How is it possible to "enjoy" running?

Question

I've been running a few times a week now, and I don't see how it's possible to enjoy it. After about 2 miles my arms and legs get tired, I'm fatigued, it's hard to breathe, and also it's so boring!

But I know some people get "runner's high" or say they love running. Do I need to change up my workout, or am I just not made for running? Every time I run, after a while I just get the urge to stop, and I can't stop thinking about wanting to stop. I also don't feel like I'm getting fitter or losing weight. Am I running too little? I think I run about 2.5 miles every other day.

Answer 1

You have to let yourself get into shape first, so you aren't so tired and winded.  You may be pushing yourself too hard too fast, especially if you went from zero exercise to 2.5mile runs multiple times a week.

After a certain point (give it a few months at least, seriously), running won't be so "hard" feeling and you'll just get into a groove and you'll just feel it.  

Just be patient with yourself and you'll get there and you'll understand what people are talking about.

Also, try running a 5k race, just for fun. Being surrounded by lots of other runners can be pretty invigorating and fun.

Answer 2

When U get the "runner's high" then u learn to enjoy it!  Running is a mental game most of all. Sure you have to push yourself physically but the mind is the key! You also need to learn and relax when you run. I always begin by walking fast for 5 mins to get loosened up then kick it up to a light jog(still relaxed) then after 10 mins or so, the running begins. Try that. Also, keep your arms loose and NEVER tighten up your body, takes up too much energy. Once u have this down u can run as long as you want! Good Luck!

Answer 3

Right now you are in a stage where it's work. Your body is going to take time to get itself into running shape and you will start to feel better. The first 25 minutes is the hardest and that seems to be in the range of where you are right now. you are just getting warmed up at 25 minutes and you are not in good shape yet. Try and run every day and in a week or 2 you will feel much better and start enjoying it. There are different ways of enjoying it. Your body will start to change and that will be enjoyable. You will start to think clearer and about things other than running. I have never liked running alone. I have always loved running with others. Even one other person and I enjoy it 100% more. My children run in highschool and neither one likes to run alone. Even when they do run alone, they hate listening to their ipods. Others on the team love to be on their own and not in a group and others can't cope without listening to tunes. Everyone is different and you have to find what works for you. I will say that I have never met anyone that did not enjoy it in some way once they got past the 2 weeks of "this sucks, I'm so out of shape" stage. Believe me, I've let myself go and I'm right at the stage you are at. I've done this many times in my life and it takes awhile and a lot of hard work, but then it's easy and fun again.

Answer 4

The fact that you get tired after 2 miles shows that running is definetely not for you.

Answer 5

i find it hard to enjoy too, so i use a treadmill and listen to music, works the same.

Answer 6

What makes it exiting for me is how can you compete against yourself. For instance, I did´t enjoy it, as well, at the very beginning, but now I do, yes!, the first month, you will feel tired and exhausted, but things are going to start changing latter on, and proving yourself you can do better than before is a good relief for the pain and the exhaustion, it works as a motivation.

Some other tips; (that worked on me)

Use your Ipod, this allows you to listen to your favorite music while running.

Select a different route Every while, that will help you seen different stuff and people and not the same every day.

Then after a month modify distance and time.

I have also find interesting to follow my heart bits rate, with "polar watch" and bands, that help you get a little more into it and cut the boring making it exiting, as soon as you feel like on shape for doing it, subscribe to a race (not to win) to compete against your own record, this for me have helping lost many pounds and in return have make me feel, very well!

Last, but not least, I you are running in the morning, try to have an apple or a banana, before going out for running so your level of energy is at the correct level, otherwise, you will be so tired, that you will never "enjoy".

Good Luck!

Answer 7

just enjoy the benefits of it, like getting in shape and good health. ofcouse during it you ma be so tired you may say "im never doing this again" but there is a lot of benefits. And it does feel good after running, and sometimes a runners high can occur. Look at it this way, "No Pain, No Gain"

Answer 8

i absolutly LOVE running.

it makes me feel free,

unless i'm running

from someone or something. lol

maybe runnning isn't your thing.

try something else, like bike riding.

Answer 9

the fatigue is just you getting in shape

running, ultimately, (for me) is the way to ease stress i feel from anything from that day

i love it because it gives me a chance to lower my time and be fit!

runner's high doesnt come up so often; ive barely ever felt that

oh and trust me, not everyone is made to run; that doesnt stop them though

running is the one sport that anyone can get really good at through dedication and hard work; talent can only get you so far if you just have it and not use it -- so if you feel like stopping, think about not stopping

you will most likely feel much better about yourself after your run if you've run it without stopping

try running about 2 or 3 miles monday to friday and do a long run of 5-10 minutes longer than what you've been running during the weekday

you can take sunday off

good luck!

Answer 10

I think the thing that makes running exciting is how you feel afterwards. I don't mean the pain but how you emotionally feel. You feel good because you did the best that you could. When I run i feel like i want to stop and sometimes I do but that doesn't mean i'm not made for running, it just means i need to keep running so i get used to the long distances. Within time you'll improve. Don't give up.