I want to run, but I hate running. Why?

Capt Bob Abbott — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 13:42:01 -0400

So allow me to explain this one before I get flamed. Background info: I ETS'ed in 2007, and am in decent shape. My best mile time was 5:17 back in 2002.

I haven't really run since I got out of the Air Force. While in I did the mando PT running (yes, I actually showed up) along with my students. But I don't enjoy running. At all. I imagine it would be awesome to run a 5k or marathon some day, but when I'm actually running I hate everything around me.

Now it's not that I dislike PT in general. I enjoy pushups and pullups, and if you stick me on a rowing machine I can tear it up for hours. But running, whether it be outside, on a treadmill, elliptical, etc....I can't stand it.

So if I can't stand running so much, why is it that I want to do it? I have a subscription to Running magazine...am I just weird? Anybody else out there can help explain?

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 1:43 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 13:43:32 -0400

Maybe it's engrained in your mind after years of taking PT tests. I don't necessarily like running yet one year I ran 5 half marathons. Call me crazy, not sure why I did it and my body hated me for it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 1:46 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 13:46:46 -0400

Running sucks, that's why! The ONLY reason I do it is because it's a part of the PT test and I refuse to not max it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 1:49 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 13:49:01 -0400

Sir, I'm right there with you, but when I am back home I like to sign up for events like the color run. If you haven't checked those kinds of things out, I highly recommend it. It's more about the camaraderie and the spirit of the event for the color run, it's pretty easy to get hyped about.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 1:51 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 13:51:58 -0400

Try signing up for a 5K and just going for it. I find the competition environment very motivating, because I feed off that energy. Perhaps select one that has a charity that is particularly meaningful to you. You can also set goals for yourself, like never stopping, or running a sub-10 mile. As for the hating everything around you, is it the proximity to other runners? Would you maybe do better on a trail run? Do you enjoy listening to music, or just being alone in your thoughts? You can also set goals for yourself that are extrinsic - if I finish this 5K in under 28 minutes, I will treat myself to ____.

Good luck to you! I don't think you're weird for the magazine subscription. It's a motivational tool to get you back in the game, and they have great food recipes and gear reviews.

Response by SSgt Joe V. made Apr 9 at 2015 1:58 PM

SSgt Joe V. — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 13:58:46 -0400

Repetitive motion - no thinking necessary is why you might want to do it.

I am in the same boat. Hating everyone around you while it is happening I think is normal. Maybe we are just weird...

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 2:03 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 14:03:39 -0400

Capt Bob Abbott Bob, I'm right there with you. From cross country in high school through running in the military its something I actually crave but not something I'm especially good at. Not now or ever, really. I ran a 15:42 three mile in XC and about a 15:30 two mile at Airborne. Almost 30 years spanned these two events. After a bad PLF and two titanium screws in my right leg you'd thing I'd learn. Not so much. In fact, I just walked in the door from running 5 miles. It took me 40 minutes so I'm no speedster. With that said, I too have dreamed of marathon glory...just finishing it would be glory for me. What happens is I get to about the 90 minute mark and I just lose interest. I've actually gotten so far out onto a long run and lost interest (mostly in the run back...) that I've stopped and called my wife or son to come get me. Sad, I know. I don't get tired. I don't ache any more than usual, I just get bored. You're not weird. Not at all.

Response by SPC Angel Guma made Apr 9 at 2015 2:08 PM

SPC Angel Guma — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 14:08:54 -0400

I learned tricks here and there. For example, on treadmills I always watch movies, and usually military videos. If I'm not watching a video, the music has to be fast and motivating. I avoid slow music or music that can be de-motivating for me (country music isn't good for running for me, but thats my personal preference).

If I'm not running but want to get a good-quasi hill/ruck sort of work out, on a treadmill, I either have my PS3 hooked up in front of my treadmill, I walk at a good pace and play something like Medal of Honor: Warfighter or something to that effect. I think knowing what gets you in a zone is hugely important. My worst runs are always group runs.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Apr 9 at 2015 2:11 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 14:11:55 -0400

Bob, we share the same genetic trait. I hate running because it's boring. Same with bike riding, swimming, etc. I did find a running solution for me. When I hung up the military uniform my wife used "the Voice" suggesting I should be a soccer referee. 12 years later I'm still at it although gradually slowing down. Running is incidental to main task which is mental. I have no idea that I'm running, I just have to be where I need to be and an Ordway isn't allowed.

I'm not suggesting you becoming a soccer referee. Just see if there are activities that you'd enjoy where running is incidental.

If anyone is interested, I normally cover 4-5 miles as a Referee and 2.5-3.5 miles as an Assistant per game and still can do a maximum of 3 Full 90's in mixed positions or 4 youth games in mixed positions in a day, although not daily. Mental burn out can hit me sooner than physical exhaustion. Movement is walking, jogging, running but always moving so it isn't pure running.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 3:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 15:11:55 -0400

In my opinion you really don't dislike running. There may be something you don't like about running and that becomes your focus but something keep bringing you back. I could be way off but it's just my opinion.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 3:22 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 15:22:06 -0400

I hated running too, I think it was the impact on the joints. I have since switched to a bike and I love it, spandex and all. Next month I have my first metric century with a standard century planned later this year.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2015 3:23 PM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 15:23:10 -0400

I'm with you Sir. In my case I let myself go when I got out of the Army some years ago. But now having lost now a considerable amount of weight I want to run, but the last time I ran I threw my hips out of alignment and had numerous chiropractor adjustments. I want to do it for the cardiovascular conditioning but am fearful of having the same issue recurring. I was doing to Couch to 5K to get back in the swing. It was helping until my injury.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Apr 9 at 2015 3:49 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 15:49:33 -0400

First, if you don't mind rowing for hours and their is not something physically hurting from running, it is all in your head...so with that said, keep telling yourself "I love running." Our brains are really pretty simple machines and they will start to believe something if it keeps hearing the same thing over and over.

Now that the head is fixed, the rest is just details. How much time do you have to spend. Training for a marathon takes a LOT of time. Half Marathon training takes a lot of time but no where near the time of full. 5K and even 10Ks are not really too bad.

Some things to make your run even more fun...say again more fun, because now you love running!!! Run with someone you actually like being around...this also helps make sure you don't skip your runs. If running alone, listen to music or a book on tape. Run outside, somewhere nice, because we can only trick ourselves so much and running around at a gym in a circle sucks.

Like running with someone, signing up for a run...probably wise to start out with a smaller I.E. 5K...will help you make yourself 'want' to go. Also, check out the local running clubs and RWB in your area.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Apr 9 at 2015 4:10 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 16:10:24 -0400

I despise running. Hate it!

That said, this year I have already ran 2x 1/2 marathons, 2x 8k, 1x 10k, 1x15k, 1x17.75k, and have have several more already paid for (including a 1/2 this weekend).

I run because it's good cardio, and I know how. It's a great way to keep the weight off. And I enjoy eating.

Training tends to be "boring" however, as it is repetitive. Races on the other hand are "events" which are a blast and something to look forward to. They have a culture aspect to them, and become addicting.

As for the hate... part of the dislike at longer distances is "the wall" which is where your body runs out of fuel, and your brain is figuratively informing your body that you are going to die, and you should just stop right now, because what you are doing is stupid. As the human body can only hold about 1500-2000 readily available calories, this happens at about mile 15-18 for most people.

I see you are in VA, which is great for local events (VA Beast, MD, or even NC). Check them out, or shoot me a message, and I can recommend some that are good for a first timer. The USMC has the Historic Half in Fredericksburg next month. Great Race!

Response by LTC Gail Daras made Apr 9 at 2015 5:29 PM

LTC Gail Daras — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 17:29:06 -0400

My favorite part of track when I was in high school was the practices. I loved running and talking with my friends. I did not enjoy the racing because you are running at a much faster pace, no talking, just focusing on breathing and winning. Maybe you could find a running partner who wants to go at a leisurely pace and you can use this time to unwind.

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Apr 9 at 2015 9:14 PM

PO2 Steven Erickson — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 21:14:57 -0400

Simple. As a grown adult, with at least a modest amount of intelligence and observational skill, you realize the following TWO simple facts:

1. Humans have evolved and created things like cars, motorcycles and bicycles. Ergo, running is not necessary for moving from one location to another.
2. You are aware that - most likely - nothing is running after you to eat, maim or otherwise do you bodily harm. Ergo, running is not necessary for survival.

Seriously, though... my wife is a marathoner (she did the Marine Corp Marathon last October as well as the Chicago and others), and she tells people that she HATED running for about 3 years. She did it cuz she felt she had to, and eventually, she learned to really enjoy it.

Me? If there's nothing behind me that's gonna eat me, there's NO REASON to run...

Response by LTC Hillary Luton made Apr 11 at 2015 11:41 AM

LTC Hillary Luton — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 11:41:46 -0400

I don't think anyone will flame you for this subject. I'm sure there are plenty of us in the military (and no longer in) who are not fond of running. For years, I fought having to run. I absolutely hated it. But eventually, I made an effort to change my mindset. I'm not saying I've succeeded 100%, but I am making progress.

OK, let me back up a little. First, I've run 5Ks, 10Ks, 12Ks, 10-milers and 1/2 marathons over the last 10 years. It started because I quit smoking 10 years ago, and told myself I was trading in my cigarettes for running shoes. Did I become a runner over night. No. Not by a long shot. But I did start running more and I ran my first 5k, 6 months after I quit. I was shocked! Shocked I tell you! Just kidding, but it was a monumental moment for me.

Even though I've run those races, it doesn't mean I love running. In fact, I took my final PT test 11 months ago, and basically stopped running after that. Well, accept for the insanity of running the Army 10-miler one more time without training for it. Until a month ago, when this little voice inside my head said, "get back out there and run again." I had run a 5K last year in my community and actually won a medal. I'm not a fast runner, so that was huge for me. I am; however, a very competitive individual, so winning that medal is actually a motivator.

When my little voice kicked in a few weeks ago (yes, I'm hearing voices :-)) I decided to listen and do something about it, but instead of doing like I normally do - go out and run 3 miles, hate every second, feel like crap later and then become a bump on a log for several weeks until I've motivated myself again, this time I decided to take things slow.

Music inspires me when I'm running. I can zone out and enjoy the music and ignore the run. Sooooooo, to make a long story longer, I found a 'Couch to 5K' running program that I could download on my phone that would coach me during my runs. The thing I like about the program is that it takes things slow and starts off running/walking and gradually builds up to longer runs and shorter walks until you are up running regular distances. I can listen to my music and the coach pipes in whenever I need to change my pace. (and since I have a Note 4 for a phone, its like carrying a tablet on my left arm while I'm running).

Now I'm not saying a program like this will make you love running, but it is an example of a way to find inspiration. OK, there actually is a point here, and I apologize for taking so long to get to it, but, you have to figure out what inspires you. Are you competitive? Do causes motivate you? Do you love music? Anything. Hold onto to that motivation and run (pun intended) with it. Find a way to forget the run and enjoy other things that are going on around you. When I run races, I can feel the energy of the other runners and it is contagious. During the race, I enjoy the scenery around me. You have to find ways to forget the run, and enjoy the world around you. Find your motivation. And finding a partner to run with never hurts.

OK, that's my 2 cents, for what its worth and I hope you are able to find that motivation.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2015 11:49 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 11:49:54 -0400

I think you are like a lot more people who may not be as honest as you.

Just pretend you saw the guy wearing the tee shirt I saw at a safety conference.

On the front "LAPD bomb squad"

On the back "If I'm running follow quickly"

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2015 12:18 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 12:18:11 -0400

Find something that will help you deal with your dislike during running. Get the right shoes, some cool shorts, running socks, the perfect running playlist, a beautiful route, a running buddy, these are all things that if added to running could make or break the experience!

Response by Capt Bob Abbott made Apr 11 at 2015 1:09 PM

Capt Bob Abbott — Sat, 11 Apr 2015 13:09:58 -0400

So many responses! I'll try to get to all of them, may take me a bit. But thank you all for the words, it helps a lot!

Response by Sgt Vaughn Kelly made Apr 22 at 2015 1:12 PM

Sgt Vaughn Kelly — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 13:12:08 -0400

I can totally understand where you're coming from here. I used to HATE the running portion of PT, almost to the point of disliking the people who actually enjoyed it. I never really had a problem per se, it just seemed like the crappy part of a good workout. A weird thing happened after my EAS though. I missed it. Like out of the blue, I felt weird NOT running. (I should also mention that after I got out, I relocated to Boston. It seemed like everyone and their mother...ran.)

I also came to realize that running does a wonderful job of stabilizing one's mood and relieving stress. I bought running shoes. Then I bought more running gear. The next thing I knew, I was running every other day. At some point, I thought it would be a good idea to sign up for a 5K. I was hooked.

I don't know how it happened, I don't know why it happened. It just did. These days, I run at least one half marathon every year, and a couple 5/10Ks just because. I'm not out to break any records, but the activity itself is incredibly beneficial. I'd also like to believe that the lower body/core strength helps improve my golf game, but that may just be wishful thinking on my part.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2017 7:17 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Jul 2017 07:17:48 -0400

Try a group like the Hash house harriers, they are a drinking group with a running problem. I went to trail running it seems like being off the road helps.