I want to start running but I hate it. What can I do and buy to give me motivation?

[Homeiswherethedogsare]

Always hated running but I am realising it is one of the easiest way to incorporate some regular exercise into my busy life as a FT working mum as I can easily squeeze a 30 min jog on my lunch breaks when WFH. I do dance classes in the evenings sometimes so I guess that's my "fun" exercise, the running is mainly a chore I need to do to be in a better shape and improve longer term health.

I don't have any running gear, my trainers are 7 years old and possible not suited for running so as a start I am going to invest in a decent pair of shoes. What else do I need? I have normal gym clothes, nothing running specific, do I need to think about buying anything that will help me be more comfortable?

I cannot move without music so usually take my phone with me, a pair of headphones would be nice but don't feel ready to spend money on them yet as my motivation might not last.

Any tips you can share would be very helpful. Goal is not to run a marathon but to simply incorporate a 30-45 min jog into my daily life 2-3 times a week for many years to come. Is it realistic?

When I started running over 15 years ago I started from walking, then started running between lamp posts and extending the time running until I could run further without stopping. This was how we did it before couch to 5K apps 😂But I can honestly say I enjoyed it right from the get go.

I agree that its something that can be massively addictive. I ran for just over 15 years doing races, half marathons, relays, fell races, marathons and was part of a running club. I loved it and unfortunately can no longer do it due to arthritis and have had to find something else that I love to keep me active.

But I think to form a healthy habit is to find something you enjoy.

Hopefully the OP finds that with time she learns to love it as she improves, but if she doesn't there are other ways to be active for 30 mins without it. 🙂

Few people enjoy running when they first start out and many quit early on because it is hard if you aren't used to it and you will get little niggles from time to time. C25K helps ensure you take it slow, and don't over progress but be consistent and you will get to a point (probably in several months time) where you do actually like it! Manage the niggles when they crop up so they don't become injuries, warm up, stretch, cool down, do a bit of running specific strength work etc

All you need are running trainers and a sports bra. Use the other suggestions to reward yourself for sticking at it or hitting certain milestones.

So as I said above, I am already doing classes I enjoy x2 a week, in the evening. I don't want/cannot spend more time away from home when DC is around so the only way to workout for me realistically is to do it during my lunch break at home or go for a run in the local park.
I have tried home workouts too and whilst I don't hate general fitness classes (in fact at the gym I used to enjoy them), I find it really boring to do these by myself and find it hard to be consistent.
The benefits I see in running are: it's free, it's good for your heart and helps a lot with weight loss, gets me out of the house as I spend all day sitting on a chair when WFH and my home is small so I get fed up to being indoor quite a lot. I can also do it easily if DC and DH are home without having to use the TV in the living room to workout when they are around using the room themselves (small home so only real space to workout is that).
I don't own or ride bikes and don't have space for an indoor one but also find it equally boring tbh!

These all sound like good reasons to try running OP, you might like it more once you get used to it. It’s a lovely time of year for it too!

The best tip I got from someone at my running club was to think about how you’re breathing. Don’t go so fast that you’re out of breath, and you’ll gradually be able to speed up.

Op. I've been running for 15 years. I have a pair of ASICs every three years.

A £10 pair of leggings from Tesco, a wicking tshirt, a zip overtop and some socks.

Don't need anything else

Something like Couch to 5K app would be a great start for you OP, even if you don’t stick to it strictly it’s a good start off rather than just trying to run for 40 mins straight off the bat- building up your fitness for running gradually will make it much more enjoyable and therefore you’re much more likely to stick with it.

In terms of things to buy, honestly the only thing I’d say is essential is a trainer suitable to run in. I love my Hoka’s and my Asic’s but trainers are so unique. If you have a Start Fitness near you then I’d really recommend popping in as they will do a gait analysis for free and tell you what kind of trainer is best for you exactly, running in the right shoe makes everything easier and less likely then to get injuries/aches.

You don’t need special leggings or anything for running vs the gym, just something you are comfortable in and a good sports bra.

A running belt/running vest is good to keep phone/keys etc in to keep your hands free, you could probably pick one up on Vinted for a few £.

I hate running, I'm useless at it but it's one of the best forms of exercise for me. I do weight training and pilates but running is the only exercise that helps with weight control.

In my opinion, you’re either a runner or you’re not.

DH is a runner, he’s always telling me that once I get into it, I’ll be addicted. But he’s wrong. I’ve tried plenty of times and I hate it. I did this challenge during lockdown where I ran every day for 6 weeks. I hated my last run as much as my first one.

I’m not unfit, I do weights classes, spin classes, Pilates and yoga classes every week and I walk the dog every day for an hour. I just hate running.

If I were you OP, I’d stop trying to turn myself into a runner and find something else to do. I also read that brisk walking is just as beneficial as running.

Get a decent running bra, especially if you are large-boobed. My best advice (as someone who had always loathed running, but decided like you that it was the most practical option for getting fitter) is:

1. go really slowly at first or you will give up because it's too hard. Don't try to get faster for a good while.
2. if you're struggling to make yourself go, tell yourself you're just going to put your kit on in case you do decide to go. Once you've got your kit on, go and stand outside. Once you're out there... might as well run!

I ended up really liking it. I even trained for a half marathon, though I didn't end up actually doing it!

Why bother if you hate it? Plus I’ve never met a ‘fit’ runner - they’re always injured! Consider strength training and stick to your dancing

@Homeiswherethedogsare I can totally see the appeal but I still think it's a bit weird if you hate it

You could just go for fast walking or a gentle jogging and you could use couch to 5K if you need to build up to that. It sounds like getting outside and moving will be really good for you.

I don't know maybe I'm just sceptical because I just finished a weight training challenge NGL I'm probably a lot stronger, but I can't say I enjoyed it towards the end

It just seems like a weird starting point to set yourself a challenge for something you know you don't like. In terms of weight control, I agree I need to do cardio for the same reason. Cardio seems to get a bad rep these days but I think that's because people can't make money out of anyone running.

Completly agree. I randomly took up running at 34,did correct warm up etc etc wrecked my back. Im now 45 and my back is so bad that i cant reach around to wipe and need to shower after toilet. It was fine before taking up running

Bone conducting headphones are your friends. Pick up something like these, no need to spend too much for your first pair and you can always upgrade later if you feel the need. They are also handy for cooking/chores as you can still hear if the kids shout for you!

Get your streaming platform of choice queued up with some banging playlists. Couch to 5k runs over the top of Spotify etc, so you can still listen to your music and it'll just mute it temporarily when you're getting instructions. You might prefer podcasts or audiobooks - whatever floats your boat.

Running belt - I am a nightmare for spanking too much money on fitness kit but my one and only running belt was about £3 in Primark donkeys years ago and I've never needed or wanted another one. You just need something that will hold your phone and house key and not flap around.

I don't think anyone has recommended this yet but I love a baseball cap for running as it keeps the sun/rain/wind/random Irish weather out of my eyes. I have a couple of sweat wicking ones that don't make your head too hot. Can be picked up for very cheap in the likes of Sports Direct.

If you hate running don’t do this. Find another thing you can do at home. In 30 mins you can do an online workout, a weights session. I just don’t think you’ll stick at if you hate it and exercise should be enjoyable that way you’ll stick at it.

I started running for exactly the same reason this time last year. I got running shoes (asics) and a running belt from decathlon for £5 with compartment for phone and keys which I wear under my tshirt. I only ever wear a tshirt for running as I get warm very quickly even if it’s freezing! And you can buy very cheap wireless headphones I got mine from Argos for less than £20. Start slow and small distances and build it slowly. I could run a 5k without stopping by 6 months and now fully enjoy running and really find it therapeutic! But it does take some getting your fitness up to enjoy it

I think some people just don't enjoy running full-stop, which is fine.

Personally I don't enjoy the process of going from being a non-runner to a runner. It's a slog. But once I can comfortably run 5k I love it. It just takes some persistence to get there.

Some people still hate it, but I think it takes at least a couple of months of consistency before you can really decide if running is really for you or not.

Sorry about your back! Although sitting on a chair for 9 hrs a day is also not doing anything good to my health…

Id defintley do a different form of exercise even my chriopractor informed a lot of ex runners end up with back or knee/hip issues.
There are loads of 30.mimute you tube classes or a nice brisk walk.
I was simmilar to you and really wanted to get into running. Worse decision of my life.

Great tip, thanks!

If you hate running I honestly would not recommend taking up running. From someone who has actually run two London marathons despite finding running an absolute chore: a good brisk walk is just as good as a jog. Walking puts way less pressure on your joints and you are at far lower risk of injury. I do two really good walks a week, I walk at pace, and my CV fitness is good. If I need to run a little, I can, because walking has given me that fitness.

Well………. You could try this…… surprisingly satisfying, and effective. No running required 🤗

I hated running. Hated. Wouldn't do it in PE etc.
But then I had (and recovered from) a depression in young adulthood, and then became close to a good friend who said running was the only thing that really stabilized his mental health and helped him stop smoking (I didn't smoke, but just for context). He advised me to just run/walk at first, to keep it not hatefully dreadfully awful , and that it would be kind of awful the first few times, but to stick with it, as it really gets better. I think his advice was actually kind of close to C25k .

Anyway I tried it. First time I couldn't run for 2 mins. I went around a local pond, alternating running and walking. And it was pretty bad.
But.. he was right, it got better, it hugely helps my mental health and overall fitness, and it is incomparable for convenience for all the reasons you list, OP.
That was 20 years ago, and aside from pregnancy or injury -related pauses I've been running regularly ever since. Had a broken bone and couldn't for some months and my mental health took a hit!
Good luck OP. It really does get better.

To buy:

• Proper running shoes from a shop that will do a gait analysis and recommend correct shoes
• A proper supportive running bra, even if you aren't very big in the bust.
• Good socks

Decathlon do decent inexpensive running leggings and tops and TK Maxx is also worth a look.

As others have said, ease into it gently using a proper programme like Couch to 5K. Warm up with a fast walk and stretch afterwards.

If you get into the running habit (3x a week) and have got to 3km of running without stopping, sign up for a 5K as something to aim for, or join a Park Run. No competition with others, just you improving and reaching your potential. Running and walking outdoors is great for mental health as well as fitness.

Do try and do some weight bearing exercises weekly as well, for upper body and to help strengthen muscles and ligaments all over and for long term bone health.

I would just make it do able and not something you dread. I have a treadmill and I aim for 10 to 15 mins running every other day. I know I can run for much longer but if I did that i would dread it and it would take an hour out of my day. Quickly became routine and I now find I actively want to run, even on off days.

I started running for similar reasons and needed something time efficient to squeeze in between baby's feeds when DH was around.

It turns out that when you go slow and comfortable, have a nice motivating voice in your headphones and don't have a beetroot faced PE teacher bellowing about how inadequate you are, it is actually (whispers) fun. By the time I completed C25k I was in love from the sense of achievement and ended up doing a HM (optional!) within the year.

This is a nice time of year to start with comfortable temperatures, drying ground and lengthening days.

Good running shoes
Good bra
Belt & headphones (+1 vote for bone conductors)
Other fitness clothing is fine for short runs at this time of year

I do other exercise but it's good for body and mind to do a mix. Weights are great, but they don't scratch the mental itch for me (or my physical need to burn energy) and your body needs to use aerobic systems for balanced health in addition to resistance/ weight workouts.