[Closed] How to enjoy running?

Choons?

Run with somebody?

fell running is great. The thing with running is that it becomes fun when you become better at it and fitter, it can be awful until then.

I found the same true of cycling after a lay off of a year I'm back up to over 100 miles a week and only just starting to enjoy it now I'm cycling fit...

Read up about gait. It used to feel terrible for me until I learned about forefoot striking and started stretching my hip flexors. Night and day.

Can you get a nice girl to run ahead of you in figure hugging lycra?

Run off road - kick through leaves, stop to look at the view, don't take a watch for a while.

Running in winter is ace - the worse the weather, the better!

The thing with running is that it becomes fun when you become better at it and fitter

Can remember when, about 12 yrs ago, i started to run i thought 10 mins was my limit.

Then i persevered and did 15 then 20, and the first time i did an hr i was amazed!

you need to find flow. Sounds gay I know, but really you need to find the pace that will let you run almost effortlessly, then you can find a route that has some views, and away you go.

yes, music makes a big diference. Also, running the same route of a known distance each time so that you can motivate yourself to go quicker. I tend to run with Jog Log on my iphone so I can see all my stats as I run, but that's because I am a very sad man (according to my wife).

Do it naked. Adds a certain frisson.

Careful dude it can become very addictive, I got it bad once, chasing personal bests, running every other day, entering stupid races.. Heart rate monitors, special shoes, wimmen, sex after the run..

Don't do it, go to a fish shop, buy a cold wet cod and hit yourself in the face with it instead.

You'll be sorry if you don't, it's worse than buying a road bike and becoming effeminate.

steal things from peoples gardens, give you a reason to keep running

Do it in the woods on the same trails you ride, much more interesting then. Better still do it somewhere where you think there are/should be trails and follow every little random track - great way of finding stuff. Do it at night with your bike lights strapped to your head for extra blair witch factor.

That said if it's been raining loads I just go with the wife, get her to go in front and enjoy the view 8)

Watch people running rather than doing it yourself. Tis the only way to enjoy it.

"The thing with running is that it becomes fun when you become better at it and fitter, it can be awful until then."

Actually I think this could be my problem, I've never really been running regularly, it all a bit hit and miss, and it hurts every time.

Off road / more scenery does sound like a plan as does the girl in front thing, if I can find an amenable one.

Sorry to say this but you're on a hiding to nothing.

An honest question: Has anyone ever seen a runner smile? Ever? Or give off the slightest whiff of enjoyment? Be honest?

I rest my case. Runners make a serious roadie club ride look like a vintage episode of Its a Knockout

Get that app for the iPhone that makes you think you are in a post-apocalyptic wasteland being chased by zombies.

Zombies. Run! I think it is called. It may not be out yet though.

Most of the above. Run off-road, run unusual places, run where you feel like. Don't be scared to go "ooh, that path looks interesting, I wonder where it goes". Run [i]how[/i] you feel, whether that's a short fast sprint or a long slow bimble round the hills. Don't kill yourself in the name of "must do more running", there's no point driving yourself into the ground and hating it even more.

For a good motivation, try doing Janathon (google it) - run every day in January and blog about each one. Have a look at my blog posts ( http://pyrosyard.blogspot.com) on Janathon and Juneathon this year. Those two months were the big pushes in getting me from intermittent 5km runs to an 80 km Ultramarathon.

Run off-road and in shit weather.

You still won't enjoy it, but it'll be slightly more interesting.

Oh, and binners - I smile when I'm running. That's because if follow my own advice and don't take it too seriously 🙂

For a good motivation, try doing Janathon (google it) - run every day in January and blog about each one

Alternatively, just sit in a corner rocking back and too, staring at the open bottle of paracetamol placed just out of reach, and thinking to yourself.... medically it'd only take twenty six...... 😉

Running in winter is ace - the worse the weather, the better!

This^

There is a certain perverted enjoyment in running in minus stupid weather...ideally at night in the woods with a headtorch.

An honest question: Has anyone ever seen a runner smile? Ever? Or give off the slightest whiff of enjoyment? Be honest?

I do. I think it scares people.

Alternatively, just sit in a corner rocking back and too, staring at the open bottle of paracetamol placed just out of reach, and thinking to yourself.... medically it'd only take twenty six......

How are you finding the time to be so helpful binners, when I am sure there some Seabrooks awaiting your attention?

Sorry Jamie. I've got Monster Munch today. They make me go a bit funny. I think its the colouring in the Flaming Hot ones

Binners, are you a complete wuss? 😉

Binners, are you a complete wuss?

Nah. He just limits his exertions to opening crisps and lighting ciggies 😉

Erm... its a fair cop guv 😀

I never ever see runners smile though. And most of the fell runners you see out in the hills look like serial killers. Older guys who look like they live in caves and could, if required, dismember you and live off your remains for six weeks. And probably enjoy it. They scare the bejeesus out of me

Do it naked. Adds a certain frisson.

It's spelt "friction."

Surely running naked would reduce friction?

Having a reason to run and going regularly so it starts to feel a bit more effortless is good. Basically, you want to feel like when you were a kid running about because it's fun. A bit like riding a bike, except you don't need a fleet of expensive metal in the shed and a good few hours of spare time.

Failing that, real Zombies would help, I reckon.

http://runforyourlives.com/

I smile when I'm running (not constantly because that would be weird..) - usually because I'm am enjoying the sunshine/wind/driving rain. That and I have bangin' tunes 😀

+1 for flow. Also running can be pretty grim until you get good running fitness. When you get good flow, form and fitness it feels brilliant. Definitely read up on good form and watch how good distance runners glide along (worth doing a little barefoot training as that really encourages good form.)

Try mixing up routes, doing lots of off road. Try fartleck and interval work, just mix it up a bit instead of lots of even pace running.

you need to find the pace that will let you run almost effortlessly

Problem is, for many of us that pace does not exist, at least not without a lot of practice (not training) and work. This is something that natural runners don't understand - how frigging difficult it can be for some people, even those who are pretty fit for other sports.

I should add that sometimes it just will not flow. You will have bad runs, usually for no apparent reason. This happened to me this week, Monday was awesome, but today's run just didn't gel.

Oh, and on the topic of chafing, a lycra undershort is a good investment.

I remember watching one of the big fell races when I was a kid, sitting on a wall as the runners came past. The legendary Joss Naylor trotted by, a good couple of minutes ahead of the pack, and one of the old farmers next to me turns to his mate and says "Joss looks knackered". His mate's only response was "Joss [i]always[/i] looks knackered..." Kinda true, but I still wouldn't fancy my chances of beating him round Borrowdale...

What time of day do you run ?? I like going out early early, there is nobody around and for some reason I have more energy, and it's cooler so you don't get so hot. And you can feel sanctimonious all day.

Offroad much better than road.

MP3 player is essential.

P.S and don't run two days in a row, not yet anyway you need to recover.

Barefoot is where its at, however you'll need some barefoot shoes to do it properly

I should say, I'm not a very good runner, and most runs are a complete slog with hurty knees and a stitch. But there's usually a point when a cool track comes on that you haven't heard for ages and the light changes and a pretty lady walks past where it makes it all worth while and for 10 seconds or so you feel like Rocky.

Then you go back to being a sweaty bulgy eyed wreck.

Barefoot is where its at, however you'll need some barefoot shoes to do it properly

*chortle*

I tend to mix up my runs with some longer steady pace running and for shorter runs when I don't have so much time I do a kind of interval training to music (sounds weird, bear with me...) couple of songs to warm up and then one song at normal steady pace, then one song at a much faster pace, then back to steady pace... and so on. Keeps it interesting for me!
+ 1 for the good view though, over the summer I was in Menorca and running lots off-road through the countryside, even though it was 30+ degrees I didn't care as the scenery was spectacular.

And most of the fell runners you see out in the hills look like serial killers. [s]Older[/s] guys who look like they live in caves and could, if required, dismember you and live off your remains for six weeks. And probably enjoy it. They scare the bejeesus out of me

I will remember to smile in future then, just so i don't make you have a little poo 😈

If you are getting a stitch you have eaten to close to running. Never eat any closer than 2 hours to a run. Strong coffee is OK, in fact some might say mandatory.

OP - Forget the watch, run off road stop and walk for a bit if it gets unpleasant. Be pateint and your running fitness will come.

Welcome to the club 😀

You have to enjoy it for its own sake. If you dont then you are unlikely to persevere and gain the benefits.

Music, company etc may help but they will only prolong the inevitable.

Remember: It's at the borders of pain and suffering that the men are separated from the boys. Emil Zatopek.

run somewhere nice.

singletrack is good...

I have two problems when exercising, i'm fundementally quite lazy and secondly quite impatient. When I run, I turn one trait against the other. Generally I just run as far as I can in one direction (normally in the woods / bridleways), then realise I'm sh*gged, start to walk back, then decide I can't be bothered to walk as it'll take *ages* so I start running again. That 'technique' has got me past the 30k mark a few times.

I always used to find that, when I was trying to run to a (fast) pace, I'd actually perform better on the days that I felt rubbish.

Get out there, warm up, feel crap. Reluctantly push yourself up to your target pace, feel crapper. Keep pushing it, try not to look at the watch too much. Realise that you're actually up on your pace because you're actually pusing yourself a bit!

I never run with a watch or music.
Just me the dog and the local flora/fauna.
Run fast as you can up the hills, take it easy on the downs. Go home when you get tired.

The purest form of exercise - keep it simple.

its true - need to get a certain fitness - bloody horrible otherwise.

So it sounds like if I persevere with some regular running and vary things a bit I might get to a point when I start to actually enjoy it. That's a plan - thanks.

Guess I've just got to make sure I don't get too into it and start scaring the public on the fells.

Respect for Pyro - 80k run. Flippin heck.

I need to re-iterate - it'll be WAY easier and more fun if you are doing it right.. Read up and watch some videos on youtube.

I have a little bet with myself that any running thread will go off on a barefoot/pose/forefoot tangent within ten posts. Barefoot Bingo I call it. This one's bucking that trend nicely. If I go on about it you won't have to.

Autumn and winter's a great time for running, makes the most of limited daylight, no faffing cleaning bikes, gets you tired quicker. Do your offroad rides, just without the bike. You might spot some brand new singletrack.

molgrips"

I need to re-iterate - it'll be WAY easier and more fun if you are doing it right.. Read up and watch some videos on youtube.

...or don't overanalyse everything and just get out there and see how it goes.

If you're absolutely determined to go through with it, and being a helpful person, Ive decided to bequeath you my 'rock n run' playlist.

Put a head torch on and go out into the woods and run with it, it does make it less painful.

Only thing looks good on me 3:37 Brian Adams
I Wanna Rock 2:54 Twisted Sister Road Trip Soundtrack
Get Your Rocks Off 3:38 Primal Scream
I Believe in a thing called love 3:38 The Darkness
Roadhouse Blues 5:22 The Doors Morrison Hotel
Caroline 3:47 Status Quo
I'm Bored 2:48 Iggy Pop
Take Me Out 3:57 Franz Fredinand
She Sells Sanctuary (Long Vers 7:00 The Cult
You give love a bad name 3:44 Bon jovi
Do You Wanna 3:38 Franz Ferdinand
Killer 6:23 Seal Seal 13
I Love Rock and Roll 2:55 Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
Modern Way 3:59 Kaiser Chiefs
Teenage Dirtbag 4:16 Wheatus Wheatus
Last Of The Mohicans 3:59 James Horner
Magic Carpet Ride 4:28 Steppenwolf
Pour Some Sugar on Me 4:27 Def Leopard

Er you can have it, I won't be needing it back, thank me later..

Edit: Warning don't be tempted to ride home after the pub to it.. It breaks things.

Barefoot is where its at, however you' ll need some barefoot shoes to do it properly

hurty knees...

Okay, half right with the barefoot thing. Big, important part, especially if you're getting knee pain -

GET A GAIT ANALYSIS AND SOME PROPER SHOES.

Sorry, did I say that loud enough?

Honestly, it could make a massive difference. Yes, it means spending some money, maybe, but if you're running in the wrong shoe, it'll injure you more than it'll help your fitness. [i]Barefoot/Minimalist shoes don't work for everyone[/i], same as any other type. Get a proper analysis from a decent shop (I use Accelerate in Sheffield and heartily recommend them) and listen to their recommendations. Most will do analysis free if you're buying shoes then and there.

Knee pain could be just about anything from ligament or cartilage issues to mask-tracking and misalignment of the patella. If the pain is down the outsider of your knee, it could be ITB problems, which often stem from gait issues or pushing too hard too fast. In which case, back off, simmer down and give it a chance to recover.

it'll be WAY easier and more fun if you are doing it right.

The correct way of running is the one when you don't get injured (however that may be). 🙂

I've told you once.

A bit of self-loathing always helps.

Stever - Bingo! What do I win? 😉

A sinking feeling and a heavy heart that crashed the party thrown for freedom and simplicity. Oh and you could have had a bonus line for Chi, Five Fingers or Dr Romanov 🙂

Actually I do agree with Molgrips on the form thing. Some people seem to naturally run with ease, wheras I'm one of those people who naturally runs like an injured elephant. Have tried taking shorter steps and it does feel better. Everyone's different though, of course.

have you tried running at different times in the day? I've always been rubbish and painful early morning - would have to be a really nice place/bright day to enjoy the ankle kicking pain - afternoons evenings fine (usually)

PS never ever try what the "star letter" in a running mag suggested - something like to add variety to yr run try running in and out and round all the cul de sacs on yr regular route - arrrrrrrrghhhhhhhhhhhhhh

or don't overanalyse everything and just get out there and see how it goes

Yes that's a good idea but it sounds like he's already done that, and he says he hates it.. which says to me like he's doing it wrong as I had been all my life until recently.

Stick_man - doesn't work for everyone. My gait adapted as I ran more (changed a hell of a lot between January and June!) but I wasn't trying to 'force' it to. I wouldn't advocate trying to conciously change your gait, other than on the advice of a physio if you're suffering badly.

I won't go into the geekiness of it (for fear of upsetting Stever further 😉 ) but honestly, get analysed and see what works for you rather than forcing yourself to someone else's "ideal"...

It goes without saying that if you do change your gait, take it easy at first. You could end up using tendons and muscles that weren't being used previously and injure yourself. Readjustment needs to be gradual as in most things.

Off-road running shoes review here: [url= http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/reviews/shoes/off-road-shoes/14.html ]Runners World[/url]

A few people are suggesting not taking a watch - I'd be cautious about that.

I completely shagged my knees a few years back (surgery, a year off the bike, physio, pain for years afterwards) by taking bike fitness into running and going too far too fast.

Since, then I started running to the watch. I was able to slowly increase my runs by a couple of minutes per session. It meant turning around before I wanted to, but I can now run and bike.

Enjoyment-wise, I definitely go the MP3 route.

The thing that no-one has mentioned, though is having loops that you aim for as goals e.g. from my house, I can run to Bushey Park and around a fountain there in about 6 miles. Also from my house, I can run along the river to Walton Bridge, along the far side of the river back to Hampton Court Palace, cross over there are run home in about 11 miles.

It's quite motivating to have these loops with landmarks in them to tick off as I increase my distance.

Also, increasing distance is not for everyone. Personally I want to increase speed. Jogging along for miles and miles isn't my thing, I like to be fast so that's what I'm aiming for. Two or three sub 7 minute miles would be great 🙂

Jamie - Member
molgrips"
I need to re-iterate - it'll be WAY easier and more fun if you are doing it right.. Read up and watch some videos on youtube.

...or don't overanalyse everything and just get out there and see how it goes.

+ 1

Some people take themselves way too seriously.

[url= http://www.parkrun.com ]parkrun[/url] Have you looked to see if there's a 'parkrun' near you? It's a 5k timed run with many other people at 9am on a Sat morning. Been doing them for a year now, with brother and dad and improved from 23mins to a pb last Sat of 19.37. Racing others is a great motivator for me!

Watch it?

Some people take themselves way too seriously.

So - I want to be able to run, but I was terrible at it. Did I do something wrong by trying (and succeeding) to sort it out? Should I have continued to do it wrong?

Don't understand, sorry.

EDIT: actually, who the f do you think you are telling me how seriously to take things? I can do whatever I bloody well like! If I get a kick out of analysing and understanding things that's my **** perogative! The widespread attitude that it's wrong to be into something, to try and figure things out and to solve problems is ignorant, divisive and causes needless misery for countless schoolkids. If you want to know why science and engineering are under-subscribed, that's why. I should not have to be ashamed of having an enquiring mind.

Grr 🙁

We did a marathon a few years back as a goal for my wife to train towards after having No.2 daughter. I have to say it wasn't fun at all training for it, possibly because of the amount required. However, getting to the point where being able to run for an hour non-stop was a breakthrough for me. It still wasn't hugely enjoyable though. Listening to music made a big difference, and having a variety of routes planned out to try. A friend swears by listening to podcasts or ebooks to make it bearable.

I did think about starting running again, though when walking the dog I happened to pass a 10k run - not a single smile among them, and several men making "hhhhaaaaarrrrrgggghhh ..... hhhhaaaaarrrrrgggghhh ..... hhhhaaaaarrrrrgggghhh ...... hhhhaaaaarrrrrgggghhh ....." noises. I decided there and then against it.

Sounds like you might need to take a handbag with you !

I was getting bored of my usual music on my ipod, so for doing the Edinburgh Marathon this year I downloaded an audio book. Best idea I've had for a long time. Loads of good inspirational audio books out there, Lance Armstrong, Matty Long, etc etc...... 😀

The thing with running is that it becomes fun when you become better at it and fitter

EDIT: actually, who the f do you think you are telling me how seriously to take things? I can do whatever I bloody well like! If I get a kick out of analysing and understanding things that's my **** perogative! The widespread attitude that it's wrong to be into something, to try and figure things out and to solve problems is ignorant, divisive and causes needless misery for countless schoolkids. If you want to know why science and engineering are under-subscribed, that's why. I should not have to be ashamed of having an enquiring mind.

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Run naked.

Jamie, yes, that's me currently. Well, when reading that particular post anyway 🙂

[i]I won't go into the geekiness of it (for fear of upsetting Stever further ) [/i]

Oh go on, you kids enjoy yourselves, it's after hours. The geek-cats out of the bag now anyway. I'm watching for next time though 😉

Big breasts, no bra, sit back, watch and enjoy.