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?

I would find something you actually like doing. I'm amazed at the number of people who run and hate it. There has to be better ways to get/keep fit.

I do see the point made that running is one exercise that really helps with weight loss/maintaining weight, and unlike walking (which I do a lot of), you really feel like you’ve achieved something after a run. However I can’t solely run due to previous back injury. I’ve been jeffing (run/walking) since before Christmas and have really enjoyed it and this is the longest I’ve kept up with “running” in years.

A bottle of wine for after.

I agree with feet and boobs being the focus. Good pair of well fitted trainers, ideally at a running shop. And a high impact sports bra. I love shock Absorber.
High waisted running leggings or shorts are good so they dont fall down but they dont need to cost alot. I like sweaty Betty power, can get them on vinted.
I also can't run without music, I have galaxy earbuds but you can get some decently priced over ear ones
Just make sure you take your time and build up slowly to avoid getting injured

Ive run for years but cold/dark/rainy winter evenings are tough. (During the week I mostly run in the evening, on my own) Listening to podcasts has been a complete game changer, it literally gets me out in the most awful weather.

Spring is my favourite season for running, as the footpaths are drying out and can get off the pavements but of course it depends where you live.

Absolute must haves - running shoes, socks, sports bra
If you plan to run at times of day with low light - visibility eg light harness
if you do get headphones, look into bone conducting ones as they don’t go into the ear and you can hear the world around you. The first few times it felt like I was running to a soundtrack in a film 😆

My body hates running for the first few km until it figures out this is what we are doing today lol. What has proven helpful for getting me out reliably has been joining a running group/clinic/club; without that, I tend to think it’s a good idea and fail to execute. Don’t question whether it’s a good idea, just get out there. Meeting people offers a social aspect to it and also has been a great network of running information as well as other non-running topics. Running communities are often friendly and encouraging.

i have found time outside and moving has been very beneficial for how I feel. Don’t push too hard especially when starting; look up jeffing (mentioned above; basically walking and running intervals and proven to help you not get fatigued as quickly so can extend your running time and lower injury rates but don’t go too fast - this is a tricky bit to keep to in the beginning).

Please heed my warning op. Its destroyed my life and i struggle with most tasks now. Just go for a brisk walk

No it’s not realistic as you hate running

I’m similar, I dislike running outside, and there is no way I’d do it in the cold or wet, or if it was very hot, but I have a treadmill. I run for 20 mins a day, 6 days a week, and then I do 10- 20 mins of something else, usually weights, often rowing, in the house I also do 15 mins of strength exercise every morning before I start work , so planking, squats, clams, core exercises ie sit ups, Russian twists etc, and I do another 5 mins in the evening.

it’s now routine for me, I like the running the most, I find if I’m stressed at work or in a bad mood, I feel mentally much happier about 10 mins in, I run quite fast, it’s not a gentle jog. If I’m not in thr mood I will do something else like cycling.

i keep thinking I should up it to 30 mins, but I want to do my strength training and upper body too, and I know thay it will become too much of a time commitment, and it becomes difficult with work, as I tend to go in mid morning when I’ve 45 mins spare, as I don’t really take a lunch break.

i think it’s important to fo something you enjoy, and just enough it doesn’t become something you dread.

Why run if you hate it? You're much more likely to do exercise you enjoy or at least don't hate. Eg I do Lucy Wyndham-Read youtube workouts every morning in my pjs (plus sports bra) as soon as the kids leave for school. Everything from 5-20 minute sessions or repeat if you want longer. Having to fully get dressed in work out gear and go out in the cold/rain would definitely make me less likely to exercise.

Totally agree. Both my brother and i have been told by different doctors that running is appallingly bad for your joints. I have hip trouble and have so much pain even after running briefly that I now only ever do 'low impact' exercise. You can still get out of breath and keep fit with high intensity low impact exercise.

You'll never stick at something you dislike.

Have you considered a VR helmet? FitXR is just brilliant for a wide range of classes, from Zumba to boxing and from beginner to expert. I started in August last year and do at least one class (min 5 mins, no max) daily. Huge fun and effective.

Find something else that isn’t a chore.

I would do a YouTube hiit class or reformer Pilates or spin

Decent shoes and sports bra. Everything else can come from somewhere like decathlon to start. Couch to 5k is fine.

I motivate myself with food. Wine, cake, whatever.

She doesnt seem to be listening . Ive explained how a brief running stint injured my back and destroyed my life.
Ive been told this is common by various medical.proffesionals. Such a shame as i was really active and an ex dancer

Find a friendly football team to join, never boring running with a ball at your feet, then you will be motivated to get fitter so you can play better.

I follow a woman on tik tok who runs in pretty floaty skirts. I find I feel more energetic and spritely when I’m wearing a certain type of skirt and I like the feeling of it swishing about. I’m not quite at the level of running yet due to joint issues but it’s certainly got me moving me around a lot more .

I am listening/reading. But surely you can understand that just because this has happened to you (and I am really sorry it has), it doesn’t mean it is going to happen to everyone who runs!!??

Honestly I’d rather run as I hate football ahaha

As others have said - sports bra, good trainers are key…and a huge vote for parkrun . You can run, walk or a combination. Couch to 5k or jeffing (walk/run intervals) are all super

A bicycle, if you don't like running, maybe try cycling?

Maybe try and find a running buddy? Someone who forces you to do it when you don’t want to because you don’t want to let them down?

That’s the only thing that kept me running when I went through my running phase.

Another here that says I don’t get why you want to! It’s high impact and takes up as much if not more time than other forms of exercise. If you enjoy dance and can’t go to more classes why don’t you do something like this at home from a video or app?

Have a look at This Woman Runs. It used to be called This Mim Runs. It’s a great app and community, and has great merch! I had a run too that said bRUNch.