Help me run...I really hate it...

[FruitBasedDrinkForALady]

So I did c25k and I can run 5k albeit slowly (approx 35mins). Thing is, I really, really, really hate it. It's so bloody boring. I have tried different routes and different playlists. I still hate it. Someone suggested signing up for a race, but ugh, I can't think of anything more tedious. Is there any way of making myself like it? Or at least dislike it less? I do bootcamp twice a week and 2 more 30 min runs is the only other way I can really fit in the exercise I need, so I have to find a way of making myself keep going. Please help me!

[marne2]

Give up, get a bike or go swimming

[AnyoneForTennis]

Iove running but you can't force yourself to like it. Try something else

[StandsOnGoldenSands]

I don't like it either. I have a history of arthritis in my family too so I'm not convinced it's a great idea anyway.
I spent a few years doing the minimum possible for fitness but have petered out over the last couple of years.
I love swimming. Just wish I could find reliably uncrowded pools.

[RhinestoneCowgirl]

I like running mainly when I've just finished. I also like the weight I've lost and my more muscly legs, but it is a means to an end really.

For enjoyment, riding my bike is much more fun.

[JennyOnTheBlocks]

Have you been to your local parkrun yet?

The buzz you get from running with lots of different ages and abilities is quite something, and it's very friendly

And 35 mins is not slow

[Pipbin]

I don't like it but I force myself to go. I listen to radio 4 podcasts. More interesting than music.

[Julius02]

I'm interested to hear the replies as I really want to love running and I can't. I'm so rubbish at it. I can happily go swimming or to a class at the gym but I will make every excuse in the world not to go running even though after I've finished (I'm really talking slow jog not running!) I feel fantastic.

I need to know how to get past this period of finding it so difficult....

[JennyOnTheBlocks]

Running longer distances will also help, bonkers though it sounds.

We take around 20mins to tap into our energy reserves - part of our 'fight or flight' instinct.
That's how long your body takes to realise if you like, that it's in for the long haul and then you get into the endorphine territory.

[EveryGoodBoyDeservesFun]

Could you use a running app and set yourself small goals? And do you run various routes of differing lengths? I use runtastic that tracks my km splits so I will try and set different goals each time I go out - it could be to PB a certain km, or get an overall PB for a route. I know how you feel - I run 3 or 4 times a week and I find it a real struggle sometimes, but I lost a lot of weight last year and I know I need to keep it up to keep the weight off. I just have to keep going on different routes and challenging myself all the time to keep myself interested.

Also look into doing a parkrun on a Saturday morning if you have one near you - they are timed 5k runs and the incentive to PB each week along with running with other people might help you! There is a great parkrun thread on here that I lurk a lot on.

[FruitBasedDrinkForALady]

Thanks ladies. I love swimming, but I can only do it as a leisure thing, I can't make myself go hard/fast enough for it to be much more than relaxation. I have a phobia of cycling after seeing a horrible accident when I was a kid. Running is the "sensible" option - bra and runners on, out the door and it's done and I generally feel good when I'm done, so maybe it's worth the dull half hour.

Jenny that's interesting about the 20 min thing. The first 10 mins is definitely the worst, and I get my uphill done early so maybe I need to change up my routes so I'm leaving more of a challenge to later in the run. Today I walked the last 1km because it's flat and straight and I just couldn't be bothered plodding one foot in front of the next. There is one Park Run near enough, so maybe I need to make an effort to get to it. DH will have to prove his commitment to Team Fruit and swap his lie in morning!

Pipbin do you find listening to chat slows you down? I presumed music would be better for keeping up a tempo. I have some podcasts I'd love to find more time to listen to so that might work. Thanks.

[naturalbaby]

Have you got anyone to run with? I found an informal group locally so I don't have to think about the route or distance and can manage a bit of a chat as well.
I also run with an app on my phone to log how far I've gone which is quite satisfying.

[FruitBasedDrinkForALady]

Every, sorry, I missed your post. I'm exactly the same, I have lost a lot of weight in the last year too (still a bit to go) and I need to keep running and doing bootcamp to keep it off and stop my pelvic problems coming back. I use Runkeeper to keep track of what I'm doing, which gives me split times, but I can't seem to make progress.

[cece]

I go with my friends and we chat all the way!

[Cleanthatroomnow]

I like what Joan Rivers says about running...that she'll give it a go when she sees a jogger smiling.

I run too, but it's a chore. I do believe there are natural runners, and then there's the rest of us.

[ThatBloodyWoman]

There's someone near me who does speed walking.

It looks like it'd elevate the heart rate without being so completely jiggly as running.

[clary]

I love running too but I agree, if you really don't like it it's not going to work.

I like it because I have to concentrate somewhat on the physical thing I am doing, but my mind can still wander. I find it really clears my head if I am niggling at something or stuck in the middle of my marking.

Swimming is the same for me - I think it is the repetitive physical action. I think if you swim for half an hour OP it is going to have a fitness benefit - unless you are one of those people I see in my pool who are going so slowly they are almost standing still! I am sure you are not.

Yy 35mins is not slow. It's a lot faster than a lot of folk could manage.
Have you tried the Race for Life (in my mind as I am running it tomorrow) - there will still be some to sign up for and the atmosphere is so amazing, it might inspire you.

[clary]

I smile btw. When I pass a lovely summer garden, or think something I see makes me think of a funny thing that happened - that's the release you see. For me :)

[msrisotto]

If you hate it so much, why do it? There are loads of other free, cheap, outdoorsy ways to exercise.

I've given running a go, can't get on with the c25k thing, I clearly prefer cycling, walking, team sports etc. no point making yourself miserable.

[GiniCooper]

I was running last year but it really isn't for me.
I walk/hike for miles now though.
I love it, I'm much more inclined to get out and I include plenty of hills so I get the heart rate pumping.

[WineIsPaleo]

don't do it. Does nothing for your fitness anyway, slogging away at low to medium intensity for hours on end. Oh except wrecks your knees, and shrinks away whatever muscle you have. For mental wellbeing, running outdoors on your own is amazing, clearing your head and endorphins and all that. But low intensity long time domain cardio is generally pointless when it comes to fitness or weight loss (plenty of research on this, don't just take my word for it!) unless you have so many hours in your week to do it that the sheer volume (combined with diet) will produce the results. strength training - and I mean proper strength training, not swaying 2kg dumbells that weigh less than your handbag - combined with high intensity, short time domain cardio that is constantly varied to avoid plateaus, is it. So don't run, especially if you don't enjoy it!

[LordEmsworth]

I agree, don't do it if you hate it.

If you insist, then don't plod on for 5k. Mix it up with speed and hills. E.g. an easy 2k warm up (the hardest bit!) then do 200-400m at top possible speed, then recover - slow jog, walk, or bend over trying not to throw up - for 3-5 mins. Repeat 3 - 10 times. Or, 2k warm up then find a hill - run up it as fast as you possibly can, walk back down, do again. Or, a mix of these. You'll push your body much harder and increase your cardio ability massively...

It'll make the next 5k easier, too. Promise!

[dizzyday07]

If you can run and swim why don't you look at doing some Biathles or Biathlons?

[TallRedhead]

Find RunMummyRun Facebook page (sorry FB isn't that liked on here!) excellent motivation and 'all in the same boat' mentality.
And do try a Parkrun.

But if after all that you still don't like it then it's not for you.

[FruitBasedDrinkForALady]

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. I'm just back from trying some of them and....it was great! I did one of my more boring routes but listened to a comedy podcast and did 3:3 intervals. I flew round (pb for 3 splits!) and was even laughing in some parts. I'll look up some more training plans maybe even try a 10k at some stage and see if I can find more ways to keep myself interested. Thanks again.

[BlueChampagne]

I have come to love it! I listen to music on longer runs, but am also trying to write a cycle of poetry based on a year's worth of cross country running, so am observing and trying to work up pithy phrases.