Anyone else a useless runner?

[PollyCreo]

I run but hate it, every step kills me. I don't enjoy it, don't get a 'runners high'

You know when you're driving and you see a woman lumbering along and you feel sorry for her because she looks awkward, that's me!

I've been fit all my life (gym goer and martial arts) but have never mastered running, I read that some people (5%) lack a gene that sends enough oxygen to their muscles, I believe I'm one of them.

I know you say you can't do your usual exercise due to ill health but surely there are alternatives to running?! Even walking briskly uphill. What are you trying to achieve running? Is it calorie burn or cardio?

I ask this as someone who likes running btw. But I absolutely refuse to do exercise I don't like. I haven't done a burpee in a decade for example.

It's fine to alternate running and walking. Also even if you don't much enjoy it, it is good cardio vascular exercise. Depending on the area, coastal paths can be challenging. Some flat easy inland routes might different. Varying the route does help.

So weird- I am also crap at running but also do martial arts (black belt, karate). Maybe it's A Thing 😂

I did couch to 5k once. Completed a 5k. Stopped running. I think maybe I'm more goal orientated- I just can't seem to see running as something enjoyable.

And yet, perversely, I find it annoying that I can't 'conquer' it. Every time I attempt it I have to start the couch to 5k programme again and it's like I've never run in my life.

Ha yes I suck too. But I've learnt to not look or make assumptions about others. That my only competition is myself. I do it because I wanted to attempt to get fit. And once I got to a level I felt happy with ( still fecking slow 😳🙄😬🤣, takes me somewhere in the 34 min region to do 5km on a.treadmill) , it's probably easier to keep going and maintain it than it would be to start all over again. And I'm like an elephant in a tutu much better suited to chucking weights about than elegantly running a few km 🤣 in thought once I lost a few pounds I'd feel better but now I'm really self conscious about my height and broad shoulders that make.me feel I stand out but fuck it 🤣🤣

I used to look at people and be miffed they were faster than me or more graceful than me or were lifting heavier than me. But now I know I don't know theie story any more than they know mine. And 3 years ago I'd not have ventured out without make up on let alone stepped foot in a gym or worn spandex. Anything you can do, any distance or any time u can run is something to be proud of achieving. If it was easy, if it came easy, if there were never any instances of pushing through there would almost be no point. Well done for getting out there, doing your best and doing it! Remember, comparison is the thief of joy and all that.

At one point I found running with Strava quite useful - it'll let you know about any improvements no matter how small!

I'd love to be able to run, but no matter how many times I attempt it. I can't master running and breathing at the same time. Plus I always feel mega self conscious too

Oh please find the article, me and my daughter need it. I swear I'm a cardio non responder completely, not just running. I put muscle on at the drop of a hat though.

I've listened to quite a lot about the mental challenge of running. Not quite sure if it's more mental or physical you hate (or both?). I think both can be improved with training if you want. One thing I personally find helpful for the mental side of things is doing structured programs so if my brain is screaming at me that I can't go on, I can be confident I've done it before. Then I can breathe the anxiety away.

Aren't there 2 types of muscle and genetically we have more of one type than the other. So tend to be better at certain things depending on muscle type. That may not be completely accurate but I'm sure I've read about that before

I'm rubbish at running. My stamina is much improved since I lost 2st and go to the gym but I cannot run on the treadmill, I have to walk in an incline instead.
I am not streamlined and my boobs unbalance me.

There's a couple of approaches that could be worth a try.

Jeffing where you alternate short repeats of run/ walking similar to the first weeks of C25k. The intervals stay short e.g. 30s run/ 30s walk. It's a great way of keeping heart rate low and building aerobic fitness and stamina. Slower runners can often speed up because they can maintain a higher effort in running because of the frequent recovery.

Niko Niko is a slow, shuffling style of running that aims to be efficient. There was an ongoing thread about it in this section some years back that's worth a look at.

I like parkrun for appreciating the diversity of running styles/ speeds. It's the antidote to all the damaging bollocks that PE teachers spouted about being fast and effort