If you run, why?

[tamade]

I started running to improve fitness, health and longevity. But I just realized that now I run for the views. Literally knew it would be a beautiful evening and could not wait to get out amongst it. 11.5km this route.
What about you?

All round fitness and because I’m bored and I love being active. I also hike, climb, and walk everywhere I can. I did 11km run/walk the other day and I loved it. I’m still trying to quit smoking and Im having my last alcoholic drink on Saturday for at least 3 months. I’m taking it quite seriously, I love it! I did my first 10k a few weeks ago and finished it in 1:35:17, running/walking the whole way. I plan on doing a half marathon next year.

I’ve just started. I’ve lost a lot of weight, so partly to help me keep it off. I’ve no intention of doing park runs or races, it’s just a faster way of getting my steps up. Plus I live in glorious countryside so it’s pleasant and I’m not pounding tarmac. It also feels good that I can - I could barely walk uphill when I was 5 stones heavier.

Mental health. Any other benefits are a bonus.

I run because I feel a relaxed and confident after. It's cheaper than therapy, gets me out of the house, and means I can eat an extra biscuit now and then without feeling too guilty. That's reason enough for me.

I hate running, literally hate it. Every step fucking kills me, I run like Phoebe. You know when you see a sad, middle aged woman running along the side of the road - that's me.

BUT running is amazing for me - it's the only exercise that shapes my fat thighs and gets rid of belly fat. I run daily along a coastal path next to the Mediterranean, it's the most beautiful route 😎

I like the feeling after. the sense on achievement is something else.

It's so good for my mental and physical health - it's my go to when I am stressed but always gives me a lift. I particularly love running through my local woods, so green and cool!

I have a bit of atrophy so run in period knickers (hoping estriol and exercises will help eventually)! I don't think it's going to make things any worse but do check with whoever is treating your prolapse.

I initially ran for health and to encourage weight loss. Then I found the mental health boost is priceless. I’m a morning jogger and love the feeling of being in nature, literally me and the birds and the odd dog walker. Pure bliss.

I took up running in my 40s and it was the most enjoyable, fulfilling exercise I ever did. I ran 10Ks and a half marathon, but developed bad plantar fascitis after a few years and to dial it back. Now at 68 I have severe osteoarthritis in my knee and having to consider a knee replacement. I will never run again, but even if I was certain running caused my knee issues, I wouldn't regret it.

It's a moving meditation for me, the only time I empty my head of trash 😆

Also views. Those are amazing 😍 OP!! thanks for sharing. Where's that?

Just wanted to say thanks for this thread.

I’ve just started running and I’m finding it really hard. I’m very very unfit and my gym is full of sculpted 20-somethings (I’m fat and over fifty). I feel self conscious and stupid and like I’m not making any progress.

(I’m running at the gym because it feels safer than running outdoors)

I’ll try and use this thread as inspiration.

I find Treadmill running soul destroying.

is there a club near you with a friendly beginners group to get you out on the road if you’re worried? It’s honestly so much more enjoyable.

Thanks for your message but I’m honestly too unfit and embarrassed to join a group.

Also where I live is v v hilly and I think would destroy me!

I run for my long-term physical and mental health.

I also love to identify as a runner. I’ve never been sporty and this is something I can do.

Originally because something compelled me to do it. I'd been thinking I'd like to for probably a year then one day, I tried.

After a while I realised that it helped my mental wellness.

I like the way you I see something different each time and hear and smell birds, soil etc.

What a great question.

I run because it makes me feel accomplished. Running was something I never thought I could do. Turns out I can and I still get an incredible kick that my body can do this. I also love the sense of calm and peace it gives me.

You are me 2 years ago!

I had tried the couch 25k a few times and just couldn’t get to grips with it. Last time I did it but all on the treadmill at the gym. I eventually ran outside doing 5ks 3xs a week. I was so so nervous to run outside to begin with but I did it and absolutely loved it. I then got the app Runna and haven’t looked back. Doing my first marathon this year. Now I love nothing more than a long run with my audio book. It’s been a process and I’m still incredibly proud and in awe of my body and all she can do.

What a lovely thread! I haven’t run for ages, bar 10 min on treadmill at end of gym sessions, but this morning I started 5k with my 2 DDs. Was great fun so thanks for the encouragement everyone.

I’ve been injured and not able to run for the last year. I really miss it. I run to HR so spend quite a bit of time walking, which gives me time to see the nature around me. I also explore and try new routes I’ve not been before. It keeps me sane, burns calories and just keeps me moving as I get older. I’m hoping I can sort my injury and get back soon.

Absolutely love it. Totally obsessed. I think a lot of it is due to the sense of achievement (when it goes well), plus having a goal motivates me.

It’s very hilly where I am too. I’m a beginner. I’ve found a track/footpath around the valley bottom and started with that. Then I’ve used uphills as my rest walk if I needed to, and ran flat/downhill bits. I’ve just started adding in uphill slopes.

Hills are no joke!!

The trick is to use the treadmill to prepare you for running outdoors.

Then be prepared for your first few outdoor runs to feel like shit.

But you do find your "outdoor legs" eventually. Every run is a step in the right direction.

If you have a fitness tracker watch, try feeding the data into AI for more detailed feedback (asking it to compare with your previous run/s). It was only by doing this that I became aware of incremental improvements from one week to the next, that I otherwise wouldn't have noticed.

Our bodies are amazing once you start to understand them in terms of more than just weight!

If I don’t run the zombies will catch me.

LOVE this for you! X

I don't have indoor legs, I can't stand running on a treadmill.