When does running stop hurting & become 'enjoyable'?

[goo_mason]

On the 14th January, I started a 9 week CouchTo5K running programme to supplement my cycling and improve my general fitness / lose weight. I'm running three times a week, guided by the electronic marvel that is the RunDouble C25K app on my phone. I've gradually increased over the weeks from short running/walking intervals to a 28 minute straight run (I completed Week 8, Day 2 last night).

I anticipated that it'd be hard going and painful on the lungs and legs / knees / hips for a few weeks, but I didn't expect it to still be hurting as much when I'm almost finished the course.

I've spent 8 weeks hobbling about with pain in my legs / knees / hips and feeling like an old man. If I crouch down, I have trouble getting back up again without pushing myself up using my arms. The running is a hard, miserable, sweaty slog and often painful too. There's none of the fun or enjoyment in it that I get from cycling.

So, runners - at what point does the pain stop and the running actually become enjoyable? I can't wait until the 9 weeks are up so I can get back on my bike - I've not been able to do both as my legs just couldn't cope right now. I tried doing both at the start of the course, but quickly realised that it was a mistake.

 

[Crackle]

That doesn't sound right Goo. SittingDuck showed me that program the other day and I thought it looked like a good steady build up. I presume you're pavement running are you? Also, I can't put this delicately but are you carrying a bit of extra weight at the moment. If so, that does make running much harder in a way that you don't seem to feel cycling. Even so, I wouldn't expect you to be having such pains. Although I run, I'm no runner so it could be down to stride pattern, trainers, stretching (much more important when running) or a few other things. Hopefully a runner can offer some advice.

 

[fossyant]

Running, what's that ? God invented wheels for you to get round on. Sheesh

 

[fossyant]

Ps that doesn't sound right. I have very specific bike muscles, so if I do running I have to build up. 15 mins max then upto 30 mins, but can't say I've ever had any pain issues.

 

[007fair]

Running is the most painful sport and gets harder with age. I trained for a marathon a few years back and although I had been running short distances no problem the training schedule for the marathon made my legs very sore for many weeks. I think if you are 'older' and unused to running then don't expect too much too soon. Do alot of stretching after runs and in the days you are not running - listen to your body!
I get enjoyment from running AFTER the run is finished and I have run the distance in a reasonable time (for me). I feel much better having done it and occassionally I do enjoy the run itself but most often its hard work. Bang for your Buck its the best way to loose weight and get fit - if your joints can take it

 

[tyred]

I don't think running was ever enjoyable.

 

[fimm]

I'm about to ruin a very fine thread juxtaposition:

When does running stop hurting and become 'enjoyable'?
Root canal treatment

Anyway. I wonder if you are trying to run too fast? A lot of my running is done at a fairly easy pace - yes I'm working, but not killing myself. Maybe if you don't have a heart rate monitor get a cheap one and learn a bit about heart rate zones. And I agree with the comments above - learn about stretching. Also, what is your form like? Bad form is a recipie for injury...

(Have to confess that I'm the nutter who decided that cycling the 16 miles from my office to my flat was insufficiently hardcore and ran it instead... I'm training for a marathon, but I am unlikely to do another one as my 40-year-old legs are struggling a bit.)

 

[uberguru]

Running doesnt stop hurting you just get faster!

It might be worthwhile varying both your pace, distance and scenery to try and make it a more enjoyable and perhaps more effective. I also run about three times a week, but inorder to keep my sanity I vary it as much as possible. I tend to run for an hour on a trail at 80% of my normal pace, then try a four mile road sprint against the clock and then a half marathon distance either road or cross country.
The lighter spring evenings and hopefully better conditions should also help you "enjoy" your running too!

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I'm a helper on our local jogging club couch to 5km learn to run course having done said course a year ago last month.

The key is to run at a pace that you can hold a decent chatty conversation at, any faster and you are pushing it too hard, and that is very easy to do if you are running alone. I learnt the hard way. Did learn to run, always at the front, did the 5k to 10k follow on, always at the front, did a couple of 10km races, beat my peers, started half-marathon training, hurt myself. Started over from scratch on learn to run and ran with the people at the back.

As a cyclist you will have CV fitness, and to a degree leg strength, probably two or three times greater than your body's ability to take the pounding that is running for 5km/20+ minutes several times a week.

When does it 'fun running' 5km stop hurting and become enjoyable. Ime, and is only a poll of one fat bloke in his fifties, pretty much once you become able to run 3 x 10km per week without ill effect. After that even a club 5km time trial seems fairly good fun.

and get down the gym and do some core work... works wonders on two wheels and on two legs... stick at it, core + running and you'll performance on a bike will improve too.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Running doesnt stop hurting you just get faster!

It might be worthwhile varying both your pace, distance and scenery to try and make it a more enjoyable and perhaps more effective. I also run about three times a week, but inorder to keep my sanity I vary it as much as possible. I tend to run for an hour on a trail at 80% of my normal pace, then try a four mile road sprint against the clock and then a half marathon distance either road or cross country.
The lighter spring evenings and hopefully better conditions should also help you "enjoy" your running too!

^ he's a runner. Clearly addicted. Crazy person.

 

[Pottsy]

I'm thinking getting to 5k shouldn't be toooooo painful, even for an absolute beginner, if they take their time.

So just to repeat and emphasise some of the previous advice; I would look at form (try google, YouTube or reading books on running form, maybe even Chi-running, POSE technique), go to a decent shop and get some good trainers that suit your gait/style/weight (Sweatshop are a good start), then just try and run as slow as possible, soft ground if you can, smile as you do it, listen to music, different routes, with a friend or running club, naked, alternate with skipping, sing Abba...actually maybe not the last two or three, I got carried away)

I love running but it can be tough to start with. Age shouldn't be a barrier, weight can be to start with. Stick with it though, the better you get, the more you'll enjoy it.

Good luck!

 

[Archie_tect]

I found a few years ago that my left knee was too painful for days after running on roads that I gave up and just cycle now. I am about 2 stones heavier than the Wiifit says I should be [14 stones 3 just now] which wouldn't help the knee... funnily I can jog for 10-20 minutes logged onto the Wiifit [carpet on concrete floor] without any bother!

 

[Moodyman]

Look at your rhythm. If you can develop a rhythm that fits in with your breathing it'll make it easier.

It's very similar to cycling in this regard. Get a good cycling rhythm and it feels natural. Get a running rhythm that fits you and you'll start enjoy.

Too many new runners slap their feet on the pavement. Try and minimise heel impact and develop a springy stride.

Also, get running-specific trainers if you ain't got 'em. Nothing too fancy, but so long as they fit well and are designed for running.

 

[Globalti]

Don't beleive all that bollocks about trainers, learn to run barefoot.

I once went for a 5 km morning run in South Africa with my agent who was a runner. I had no trouble on the fitness front but I was absolutely crippled for three days afterwards.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Don't beleive all that bollocks about trainers, learn to run barefoot.

Not very practical on urban streets, but you can buy these; http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/index.htm
The problem with them is that if, (like me), you need support trainers these will likely do you more harm than good.
I ran a few 10km organised runs back in 2007, but then I fell out of the habit, put some weight on, etc, etc, etc!
I started again this New Year and I attend my local 5km Parkrun, http://www.parkrun.org.uk/ every week. Then I ran my first organised 10km two weeks ago, followed by an impromptu 10km with the dog last Sunday.
I tend to dislike roughly the first mile, after that I find I hit a rhythm, (with pace and breathing), and then I just get on with it. My times have improved by almost 5 minutes in this short time, and yesterday I had my first ever gait analysis at a local running shop. It wasn't at all intimidating, (I thought it would be), and it was interesting to see the mechanics of my feet on screen. I first wore a pair of neutral trainers while he filmed me, then I tried various support shoes and the difference on film was night and day. The right shoes stopped me overpronating instantly.
Now I can't wait for Saturday, and only badminton tonight is stopping me hitting the streets right now.
These are the first trainers I have ever bought for what they do rather then how they look, and I actually went for a pair that I'd be less inclined to wear with my normal clothes, God I must be getting serious about this running lark!
FWIW I did the 'wet foot' test the other night before I went to the running shop, and this showed I overpronate and needed support shoes, but I was still more than happy to let a professional assess me even though the prognosis was the same.
So, if you don't want gait analysis, (it was free where I went), then at least do the 'wet foot' test before you buy running shoes, it could save you a lot of pain.
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!