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?

There are plenty more people who have not had this experience though. I am sorry you have injured your back, it does not mean no one should run though.

@Homeiswherethedogsare I hated running and took it up in my late 40s because, like you, I could squeeze it into a busy life. I learned to love it, to enjoy the freedom and mental space it gives me. I have made friends for life through running. I am stronger, fitter and healthier than I could have imagined. I say go for it.

The nicest running gear you can afford, with colours they suit, that’s half the battle of getting outdoors. Or maybe I’m shallow.
A running watch if you like to track progress. It’s nice to see your fitness (vo2 ) rise as you get fitter.
Set some goals - I used virtual runner to get medals for a virtual race.
Use map my run app to create some nice routes so it doesn’t get boring

Gawd life is too short to do something you say you hate. Also. Terrible on the knees. Plenty else you can fit into a 30 minute window at home

Whilst you obviously do need shoes that are appropriate to run in, you do NOT need to spend £100 on them! I spent many years running in the cheap Decathlon running trainers, think they were about £30, and were excellent, light and comfortable.

Sports bra, leggings, top, phone belt, that'll be all you need otherwise.

I never run with earphones in, I don't find them comfortable at all. I mostly run with friends, which is absolutely the BEST motivation (great chat really keeps you going, and you can't bottle out because someone is waiting for you) but if I want to listen to a podcast I just run with my phone in my hand (I run in the countryside though, which means there's no one else around).

The only expensive thing should be the shoes.. I tend to pay about 130 for mine.
If there's a running shop, go there to try them on their treadmill.

Shock absorber bras have seen me right for 20 years now, although now they're made by champion they're not quite as good.

Sun visor from amazon.

Different playlist each month, so I don't get too bored. Wide range of music so you're never sure what's coming next.

Accept that a shit run will happen. But so will a great one. Nether defines you.

Chafing cream. The one with a cow on it.

I'm a weird contradiction of someone who needs to be active, functions better after exercise, hates exercise and yet has been exercising for over 20 years.

The trick is to make it non negotiable and build it in so you don't even think. I do the gym after work once a week, because that's my habit now. If I don't run at the weekend, I feel antsy.

I used to spend a lot of time, when I first started running, debating about whether I should go. Now I tell myself. Like now- I cba. But I'm up so I will go for a 5k.

I think the really difficult thing about exercise (any!) is getting back into it, if you've given up for a while. It's definitely something that you just have to force yourself to get going.

If you know you hate it, then the chances of sticking to it are slim, regardless of how many new sports bras and headphones you buy. Far better to do something you know you enjoy, that way you're far more likely to stick to it.

This x 100

I often tell myself I'll only go for a 10 minute run and once I'm out I end up carrying on for longer.

DON'T RUN TOO FAST!!

This cannot be stressed enough.

Have a look at the Jeffing method which combines run-walk-run. My adult DS has a friend who runs at World Champs level and he often walks during long runs to keep his heart rate down so there is no shame in it.

Buy trainers that are at least half a size bigger than you'd normally get, and seam free socks - I get More Mile ones.

If you hate running, don't do running, just fit in a half hour brisk walk and listen to music or an audiobook and you just need some comfortable shoes.

Yeah I agree. Running when you hate it is miserable and you won’t stick to it at all.

Do 30 mins of weights or something actually decent.

Running is pretty hard on your body and absolutely terrible for weight loss.

Brisk walking up hill is better for fitness.

Running is actually bullshit the more I think about it.

You don't always keep disliking something. I didn't! Maybe it's just me, but sticking a technological helmet on your head seems like a grim substitute for being outside in the fresh air and engaging with the real world while getting some exercise.

If you more inclined towards problem solving, try trail running. It's more about picking a line, adjusting your stride than the rhythmic plod of road running. Gives your brain something to do and makes you focus on the trail and your surroundings rather than having to distract yourself with music or podcasts. Not always as easy depending on where you live but I much prefer it.

It's not everyone's cup of tea but as a busy mum I'd always start with yoga, as it's mind and body and resets your brain and can change your whole way of thinking and approaching life, as well as making your body strong. It also helps with a lot of issues women can have after having children such as pelvic floor issues. Which running will often make worse. One class a week makes a difference, brisk walking, run about with the kids, get some dumbbells/kettlebells and have a look at what Sally Gunnell does.

Even when the kids were little though I exercised. If my job was too full on to allow that I kept changing my job as your health is too important to sacrifice for work.

This is so sad, the number of people on this thread actively trying to discourage OP from doing something for their health and wellbeing, undermining her and saying oh you won't keep doing it if you hate it. No one needs that doubt in their head.

Pretty much everyone hates running to start with because it is hard (because they try to go too far and too fast). Anyone new physical activity and building fitness takes effort and commitment, drive and determination. Getting to the point where it starts to feel easier doesn't happen overnight.

I used to hate running but am now a runner. The thing for me was that I was going too fast out of the blocks so I was knackered after like 5 mins and thought that was why it was meant to be like. I went back to it after building up some fitness elsewhere and realised that if I slowed down, I could run for 5k and not be totally dying by the end of it. Now I love going for an easy run, especially now the weather is getting better. Headphones in, just running in the woods listening to music, fresh air, not gasping for breath, heart rate under control. I find it quite therapeutic now!

Don't do it if you don't like it. Try Pilates or something that will help your fitness, build your strength and you will feel and look better for it.

Try exercising in the rain/wind/sleet/mud/dark and you'll realise that sometimes substitutes are appropriate. Do you believe gyms are grim?

I’ve never heard of a back injury being caused by running and I’ve known lots of active people through my life.

Running actually eases my degenerated back.

I love running but 5k can get to fuck. I don’t enjoy it until I can go long distances (hour or more)

Get some trainers that you love. That make you smile. I like to have a running watch (so I can see infinitely small progressions) but they can be expensive. I’m not remotely shy about having “all the gear and no idea”.

Why is it sad? There are a gazillion other forms of exercise (which are far nicer than running imo) - and no-one has said 'don't do any of them'.

I’m very sorry to hear that this happened to you. Must be awful. My friend is not able to run as she has a chronic bulging disk which inflames with the impact at more than a very slow jog and affects the sensation in her legs. It’s very unlucky, but it’s the exception and not the rule.

there is a lot of evidence that running is actually good for bone density and joint health for most people. There will always be people who have an anatomical weakness that running will highlight and that is very upsetting for them. But it’s the exception and not the rule. Some of the fittest and most active older people (70s and 80s) I know have been long term runners.

it’s always sensible for people to start off slowly and listen to your body, but for most people running will improve their health.

But those are the best runs. You hate every second, but feel epic when you get home and warm again. And then it's spring and runs are great again. The only weather i can't run in is snow.

And you can't compare pilates/yoga to running. I did pilates for years (until the gym changed the class time) and although it was good for me, it didn't give me what running gives me in terms of stamina and a flat stomach. And anything that involves and sitting or lying down makes me want to scream with frustration.

For me, running and weight classes appear to be the dream team.

I love to run in fresh snow. Once it freezes to ice, then thats a flat no.
But I go out running in wind, rain, sleet etc and muddy runs are just a different type of workout