[Closed] How to enjoy running?

run somewhere nice.

singletrack is good...

I have two problems when exercising, i'm fundementally quite lazy and secondly quite impatient. When I run, I turn one trait against the other. Generally I just run as far as I can in one direction (normally in the woods / bridleways), then realise I'm sh*gged, start to walk back, then decide I can't be bothered to walk as it'll take *ages* so I start running again. That 'technique' has got me past the 30k mark a few times.

I always used to find that, when I was trying to run to a (fast) pace, I'd actually perform better on the days that I felt rubbish.

Get out there, warm up, feel crap. Reluctantly push yourself up to your target pace, feel crapper. Keep pushing it, try not to look at the watch too much. Realise that you're actually up on your pace because you're actually pusing yourself a bit!

I never run with a watch or music.
Just me the dog and the local flora/fauna.
Run fast as you can up the hills, take it easy on the downs. Go home when you get tired.

The purest form of exercise - keep it simple.

its true - need to get a certain fitness - bloody horrible otherwise.

So it sounds like if I persevere with some regular running and vary things a bit I might get to a point when I start to actually enjoy it. That's a plan - thanks.

Guess I've just got to make sure I don't get too into it and start scaring the public on the fells.

Respect for Pyro - 80k run. Flippin heck.

I need to re-iterate - it'll be WAY easier and more fun if you are doing it right.. Read up and watch some videos on youtube.

I have a little bet with myself that any running thread will go off on a barefoot/pose/forefoot tangent within ten posts. Barefoot Bingo I call it. This one's bucking that trend nicely. If I go on about it you won't have to.

Autumn and winter's a great time for running, makes the most of limited daylight, no faffing cleaning bikes, gets you tired quicker. Do your offroad rides, just without the bike. You might spot some brand new singletrack.

molgrips"

I need to re-iterate - it'll be WAY easier and more fun if you are doing it right.. Read up and watch some videos on youtube.

...or don't overanalyse everything and just get out there and see how it goes.

If you're absolutely determined to go through with it, and being a helpful person, Ive decided to bequeath you my 'rock n run' playlist.

Put a head torch on and go out into the woods and run with it, it does make it less painful.

Only thing looks good on me 3:37 Brian Adams
I Wanna Rock 2:54 Twisted Sister Road Trip Soundtrack
Get Your Rocks Off 3:38 Primal Scream
I Believe in a thing called love 3:38 The Darkness
Roadhouse Blues 5:22 The Doors Morrison Hotel
Caroline 3:47 Status Quo
I'm Bored 2:48 Iggy Pop
Take Me Out 3:57 Franz Fredinand
She Sells Sanctuary (Long Vers 7:00 The Cult
You give love a bad name 3:44 Bon jovi
Do You Wanna 3:38 Franz Ferdinand
Killer 6:23 Seal Seal 13
I Love Rock and Roll 2:55 Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
Modern Way 3:59 Kaiser Chiefs
Teenage Dirtbag 4:16 Wheatus Wheatus
Last Of The Mohicans 3:59 James Horner
Magic Carpet Ride 4:28 Steppenwolf
Pour Some Sugar on Me 4:27 Def Leopard

Er you can have it, I won't be needing it back, thank me later..

Edit: Warning don't be tempted to ride home after the pub to it.. It breaks things.

Barefoot is where its at, however you' ll need some barefoot shoes to do it properly

hurty knees...

Okay, half right with the barefoot thing. Big, important part, especially if you're getting knee pain -

GET A GAIT ANALYSIS AND SOME PROPER SHOES.

Sorry, did I say that loud enough?

Honestly, it could make a massive difference. Yes, it means spending some money, maybe, but if you're running in the wrong shoe, it'll injure you more than it'll help your fitness. [i]Barefoot/Minimalist shoes don't work for everyone[/i], same as any other type. Get a proper analysis from a decent shop (I use Accelerate in Sheffield and heartily recommend them) and listen to their recommendations. Most will do analysis free if you're buying shoes then and there.

Knee pain could be just about anything from ligament or cartilage issues to mask-tracking and misalignment of the patella. If the pain is down the outsider of your knee, it could be ITB problems, which often stem from gait issues or pushing too hard too fast. In which case, back off, simmer down and give it a chance to recover.

it'll be WAY easier and more fun if you are doing it right.

The correct way of running is the one when you don't get injured (however that may be). 🙂

I've told you once.

A bit of self-loathing always helps.

Stever - Bingo! What do I win? 😉

A sinking feeling and a heavy heart that crashed the party thrown for freedom and simplicity. Oh and you could have had a bonus line for Chi, Five Fingers or Dr Romanov 🙂

Actually I do agree with Molgrips on the form thing. Some people seem to naturally run with ease, wheras I'm one of those people who naturally runs like an injured elephant. Have tried taking shorter steps and it does feel better. Everyone's different though, of course.

have you tried running at different times in the day? I've always been rubbish and painful early morning - would have to be a really nice place/bright day to enjoy the ankle kicking pain - afternoons evenings fine (usually)

PS never ever try what the "star letter" in a running mag suggested - something like to add variety to yr run try running in and out and round all the cul de sacs on yr regular route - arrrrrrrrghhhhhhhhhhhhhh

or don't overanalyse everything and just get out there and see how it goes

Yes that's a good idea but it sounds like he's already done that, and he says he hates it.. which says to me like he's doing it wrong as I had been all my life until recently.

Stick_man - doesn't work for everyone. My gait adapted as I ran more (changed a hell of a lot between January and June!) but I wasn't trying to 'force' it to. I wouldn't advocate trying to conciously change your gait, other than on the advice of a physio if you're suffering badly.

I won't go into the geekiness of it (for fear of upsetting Stever further 😉 ) but honestly, get analysed and see what works for you rather than forcing yourself to someone else's "ideal"...

It goes without saying that if you do change your gait, take it easy at first. You could end up using tendons and muscles that weren't being used previously and injure yourself. Readjustment needs to be gradual as in most things.

Off-road running shoes review here: [url= http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/reviews/shoes/off-road-shoes/14.html ]Runners World[/url]

A few people are suggesting not taking a watch - I'd be cautious about that.

I completely shagged my knees a few years back (surgery, a year off the bike, physio, pain for years afterwards) by taking bike fitness into running and going too far too fast.

Since, then I started running to the watch. I was able to slowly increase my runs by a couple of minutes per session. It meant turning around before I wanted to, but I can now run and bike.

Enjoyment-wise, I definitely go the MP3 route.

The thing that no-one has mentioned, though is having loops that you aim for as goals e.g. from my house, I can run to Bushey Park and around a fountain there in about 6 miles. Also from my house, I can run along the river to Walton Bridge, along the far side of the river back to Hampton Court Palace, cross over there are run home in about 11 miles.

It's quite motivating to have these loops with landmarks in them to tick off as I increase my distance.

Also, increasing distance is not for everyone. Personally I want to increase speed. Jogging along for miles and miles isn't my thing, I like to be fast so that's what I'm aiming for. Two or three sub 7 minute miles would be great 🙂

Jamie - Member
molgrips"
I need to re-iterate - it'll be WAY easier and more fun if you are doing it right.. Read up and watch some videos on youtube.

...or don't overanalyse everything and just get out there and see how it goes.

+ 1

Some people take themselves way too seriously.

[url= http://www.parkrun.com ]parkrun[/url] Have you looked to see if there's a 'parkrun' near you? It's a 5k timed run with many other people at 9am on a Sat morning. Been doing them for a year now, with brother and dad and improved from 23mins to a pb last Sat of 19.37. Racing others is a great motivator for me!

Watch it?

Some people take themselves way too seriously.

So - I want to be able to run, but I was terrible at it. Did I do something wrong by trying (and succeeding) to sort it out? Should I have continued to do it wrong?

Don't understand, sorry.

EDIT: actually, who the f do you think you are telling me how seriously to take things? I can do whatever I bloody well like! If I get a kick out of analysing and understanding things that's my **** perogative! The widespread attitude that it's wrong to be into something, to try and figure things out and to solve problems is ignorant, divisive and causes needless misery for countless schoolkids. If you want to know why science and engineering are under-subscribed, that's why. I should not have to be ashamed of having an enquiring mind.

Grr 🙁

We did a marathon a few years back as a goal for my wife to train towards after having No.2 daughter. I have to say it wasn't fun at all training for it, possibly because of the amount required. However, getting to the point where being able to run for an hour non-stop was a breakthrough for me. It still wasn't hugely enjoyable though. Listening to music made a big difference, and having a variety of routes planned out to try. A friend swears by listening to podcasts or ebooks to make it bearable.

I did think about starting running again, though when walking the dog I happened to pass a 10k run - not a single smile among them, and several men making "hhhhaaaaarrrrrgggghhh ..... hhhhaaaaarrrrrgggghhh ..... hhhhaaaaarrrrrgggghhh ...... hhhhaaaaarrrrrgggghhh ....." noises. I decided there and then against it.

Sounds like you might need to take a handbag with you !

I was getting bored of my usual music on my ipod, so for doing the Edinburgh Marathon this year I downloaded an audio book. Best idea I've had for a long time. Loads of good inspirational audio books out there, Lance Armstrong, Matty Long, etc etc...... 😀

The thing with running is that it becomes fun when you become better at it and fitter

EDIT: actually, who the f do you think you are telling me how seriously to take things? I can do whatever I bloody well like! If I get a kick out of analysing and understanding things that's my **** perogative! The widespread attitude that it's wrong to be into something, to try and figure things out and to solve problems is ignorant, divisive and causes needless misery for countless schoolkids. If you want to know why science and engineering are under-subscribed, that's why. I should not have to be ashamed of having an enquiring mind.

[img] [/img]

Run naked.

Jamie, yes, that's me currently. Well, when reading that particular post anyway 🙂

[i]I won't go into the geekiness of it (for fear of upsetting Stever further ) [/i]

Oh go on, you kids enjoy yourselves, it's after hours. The geek-cats out of the bag now anyway. I'm watching for next time though 😉

Big breasts, no bra, sit back, watch and enjoy.

get shorts with those knicker liners in. I got serious chaffage with running in a pair that didn't have any!

oh and dont run too far, too soon.

I was very much the same but running the same trails I ride and with an iPod shuffle attached it makes it a whole lot more enjoyable!

Trevor.

Molgrips - isn't the second or third running thread recently where you've popped up to evangalize about the importance of researching gait?

I'm a bit confused though. You've spent (how much?) time researching on the internet and watching youtube...

Personally I want to increase speed. Jogging along for miles and miles isn't my thing, I like to be fast so that's what I'm aiming for. Two or three sub 7 minute miles would be great

just so you can run a bit quicker (and with a higher fun quota) over a 14-21 minute run? Seems a bit excessive (and taking it too seriously) if so. You might want to revise down what 'to be fast' is. A decent marathon time, sustained over 26.5 miles, would be, what, 8 mins 20 secs or so per mile?

This is the best piece of advice so far on this thread:

phil.w - Member

it'll be WAY easier and more fun if you are doing it right.

The correct way of running is the one when you don't get injured (however that may be).

just so you can run a bit quicker (and with a
higher fun quota) over a 14 -21 minute run?

Nothing wrong with that! Everyone's got their own aims. Some people want to do 20 mins fast, I like doing a good few hours slow (insert stamina/technique gag here)

I'm with Molgrips that, if something's hurting you, you need to alter something in your running. Our thoughts on what and how are different, but that's life. Everyone has their own approach, eh?

There's only one way to enjoy running.

Don't do it. It was just an essay in pain as far as I was concerned. It hurt during and hurt after. It was slow, boring, annoying, painful and marginally more pointless than riding a bike round in circles.

I can still remember the days of hardly being able to walk after each run. Warm up, warm down, get special shoes, pay some idiot a fortune to stick a plastic wedge in my shoe. None of it made any difference.

One day I was walking through Leeds town centre and my knee just locked. I had to stop dead while Yorkshire folk pushed past me. That put a stop to that.

Amazingly as soon as I stopped running, my knee got better and I got happier. Moral there somewhere.

How can I be taking it too seriously? D'you think I'm doing all this research whilst hating it all and wishing I wasn't? Why do you think I started this whole project?

We all have different personalities; what one person likes to do someone else might not. Did you not know this?

I'm sure you're all quite understanding about top athletes committing to their sport and trying to be the best - my aims are not that different, I'm just not as good at it.

Re samurai - I was not doing it, but it always annoyed me that so many other people found it so easy and I couldn't do it. I hate not being able to do things.

@Pryo. Fair one. But the OP's stated aims, which were being replied to, were:

stick_man - Member

I'm planning to run more regularly this winter to keep fit and possibly do an off-road race in the spring as a bit of a challenge.

Have you thought about cycling instead? It's rather fun 😉

@crispedwheel - cheers dude, but the OP also asked

What do you like about running? Can I do
anything to make it more fun ?

I think we all agree that running's more fun if you're not injuring yourself, right? So Molgrip's trying not to injure himself at high pace over a short distance, which he finds fun. I think he probably enjoys the research as well, and I'm very much with him on that, I research routes, pore over maps, obsess over my gait etc... Each to their own.

And of course there's more than one way of not injuring yourself!