Do you actually enjoy jogging or running?

Question

I HATE running. I don't understand how some people can enjoy running. And believe me, I've tried. The only thing it did was give me knee pains that would last for 2 weeks, I'd be sweating like crazy, and would be out of breath really quickly. And if I had taken gulps of water beforehand, I'd have side stitches really quick.

Running is a torture for me. I don't understand how you do it guys. How can you run a 5k? If you run out of the house, how would you bring your water? Or do you just not drink during the run? Do you not have knee pains? Running seems to be the workout that helps a lot of people stay healthy, lose weight, and stay fit. But I just can't wrap my head around all the unpleasant things I experience when I'm running.

Runners, how do you do it? How did you start? Cause even interval running is still too much for me and still gives me knee pains. Granted, I'm too heavy to run, so maybe that's why my knee always hurts. But I see these morbidly obese people on Extreme Makeover Weightloss Edition, and man they can run! I don't know how anyone does it...

konsui · Accepted Answer

I've been a long distance runner for a few years now, and personally I love it. Nothing else keeps me in shape and feeling as good as running does. Going on a run is my favorite part of the day. I can clear my head, and of course the endorphins afterward are great.

But I can understand why running isn't too popular. When you first start, it's a pain the ass. It's difficult to find the stamina to keep going when you're a beginner, which is discouraging. For me, my shins and the top of my ankles were so sore the first couple of weeks. I didn't have any soreness in my legs because I was training in ballet at the time, but beginners will usually have soreness in their legs and buttocks.

When I started out, I did walking/running intervals. That was the only way I could workout consistently for 30-45 minutes with running. For example, walk for ten minutes, jog for one minute, and I would repeat that until I literally couldn't go on. Each week, I added one minute to the jogging time, until eventually I could run for ten minutes straight. From there I increased from ten minutes to twelve, and so on, until I was able to go a full thirty minutes. That's how I started out, and it worked great for me. Stretching is also so important for any type of exercise, but especially running. You want to make sure that you're cooling down after a workout, and taking the time to stretch out all the muscles you've been working in your legs. I take extra time to stretch out my calves and back, as well.

As far as your knee pain goes, you may have weak thigh muscles. The thigh muscle hold your kneecap in place. Running tends to develop the hamstring more than the quadriceps, and if they're is an imbalance in the strength of the muscles, it can sometimes allow the kneecap to pull and twist to the side. If you suspect that may be the case, that your legs are weak, try to do some exercises that focus on the thighs (I love kettle bells, for this purpose).

It may be the shoes you're wearing, if they're not stabilizing your feet correctly. I think this is a mistake most beginner runners make, not wearing the right shoe. Do you have flat feet? Flat feet, or "overpronation", happens when the impact of a step causes the arches of your foot to collapse, which stretches the muscles and tendons.

Tatiahna · Accepted Answer

Have you tried Zumba? It's fan-freaking-tastic. You dance for an hour and get out of breath yes but it can be fun like a party by yourself.

If you don't like running the solution is simple.. don't do it. There are many other great forms of exercise. Kickboxing, bike riding, swimming, dancing, hell you can even walk for 5 miles and get the same benefits of running. It'll take longer, but you can take your friends along and just talk and hang out that's how my mom lost the babyweight with my sister. I remember she used to put my sister in a stroller and let me ride my bike around town while she walked and we would eat snacks like broccoli and carrots on the way. It was fun.

If you force yourself to do an exercise that you don't like you're not gonna stick to it so find something that makes you happy. Oh and try the elliptical for your knees. It's great I can run for hours on that thing and not feel anything although I prefer to run on high resistance (which I'm sure makes me look lazy at the gym walking so slow but I burn twice the calories in half the time)

THE_Godfather · Accepted Answer

I run 3 X's a week. I do a 5K twice a week & on Saturday I use to run a 10K but cut back to 45 minutes because it is THE most boring thing in the world to do. The other 2 day I climb the dreaded stepmill for 30 minutes.

I run at the gym on a treadmill because I'm there & most of the year it's hot here so I can drink plenty of water.

I run mostly for the cardio aspect. It gives me more stamina.

I'm not sure how or why I started. I do remember it was just a mile then for some unknown reason I kept moving it up. Every veterans day they had a 5K or 10K run so I tried the 5K. A neighbors girlfriend wanted to run a 10K so I told her I would go with her. That's how I got into doing 10K's.

I have tried so many tricks to help pass the time. Some work for a while. Now I run for a while & then just glance down at the seconds ticking off on the timer. I keep telling myself one more minute & I'll slow down then another. Then I start with thinking OK only 10 top of the seconds left. (00 on the timer)

I sometimes watch TV or listen to my ipod just to switch things up.

sexyasianboi26 · Accepted Answer

Some people are not built for running. Especially the people that have thick legs or big calves.

I was in the military and we used to run every single day, and I was always one of the few to finish last.

I do enjoy jogging. I don't know if you remembered, but I moved to a new area lol. It has a forest reservation and I use that open forest space for jogging. When I am jogging, I take walking breaks to catch up my breath. Until I am able to control my breathing and heart beat, I won't fully go jogging without taking breaks.

pickledxtofu · Answer

I first started running by using the C5K program on my ipod touch a few years ago. At the time the particular app I used was free but apparently they charge $1.99 now.

But the app was a good start. It's based on intervals and they increase on a weekly basis.

Then I just kind of pushed myself and challenged myself. And now I can run half a marathon, although I haven't run in weeks. But it's something I came to love.

Not everyone is meant to run and that's okay.

Water? I drove to a trail by the lake and I'd keep water in my car. The thing is, for my body I reject water when I've been working out for a while. Make sure you DO NOT chug water and do not drink Gatorade or powerade. Keep hydrated throughout the day, making sure you're hydrated 2 hours before, drink throughout (camelbaks are convenient) and afterwards.

As for knee pains, no, I don't. With the right running shows and proper form I don't think the average person should have pains. But make sure you warm up beforehand and then stretch.

How about working your way up to running? It's actually recommended that you not try to run or jog until you can speed walk for 30 minutes straight. How about trying Leslie Sansone's walking videos. You can purchase them from Target/Walmart or look up the videos she has on YouTube(there are a few).

kambo_trick3y · Answer

This is what I use to make running fun:

https://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=xlRgBvYFxTo

It's an immersive zombie game that uses your gps to play. It plays like a audio book, with your choices depending on how far or fast you run (i.e you'll be scouting for supplies, when suddenly you're ambushed by zombies, the slower you run the louder and "closer" the zombies get to you in your headphones).

It gets REALLY interactive, it saves the items you've gotten for survival, build your own zombies fortress with the items, etc.

Otrolite · Answer

I enjoy running and sports in general. You lose yourself in the activity, it's a moment of pure focus. Of course I do sports because I like it, not because of some shallow aesthetic purpose. I completely understand how people can hate sports.

If you're too heavy to run, try just walking. Walk an hour a day for a few weeks and you'll lose weight, your joints will get used to the activity and then you can go for the serious stuff. Also, don't run on concrete or hard floors, try on soil. Concrete, flagstone and the like are joint killers, too much impact.

RedThread · Answer

I never enjoy it as I'm doing it... I feel great when I reach my destination and I'm done though.. I love taking a shower after extensive exercise. I don't usually bring water when I do my 3 mile run. I just hydrate a little bit beforehand and when I get back. If you drink too much it can make you sluggish too I've noticed. Start slowly until your body gets the strength for it. If you're too impatient you can do some serious damage to your body. I was really overweight and overzealous when I first started doing it and I literally could barely get out of bed because I didn't build myself up slowly. Even when you're in shape your joints can hurt from running. It's just worse having the extra weight and lacking the muscle to get started. I'd suggest walking and doing light jogs for a while until your body strengthens up.

theguy4 · Answer

I started my running journey after moving to Alaska I met a girl who happened to be big into running I lived of the grid and had a long 20 mile trail on my land I drive my 2 stolke around it but she started running around on the trail after a couple months of living together she asked if I would like to get into running I told her I can't run I spend all day tinkering with moters so she got me a pair of running tights and shorts and some other running stuff and told me to run as long as I could so I did and made it a 1.5 miles so she asked if I would be willing to ride her stationary bike for 1 hour a day I agreed she bought be some cycleing attire and I cycled after 3 months of riding the bike 1 hour a day she asked me if I wanted to run with her again I said yes I love running now

HandsomeRaj · Answer

I've been a winner in cross country marathon (country level) during college for 5 years but I hate running or jogging :D (I got picked up by force and I ran fast the 1st time for a different reason & got noticed lol)

Even today I do it today cause it helps burn fat, increase metabolism and my personal trainer compels me to do it :D :(

gostar · Answer

I Love running. Start off slow every time, then get faster. First day put a certain timing, and another day, put a longer timing. I find that when you run with music on, it really helps you get distracted form being too tired. And when you have music on, and close your eyes while running, listening to the speed of your heartbeat, it really calms you down:DD Run in beautiful areas with music blasting in your ears. Run to places you''ve never gone to. Explore and get excited through runnin! :D

JamesCollingwood · Answer

I run a lot both short and long distance. I was ranked 4th in Victorianlast year for 6k run and made it to Regionals in both the 100 and 200m sprints. If its short distance you are talking about then i love running it as fast as i can and generally dont get too tired from them. Its also great fun overtaking others as it is in long distance runs! Long distance is a different story and i understand how some may find it boring or be in great pain. I dont practice for my events as i guess it just comes naturally and i think those people are the ones who enjoy it most. I do athletics a bit outside of high school and with a good coach you can muck around with its great fun just not in the heat! Its also a pretty cool feeling to win a race and you really get noticed for it. Good way to impress the certain someone you like! ;)

Theguyoverthere · Answer

I used to do some running in addition to my weight training but I was getting a lot of pain in my shins. I changed over to the elliptical machines at the gym and can now do cardio without the shin pains. Plus you can keep your water on the machine and drink it while doing cardio. You can also get resistance options to toughen it up and you're not sitting. You can use arms or legs, doesn't matter.

lucky24 · Answer

The first 5 min of running I really hate but after getting past that point I love running. But not in city area I enjoy it at the beach or trails with beautiful/breathtaking views

i haven't jogged recently unfortunately but I hope to start again in summer time

thatguy67 · Answer

I used to hate running all kinds. I would get shin splints easily and just quit. Then I stopped being a pussy and got good-fitting shoes. I have found that it's a good way to get out of the house and be alone, yet not feel weird. I always feel awkward if I'm walking around town alone just for the hell of it…most people seem to be on errands or out with friends. Tons of people run alone so it's a decent way for me to still be alone, get exercise and blend in somewhat.

TurbulentDan12 · Answer

I'm just not built for running. I've tried jogging but I'm always just injured after somehow and find excuses not to do it again. I have more luck getting cardio from playing sports or the elliptical or something like that

crybaby · Answer

I love the feeling of my muscles burning and my lungs acing and sweat coating my body. I often just put some music on my ipod and get lost in it, without realizing how far I've gone I'm there :)

sovetskii13 · Answer

I don't like it either, but I do it for exercise which is necessary for my health. I am willing to do something I don't like very much if it can help my health.

Socccer7 · Answer

I hate conditioning for a sport. Ugh having someone make me run as punishment or to get me in shape always stresses me out and irritates me. I love running and working out on my own. It's really freeing and nice. It's still a struggle to get up and run or go the gym but the feeling after is totally worth it.

98confused · Answer

it is painful. and i get shin splints and knee pains and all that crap. but there's a sense of accomplishment that accompanies it.

ndzn17 · Answer

I enjoy running.. to the pizza parlor or ice cream truck :p haha

Sexydncr · Answer

I absolutely hate running. I like other forms of cardio but running is my hell. And it always gives me shin splints and other problems.

MyNameIsJonas · Answer

If you don't like running then don't do it.  It helps me clear my mind. I enjoy the challenge of seeing how far I can push myself.

TheReturnofDre · Answer

Before I joined the military I hated running.  Now I absolutely love it.  I honestly think that you have to push yourself through it. Once you start to realize the progress you've made it'll feel rewarding.

lostbutincontrol · Answer

It's an aquired taste. You have to get used to it, and it's painful at first

sammy_31 · Answer

I like it I can't say I LOVE it but I don't HATE it either.

stillagoodgirl · Answer

Its love & hate for me i love that it makes me forget all my worries but hate how tiring it is

art84 · Answer

Jogging. Running makes my legs get cramps and tire out.

Michaelmwm19 · Answer

I enjoy it, it gives me a rush sort of feeling.

kangaru · Answer

Walking and yoga are gd but I don't like running

lolthatguy · Answer

You have to have motivation and discipline.

purplelavender · Answer

I like running just not in the winter.

Do you actually enjoy jogging or running?

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