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

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!

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"

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.

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.

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!

Capt Bob Abbott

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.