When does running stop hurting & become 'enjoyable'?

[Yellow Fang]

I prefer running to cycling as a way of keeping fit, but I tend to find it makes me injured.

 

[potsy]

I started again this New Year and I attend my local 5km Parkrun, http://www.parkrun.org.uk/ every week.
Oh and last thing, find your local Parkrun, we have around 150 runners each week, and they cover everyone from club runners to people with dogs, and speed walkers and children. Our oldest guy is 82 years old!

Been looking at the park run for a few days, there is one very close to me and I might just go along on Saturday to see what it's like, will ride there and have a nosey and decide if I would like to have a go in a few weeks.

 

[TVC]

Running is like cycling up steep hills. If it doesn't hurt then you're doing it wrong, and if you enjoy it you're just weird.


NB. I have run a few 10Ks over the past few years, but I'll never admit to enjoying it.

 

[MattHB]

I hate running. Everyone I see running looks like they hate running too. Everyone I see that's just stopped running looks relieved.

I'll stick to my

 

[annaspanna]

We found that a lovely warm bath after a long/difficult run can really help.. There's a lot of useful hints given already and can't really provide much more form-wise. Found a good trick is to run with someone who has a similar pace to keep yourself relaxed and motivated.

 

[fossyant]

Running doesnt stop hurting you just get faster!

Where have I heard that ?

 

[fossyant]

I hate running. Everyone I see running looks like they hate running too. Everyone I see that's just stopped running looks relieved.

I'll stick to my

Like it, Like it !!!

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Running's rubbish, none for me since cross-country at school.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Been looking at the park run for a few days, there is one very close to me and I might just go along on Saturday to see what it's like, will ride there and have a nosey and decide if I would like to have a go in a few weeks.

If it's anything like the Bolton one it'll be great. They're very supportive of new runners and they genuinely want to see people coming back

 

[Night Train]

I can't run any distance and stay upright. I am a sprinter so 100m or 200m an I am fine and in my element. 400m+ and I am wishing the ground would open up and swallow me whole.

Apparently some people are distance runners and some are sprinters and it is difficult to swap disciplines.

 

[Silver Fox]

In my 20's and 30's I was a very keen, and I must say capable runner, but the pounding took its toll on my knees so I concentrated more on my cycling and swimming.

From that time I've never looked back, my knees and joints felt better and my fitness even increased.

 

[col]

The better you get at it, the harder you will push. So you might get used to it in time, but I found it too injury prone(too heavy too) so I power walk.

 

[goo_mason]

OK, thanks for the advice.

I did get proper running shoes before I started.
If I went any slower so that I could hold a conversation when running, I'd actually be walking!
I'm 43, 16st and 6ft 3, but look nothing like others of the same weight who are the size of a bus. Hadn't run since I was around 17.
My current pace is averaging about 10mins 10secs per mile, so hardly going too fast.
I take hot baths at night to try to ease the pains, and use Deep Heat and Deep Freeze where appropriate.

On the plus side, cycling has left me fit enough so that I'm breathing normally again and my pulse has returned to normal within a couple of minutes of finishing each run. Other than that, I'm really hating running with a vengeance. My weight has not changed in 8 weeks, despite cutting out all junk food & snacks and eating very healthily. I seem to have got nothing from it other than 8 weeks of pain which now leaves me permanently walking like an old, arthritic geezer. Maybe I should write it off as a stupid idea and just stick to cycling before I cripple myself...

 

[col]

OK, thanks for the advice.

I did get proper running shoes before I started.
If I went any slower so that I could hold a conversation when running, I'd actually be walking!
I'm 43, 16st and 6ft 3, but look nothing like others of the same weight who are the size of a bus. Hadn't run since I was around 17.
My current pace is averaging about 10mins 10secs per mile, so hardly going too fast.
I take hot baths at night to try to ease the pains, and use Deep Heat and Deep Freeze where appropriate.

On the plus side, cycling has left me fit enough so that I'm breathing normally again and my pulse has returned to normal within a couple of minutes of finishing each run. Other than that, I'm really hating running with a vengeance. My weight has not changed in 8 weeks, despite cutting out all junk food & snacks and eating very healthily. I seem to have got nothing from it other than 8 weeks of pain which now leaves me permanently walking like an old, arthritic geezer. Maybe I should write it off as a stupid idea and just stick to cycling before I cripple myself...

Give power walking a try, similar or even same benefits but no pains. My feet used to hurt,one of my knees did too. Changed to walking and it all went, but still push and get the fitness, but no impact injuries.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

If I went any slower so that I could hold a conversation when running, I'd actually be walking!

Grasshopper, to run fast one must first learn to run slow.

Serious question; if you are cycling and running are you getting enough rest so your body can adapt to the punishment training?