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Original poster

How to enjoy running?

28 replies

AfterTheRainComesSun · 10/10/2023 11:24

Never been a runner. I tried several times in my life and I just find it very boring and cannot ever get myself to commit to it regularly.
I normally do fitness classes at the gym but with a FT job and a toddler I am finding it hard to be able to attend the classes I like at specific times. Running is obv a much more flexible activity, I can easily do it even for just 30 min during my lunch break when I work from home... and yet, I can't be bothered!
Any tips on how to fall in love with running or at least make it more bearable?

OP posts:
MissPettigrewIsWFH · 10/10/2023 11:30

Couch to 5k programme

BIWI · 10/10/2023 11:31

C25K and a good podcast (or music)

TheChosenTwo · 10/10/2023 11:37

I used to have to run first thing in the morning (as in roll out of bed and straight into my running clothes and out the door in under 3 minutes) as otherwise I’d procrastinate about it all day.
Actually I still do the same now but with swimming!
if I don’t go first thing I’ll happily go for a walk later on but there’s something about committing to ‘exercise’ that makes me cross so I’d rather do it at an ungodly hour and get it out of the way.

Hoolahoophop · 10/10/2023 11:38

I did couch to 5k to get me started. Now I use the time to listen to stuff I want to catch up on. I also love to exercise outdoors so this works for me.

I also have a rowing machine at home. Which is even better as I can watch TV while I row any time of day or night and its a more full body work out.

But if you don't like running, could you just do the type of exercise classes you enjoy on the 30 min you tube class in your lunch break?

Original poster
AfterTheRainComesSun · 10/10/2023 11:43

Thanks all! which C25K do you recommend? the official app is only free for 7 days, is it worth paying for it? I also saw there is an NHS/BBC one.

OP posts:
waytootiredofthis · 10/10/2023 11:44

I use the nhs one - does the job!

Original poster
AfterTheRainComesSun · 10/10/2023 11:46

@Hoolahoophop I just lack motivation to do the classes regularly at home + don't have all the weights needed etc

OP posts:
yearofthebuttercup · 10/10/2023 11:53

Just keep at it and find a route you like with pretty views if possible!

I run 30 mins 6 days a week and love it, it's very easy now and I hugely enjoy it, but I run along a lovely route which adds to it!

SoundTheSirens · 10/10/2023 11:57

As others have said: do it first thing so you can’t talk yourself out of it, follow C25K, make a feelgood running playlist and pick the most pleasant (and safe) route you have locally.

I write short stories and sometimes I use my running time to plan plots / dialogue in my head.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 10/10/2023 13:14

Isn't the NHS app the official one? It's free for as long as you want it.

Original poster
AfterTheRainComesSun · 10/10/2023 13:16

@IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads there is another one I have found which is called Couch to 5K and it's only free for 1 week.

Thanks all, I have downloaded it and will try and start!

OP posts:
beguilingeyes · 10/10/2023 13:20

C25K with Jo Whiley as coach. She's so encouraging. BBC App.
After that take up Parkrun. It keeps you motivated and is addictive.

putthehamsterbackinitscage · 10/10/2023 14:17

Have a look at zombies, run! As well ... running app to add an element of fun/chais etc to your runs....

JanefromLondon1 · 10/10/2023 14:49

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn due to privacy concerns.

Harrysmummy246 · 10/10/2023 16:26

Honestly, not everyone does and life is too bloody short to do an exercise you don't enjoy

And this is from a person who now misses running but has a physical job and isn't 'built' for it

Vegetus · 10/10/2023 18:43

You can't force yourself to enjoy something, find a different form of exercise you do like and it doesn't become a laborious chore.

Tennis, squash, a martial art, spin, Zumba just try things and find something you do enjoy! I tried running and hated it so found something different. I lift weights 5 days a week, static bike, walk a lot and do Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

grafittiartist · 10/10/2023 18:51

I second the conqueror challenges- really motivating.
Also- parkrun- think of it as an event/ morning out rather than a run.
Chose places that are nice to visit?

teaandtoastwithmarmite · 10/10/2023 19:05

I used to absolutely hate running and especially outside (not in w gym). I started with couch 2 5k and an aim of hitting my calories on my Apple Watch every day. Then going walking every day i wasn't running (relevant because if I tried to talk myself out of it I'd remind myself I have to do something so go anyway). I wouldn't say I love it but it's ok and I feel great afterwards

teaandtoastwithmarmite · 10/10/2023 19:11

Oh and a Spotify playlist called Run and bass

Pinkjacket22 · 10/10/2023 19:12

TheChosenTwo · 10/10/2023 11:37

I used to have to run first thing in the morning (as in roll out of bed and straight into my running clothes and out the door in under 3 minutes) as otherwise I’d procrastinate about it all day.
Actually I still do the same now but with swimming!
if I don’t go first thing I’ll happily go for a walk later on but there’s something about committing to ‘exercise’ that makes me cross so I’d rather do it at an ungodly hour and get it out of the way.

Same for me! And feel so good after it's done. The other things I'd say are: Accept you won't enjoy the first mile but I always enjoy the rest of it once I get into my stride, wear a supportive bra (I wear and underwired sport bra and one of the shock absorber type ones on top so bust is immovable which makes it much more comfortable to run. Really notice the difference if I forget my second bra. And go back and put it on. Also yy to get a good playlist. I love a trip down memory lane so have been doing upbeat cheesy nineties recently. Dr Alban and the like 😬

Original poster
AfterTheRainComesSun · 10/10/2023 22:10

Thanks all. I have found things I like but as I said above, it’s not always possible for me to go to classes due to work and DC. I need to do something in parallel that I can easily manage in my time, such as a short lunch break when ai work from home. Running is the easies option I guess

OP posts:
AllProperTeaIsTheft · 10/10/2023 22:13

You can definitely learn to like it. I did, and I had always absolutely loathed running when I was younger. Just take it slowly and it will get a bit easier!

BIWI · 10/10/2023 22:37

The only thing that really kept me running was when I'd signed up to take part in a charity 5K race. Could you do something similar?

putthehamsterbackinitscage · 12/10/2023 09:08

Is there a parkrun near you?

If there is, can you put toddler in a buggy and walk/run to get you started?

5k every Saturday morning at 9:00 or 9:30 in Scotland....

Very supportive community of runners walkers and volunteers and you get a time do you can track progress...