It turns out that running doesn't have to suck

[Theb]

I tried running when I was younger it looked fun and seemed fun in theory, but I would run until it hurt too much, then walk, then run until it hurt too much again. This 'activity > punishment > rest > activity > punishment > rest' cycle is an ideal way to make someone hate something. So I got most of my exercise from biking, hiking, and walking.

My sister started doing a couch to 5k program. It's probably old news to a lot of you but I had never heard of this. It's music and a person telling you when to run and when to walk. Each week you do more running. I love it. I'm really enjoying running now.

I'm actually in the best shape I've been in in a long time. I was sick for most of December with Strep and a Sinus infection. I didn't want to eat so I was in a big calorie deficit. After I started to feel better I started running and I'm maintaining a more reasonable calorie deficit. I'm using FitDay.com to track what I eat.

 

[ichy]

It's a great feeling once you get yourself in decent running shape. I didn't use a program like C25K, but in about a year I went from being a nearly sedentary blob to being able to run 5k races with a respectable but not great time. This spring I'm going to do my first 10k (and most importantly I'm going to beat my roommate's 10k time 🙂 ).

 

[Cookie]

I did one of those programs about 6 years ago. Went from out of breath running half a block, to running 5k non-stop. I sprinted the last 30 seconds and nearly threw up, but I finished! 32:50.

Then it got cold and I stopped running. 🙁

Just got started with another couch to 5k program last week again. I'd been running a bit on a treadmill so the first couple days have been easy, even in the snow at sub freezing temps.

I signed up for a 5k at the end of April. Hoping to do a 10k in July or August.

Keep it up! 🙂

 

[Megatomic]

Right on everyone. Running is fun when you do it right and have a good attitude. It doesn't hurt to have beautiful surroundings either. Try running on the beach, in a forest, or in the mountains for added zest.

 

[Theb]

Started week 2 last night. I'm enjoying it even more now that I can run for longer periods.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

couch25k is awesome. Did it last year.

This year I am working towards an 8K which is about 5 miles. Best run this year was 3.88 miles. My next run is planned to be 4 miles in under 40 minutes.

Once i can run 5 miles, I am going to work towards faster times.

 

[Sixguns]

I was never a runner growing up. I would always talk trash to my wifes friend (at the time was just girlfriend) about running cross country in high school. I love running now! I love the way it gets my heart pumping, the little bit of a high from it, and also clearing my head.

 

[ichy]

I found I far prefer running when I run with someone else, preferably someone who's attractive and female 🙂

 

[Megatomic]

I was never a runner growing up. I would always talk trash to my wifes friend (at the time was just girlfriend) about running cross country in high school. I love running now! I love the way it gets my heart pumping, the little bit of a high from it, and also clearing my head.

This is the story of my life. :thumbsup: I wish I'd been a runner for my whole life now.

 

[Bateluer]

This is the story of my life. :thumbsup: I wish I'd been a runner for my whole life now.

Eh, kinda. 😛

Would have sucked running in Middle/High school. Short distances only, likely shitty training programs, few distance races available to you, limited budget to travel/register for races, etc. 😛

I must prefer being able to run the distances I want, the races I want, rather than have a school coach tell me what and where to run.

 

[Megatomic]

I'm 42 and have only been running since I was 37. I missed out on a lot of years that could have been epic. Bateluer, I look at guys like you, Scorch, RagingBitch, and IB and regret the lost years. Keep it up guys.

 

[GotIssues]

I'm cool with running as long as I can keep myself entertained. I trained with a buddy of mine while we were in college for a 1/2 marathon. I find that around mile 8 (and these were faster miles, as we were both in good shape and athletic, ~7:30/mile), I just ran out of things to think about. It became tedious for the rest of the run (10 mile run that day).

I've got my running music (good beat, lyrics I can turn into motivation), and my thoughts and I'm good for 5-5.5 miles. Working down my time to college level and beyond (long term goal is a 5k in under 20 minutes, currently hitting 24 min).

 

[Sixguns]

Any ideas why some days running will cause me to have the urge to throwup? I am only running 1.5 miles a day so its not that much but some days I get a strong urge to puke everywhere once Im done.