Do the majority of people in general just not like running? And how to prevent muscle aches/soreness/side stitches/exertion headaches while running?

[WhiteBoyChill]

For context, I was out bike riding today on a public walking trail.

I saw probably around 90+% of the people walking, but I only saw two runners.

Do a vast majority of people in general just not like running?

Also, I will speak for myself personally on the matter, but I do not like running either.

The reason why is less so because of the cardio factor, but more so that whenever I try running I get exertion headaches where my head literally feels like its pounding cuz of the increased blood pressure, muscle soreness in my legs for the next several days, and side stitches where it feels like a sharp pain trapped in my lower rib LITERALLY ALL THE TIME.

Now all these issues are normal, and common among runners, but I’m not exactly sure how to avoid them.

I feel like if it weren’t for these issues though, running would be something I enjoy.

I do love the cardio aspect of running, but I just hate all the other issues that result anytime I try to run which is why I’ve decided to just avoid running alltogether.

[CupcakeTheDestroyer]

Honestly running is more of a high-intensity kind of cardio, which is fine if you’re short on time for a workout but low-intensity long-distance walking is just as effective in terms of cardio. I wouldn’t know how to avoid the big issues in running aside from just dealing with it and hope you hit a runner’s high. I do get exertion headaches from one of my jobs though and oddly enough I’ve found the best way for me to keep them at bay is to eat grapes throughout the day. They’re a surprisingly nutritious superfruit and whatever’s in them helps me relax long enough to do a 10 hour shift without any exertion headaches. I never go to work without them now. I’m not sure if that’s something that’s feasible when running but it might be something worth looking into?

[SweetJoyGirl]

I run for fun.

A good balanced diet is all you need to prevent any actual issues. Other than that, you just have to build your stamina and endurance. 😊

[WhiteBoyChill]

So you don’t ever get side stitch while running?

[SweetJoyGirl]

No, that doesn’t happen to me often. It only happens once in a blue moon. 🤔

[Maybe_Maybe_not]

I also find the sensation of running unpleasant generally, so I don't see reasons to engage in that. Walking tends to bore me quickly, so Biking is the way I go !

[Maybe_Maybe_not]

For a moment, I thought I wrote bikini is the way I go, no, it's my imagination 🤣

[LiamJHayden]

Warm up/stretch and always use really, really good running shoes. Some aches and soreness are normal when starting out, or when going extreme distances.

[WhiteBoyChill]

I see. So if I am just starting out, should I just only do quarter mile runs to start?

[WhiteBoyChill]

To prevent strain/injury, that kind of thing?

[SugarSugarplum]

I got all that. Apparently it gets better the longer you do it - unless you develop bad knees or hips.
I switched to walking and that's good enough for me.

[Apple1996]

Sometimes I feel like I'm getting a better workout by just walking compared to running

[WhiteBoyChill]

Interesting

[Radiate143]

I think running is so dumb

[WhiteBoyChill]

Why’s that?

[Radiate143]

It's bad for your joints, shakes up your guts and also loke why? Huffing and puffing. No.