listen to for my runs. That helps incentivise me!

I always find it more difficult to run alone.
What about joining a local running club.
There's also Parkrun every Saturday.

I'm at the end of couch to 5k . Running three times a week but really don't like it at all. Ensure it rather than enjoy it. No idea how people can actually enjoy it!

Endure it I meant to say!

I don’t think it’s for everyone. I used to run a fair bit but I don’t think I ever really enjoyed it. I just find it deathly boring.

Running club was ok but didn’t suit my schedule and parkrun is awful for me, the last thing I want is people I don’t know cheering and whooping as I stagger over the finish line red in the face.

You could try slow running, where you aim to keep your heart rate within a certain zone. The idea is that you can then run further distances and find it more enjoyable/less hideous. Have a Google of slow running and MAF zones.

I used to want to like running but it didn't click for me. And cycling. Then I found strength training which I absolutely love. The difference in how I feel about it is absolutely night and day. I'm so motivated and would never want to skip a session. So that taught the difference in finding the thing you love. So maybe it isn't running, but something else.

not everyone suits running.

I'm a runner but confess to finding it really really hard. every single step is hard work and I can't wait for the run to end.

however, the feeling of achievement afterwards is nice. I suppose that's what being smug feels like

People run for different reasons/goals.
faster time,
longer distance,
need a crowd/race to motivate.
Some find it addictive some don’t.

I’m a mindful plodder- listen to my favourite podcast and run until I want to stop then walk back - I run in a loop around the park.
I only run in the sunshine - I’ve never been addicted but I do enjoy it.

maybe ask why you want to love it

Using an easy pace (so you could chat), running with others and running in beautiful places are all things that help. It's a frustrating fact that the chemicals that give you the runner's high are released more as you get fitter and some only kick in after quite long runs. But it's quite possible it's just not your thing - there are lots of other options out there though few are as cheap and convenient as running can be.

I want to love it so I want to do it, if that makes sense? I would like to increase my cardiovascular fitness, be healthier and get outside more.

I have short, heavy legs, so maybe I'm just not built for it. I will give some of the suggestions a go though.

I'm into running, like you I'm probably not best physically suited to it, being short, dumpy and busty I agree with suggestions like find somewhere lovely to run - drive there if you need - and see if running woth other people would work for you. Where I live there are a few small running groups but you need to be the right speed really, but there's also a big club that has groups of 3 different speeds so there's something for everyone. Also make sure your clothes are comfortable (good sports bra). I'd also agree with the heart rate/slow running approach, it makes it more comfortable and is the best way to improve cardio fitness.
Try running while listening to podcasts/music and also try running without. I only understood why people say running is therapy once I stopped using headphones, then running became time with my own head to just think and go over stuff.

It took me 18 months to stop hating it during lockdown. I think I enjoy it now, but I'm not always sure! I certainly enjoy how much fitter I am

I run and am the opposite of a runner. BUT I only love running...

• cross country; I enjoy having to hop over branches, jump over small dips in the pathway eytc. I need the solitude, not being seen and the beauty of nature around me. I hate road running with a vengence.
• if I have a good story on audiobook. Bonus points if it somehow suits running, such as the time I ran through the woods to Jurassic Park. I got to pretend I was getting away from killer dinosaurs
• now I have built up to distances VERY SLOWLY. Literally just adding about 1 min of running per session. Took weeks to get to any decent running times but it has meant that running has never once hurt.
• with permission to run as slow as I like and even walk for a bit if I want. I tend not to, but it is important to me to know I CAN

I absolutely love it. I started after a bad break up I'm my 20s and struggled to get into my running mojo but once I stopped pushing myself so hard I started to enjoy it more.

There are 2 types of run. One I call a smell the flowers run where I'm doing it just to be out and on these runs, I care more about the greenery and wildlife than my time.

The other type of run is competitive where I'm aiming for a time or distance.

When I'm training I still need those days where I do it for the experience of being outside and in nature, as that's what drew me in and stopped me from being completely depressed. Don't give up, just try and find your own motivation.

I used to be a speed merchant but as I've got older I've started to simply enjoy being the moment a lot more. I switched from shorter distances to longer ones using a run walk technique (google Jeff Galloway) and it makes an enormous difference to my enjoyment. But the first 10 minutes/mile or so of any run are hard work and it usually takes me 25-30 minutes to get into my stride.

Running was my idea of hell at school; stiches, shin splints, being last and taunted as I was lapped, and bellowed at by my PE teacher for not trying as I wheezed past him.
I'm a marathon runner now! It often takes me until mile 4 to feel warmed up and hit my happy zone. Steady distance running suits me.

I love off road trail running, little "secret" paths, over stiles. Pace is less of an issue as it's subject to surroundings.

I also love the community of parkrun and racing. I usually run solo, but get to know friendly faces and often end up partnering up at races after spotting people I know.

Walking is fine. I "jeffed" my marathon running 60s walking 30s. I did it that way to reduce injury risk, but it was less draining and I loved the experience.

Running's very personal and there's lots of ways to make it enjoyable.

Of course running isn't for everyone, we are all different and like different things! Having said that, there might be some things that you can tweak and see if it makes a difference.

What part of running do you not enjoy?

If you're finding it boring/a slog, then try listening to something while you run.

If you find it physically hard, slow down! A lot of beginner runners will try and do all their runs as fast as they can go, even if they pace themselves for the distance (I did this too!), but it's very counterproductive and can lead to injuries. Look up low HR running, especially if you want to improve your cardiovascular fitness.

If you find it a bit pointless, sign up for a race! 5k, or a parkrun, or 10k. Having a goal to work towards can be very motivational!

I can't remember if I enjoyed running when I was doing my c25k, but I then signed up for half marathon, and I got completely hooked! I like having a goal, being able to run longer and faster. I'm also quite competitive (against myself!) so trying to get a better race time is also very exciting!

If you try everything, and still don't enjoy it, that's fine too. There are other cardio things you can try that you might enjoy more (swimming? cycling? zumba class?), it doesn't have to be running.

I have been trying for 7 weeks and have just got to the point where there's more enjoyment than slog. I'm not trying to go fast, for now I want to get to 5k comfortably. At the beginning I couldn't run 100 paces, now I'm up to 4km.

I've found I need a proper warm up, to jog somewhere nice (in nature for me), to focus on moving comfortably with a strong rhythm, and to start really slow until I get into a nice stride and then it miraculously becomes enjoyable and fun. Offering experience in case it helps.

(I'm also short and busty and don't feel like a natural runner)