Does this sum up running for many people?

Teebor15

Not my thoughts, but there's more than a grain of truth in it!

"I saw recently one of those motivational pictures about running on the web, and it’s basic message was that it’s not that I like going running, but the feeling I get afterwards that compels me to tie up the laces and hit the pavement. This got me thinking a bit and it is true when you think about it. It is very seldom that I think to myself, you know I would love a nice easy run now while sitting on my ass in front of the TV. An inner voice or motivation makes me grudgingly get up and get out the door. What this is?, I’m not sure.

Running is seldom pleasant. Even an easy run will wake up every ache in your body to some degree, whether its the tight hips, the inflexible ankles, the weak knees or the classic lower back, that makes you run like you’ve just been shot. Then you have the heavy breathing and the heaving chest as you push yourself to your limits because you don’t know how to run slow and easy. The advertisers of sportswear has us all fooled with the good looking women running down the scenic open road, perfectly attired in the latest gear and not a bead of sweat or redness in the face to be seen. And if that wasn’t enough they throw in some motivational line to guilt you into running. The reality of running is that it’s never like this, The women in the ads ran no more than 50 yards and then packed up and went home.

Running is tough and always will be but when it’s over and the endorphins are flying around your body, it’s then when you say to yourself, thank god I got up of my lazy ass and decided to go for a run. The rest of the day is lived in a contentment, knowing you did it and it’s over, so no need for any lingering feelings of guilt as you throw yourself of on the couch.

Running I love it just not when i’m doing it!"

Ososlo

no

gerard_65

Teebor15 wrote: »

Not my thoughts, but there's more than a grain of truth in it!

"I saw recently one of those motivational pictures about running on the web, and it’s basic message was that it’s not that I like going running, but the feeling I get afterwards that compels me to tie up the laces and hit the pavement. This got me thinking a bit and it is true when you think about it. It is very seldom that I think to myself, you know I would love a nice easy run now while sitting on my ass in front of the TV. An inner voice or motivation makes me grudgingly get up and get out the door. What this is?, I’m not sure.

Running is seldom pleasant. Even an easy run will wake up every ache in your body to some degree, whether its the tight hips, the inflexible ankles, the weak knees or the classic lower back, that makes you run like you’ve just been shot. Then you have the heavy breathing and the heaving chest as you push yourself to your limits because you don’t know how to run slow and easy. The advertisers of sportswear has us all fooled with the good looking women running down the scenic open road, perfectly attired in the latest gear and not a bead of sweat or redness in the face to be seen. And if that wasn’t enough they throw in some motivational line to guilt you into running. The reality of running is that it’s never like this, The women in the ads ran no more than 50 yards and then packed up and went home.

Running is tough and always will be but when it’s over and the endorphins are flying around your body, it’s then when you say to yourself, thank god I got up of my lazy ass and decided to go for a run. The rest of the day is lived in a contentment, knowing you did it and it’s over, so no need for any lingering feelings of guilt as you throw yourself of on the couch.

Running I love it just not when i’m doing it!"

Have to disagree. Sometimes it feels like heaven. Mind, body and soul in perfect harmony. Have you never had a run where you don't want to stop.
Of course there are bad days sometimes but even a tough run is something special, you learn a lot about yourself. but I have a lot more good days than bad.

mattser

Teebor15 wrote: »

Not my thoughts, but there's more than a grain of truth in it!

"I saw recently one of those motivational pictures about running on the web, and it’s basic message was that it’s not that I like going running, but the feeling I get afterwards that compels me to tie up the laces and hit the pavement. This got me thinking a bit and it is true when you think about it. It is very seldom that I think to myself, you know I would love a nice easy run now while sitting on my ass in front of the TV. An inner voice or motivation makes me grudgingly get up and get out the door. What this is?, I’m not sure.

Running is seldom pleasant. Even an easy run will wake up every ache in your body to some degree, whether its the tight hips, the inflexible ankles, the weak knees or the classic lower back, that makes you run like you’ve just been shot. Then you have the heavy breathing and the heaving chest as you push yourself to your limits because you don’t know how to run slow and easy. The advertisers of sportswear has us all fooled with the good looking women running down the scenic open road, perfectly attired in the latest gear and not a bead of sweat or redness in the face to be seen. And if that wasn’t enough they throw in some motivational line to guilt you into running. The reality of running is that it’s never like this, The women in the ads ran no more than 50 yards and then packed up and went home.

Running is tough and always will be but when it’s over and the endorphins are flying around your body, it’s then when you say to yourself, thank god I got up of my lazy ass and decided to go for a run. The rest of the day is lived in a contentment, knowing you did it and it’s over, so no need for any lingering feelings of guilt as you throw yourself of on the couch.

Running I love it just not when i’m doing it!"

I'd go along with that.

TFBubendorfer

Teebor15 wrote: »

Running is seldom pleasant. Even an easy run will wake up every ache in your body to some degree, whether its the tight hips, the inflexible ankles, the weak knees or the classic lower back, that makes you run like you’ve just been shot. Then you have the heavy breathing and the heaving chest as you push yourself to your limits because you don’t know how to run slow and easy.

Nope.

LaHaine

Even as a self professed plodder I wouldn't agree with this. Yeah I have the odd bad run where it all hurts but its pretty rare.

The vast majority of the time I love it. Seeing the progress, albeit slow is brilliant. Getting outside, fresh air, I love it. During and after.

Seanie_H

The more you do it, the more enjoyable it is.

It's not all suffering... In fact, there's more suffering in being too busy or injured to get out for a run after a while.

muckety

Thank you for your description, I thought I was just really bad at running. I am a recent starter, and hate it while I'm doing it, but am hoping that it will get easier and I'll start to actually enjoy it. But I feel great when I've done it!

Gavlor

I'd say I'm 50/50. I don't enjoy half my runs and feel great during the other half.

However the common denominator is that I always feel great after it.

Training for a marathon can feel like a chore alot of the time!

Krusty_Clown

I run 7 days a week, probably around 10 runs a week on average (90+ miles this week). I'm not going to lie and say they're all enjoyable miles, but I'd hazard a guess that I'd enjoy 80-90% of them. If I wasn't enjoying them, I wouldn't do it. Life is too short. Find another form of exercise you enjoy. Maybe try running again after taking a break for a while? You can get your endorphins from some other form of activity!

Finnt

When I started running I didn't enjoy it much but now, I'd enjoy 80% of runs. I love heading out on a long run 10 miles+
TBH a lot of these motivation posters you see on the web are americanised rubbish !

Deirdree loves Rashid

Teebor15 wrote: »

Not my thoughts, but there's more than a grain of truth in it!

"I saw recently one of those motivational pictures about running on the web, and it’s basic message was that it’s not that I like going running, but the feeling I get afterwards that compels me to tie up the laces and hit the pavement. This got me thinking a bit and it is true when you think about it. It is very seldom that I think to myself, you know I would love a nice easy run now while sitting on my ass in front of the TV. An inner voice or motivation makes me grudgingly get up and get out the door. What this is?, I’m not sure.

Running is seldom pleasant. Even an easy run will wake up every ache in your body to some degree, whether its the tight hips, the inflexible ankles, the weak knees or the classic lower back, that makes you run like you’ve just been shot. Then you have the heavy breathing and the heaving chest as you push yourself to your limits because you don’t know how to run slow and easy. The advertisers of sportswear has us all fooled with the good looking women running down the scenic open road, perfectly attired in the latest gear and not a bead of sweat or redness in the face to be seen. And if that wasn’t enough they throw in some motivational line to guilt you into running. The reality of running is that it’s never like this, The women in the ads ran no more than 50 yards and then packed up and went home.

Running is tough and always will be but when it’s over and the endorphins are flying around your body, it’s then when you say to yourself, thank god I got up of my lazy ass and decided to go for a run. The rest of the day is lived in a contentment, knowing you did it and it’s over, so no need for any lingering feelings of guilt as you throw yourself of on the couch.

Running I love it just not when i’m doing it!"

Very good description, yeah I have to agree with you especially if I havn't ran for a while. I feel like i'm starting all over again.
I'm back since just after xmas and today was the first run I got a buzz from in ages.

ger664

Teebor15 wrote: »

Running I love it just not when i’m doing it!"

Running has always given me back much more then I put into it. 18 months ago it was the one thing that got me through a very difficult period in my life.

Why Do I run ?

dave92

its not running to me anymore its "me time" open roads and peace. I cant wait to get out there

Oryx

I love a long easy run. Its something I would choose to do rather than sit on the couch. Sure, hard runs hurt. Theyre meant to. Even so they can feel good in a warped way. But lower intensity running can be an absolute joy.

PaulieC

one of my favourite things about running is seeing places you'd never normally see. Gets you fit too apparently.

Finnt

ger664 wrote: »

Running has always given me back much more then I put into it. 18 months ago it was the one thing that got me through a very difficult period in my life.

Why Do I run ?

I hope she's ok now.

drquirky

Deirdree loves Rashid wrote: »

Very good description, yeah I have to agree with you especially if I havn't ran for a while. I feel like i'm starting all over again.
I'm back since just after xmas and today was the first run I got a buzz from in ages.

Welcome back rashers!!!

corny

Never really give it much thought tbh. Its neither unpleasant nor really enjoyable. Its just what i do, a habit of sorts.

What i can say is that i'm miserable when i'm injured and not running.

vitani

The first couple of miles can be rough, and there's the occasional run that's just a struggle from start to finish, but the vast majority of my runs are enjoyable. There's usually a point in each one where everything just comes together and I feel like running is the most natural thing in the world.

Deirdree loves Rashid

drquirky wrote: »

Welcome back rashers!!!

Who's this rasher you speak of, surely you mean Rashid?

TRR

Deirdree loves Rashid wrote: »

Who's this rasher you speak of, surely you mean Rashid?

Or maybe Biglogger???

digger2d2

TRR wrote: »

Or maybe Biglogger???

Or Newbiegirl??

ger664

Finnt wrote: »

I hope she's ok now.

She is. Thanks for asking

Pacing Mule

drquirky wrote: »

Welcome back rashers!!!

You have an uncanny ability to spot these.

Pacing Mule

Teebor15 wrote: »

Not my thoughts, but there's more than a grain of truth in it!

....

Running I love it just not when i’m doing it!"

They're doing it wrong.

Granted I've had some horrid runs but they are balanced out 100 fold by the buzz of running when it's all going great. You can't beat that feeling when you're mid run, thoroughly enjoying it and the challenge or at other times the joyful peace it brings you. Anyone who only loves the results of running needs to find another sport that they may enjoy more IMO.

geld

Teebor15 wrote: »

Not my thoughts, but there's more than a grain of truth in it!

"I saw recently one of those motivational pictures about running on the web, and it’s basic message was that it’s not that I like going running, but the feeling I get afterwards that compels me to tie up the laces and hit the pavement. This got me thinking a bit and it is true when you think about it. It is very seldom that I think to myself, you know I would love a nice easy run now while sitting on my ass in front of the TV. An inner voice or motivation makes me grudgingly get up and get out the door. What this is?, I’m not sure.

Running is seldom pleasant. Even an easy run will wake up every ache in your body to some degree, whether its the tight hips, the inflexible ankles, the weak knees or the classic lower back, that makes you run like you’ve just been shot. Then you have the heavy breathing and the heaving chest as you push yourself to your limits because you don’t know how to run slow and easy. The advertisers of sportswear has us all fooled with the good looking women running down the scenic open road, perfectly attired in the latest gear and not a bead of sweat or redness in the face to be seen. And if that wasn’t enough they throw in some motivational line to guilt you into running. The reality of running is that it’s never like this, The women in the ads ran no more than 50 yards and then packed up and went home.

Running is tough and always will be but when it’s over and the endorphins are flying around your body, it’s then when you say to yourself, thank god I got up of my lazy ass and decided to go for a run. The rest of the day is lived in a contentment, knowing you did it and it’s over, so no need for any lingering feelings of guilt as you throw yourself of on the couch.

Running I love it just not when i’m doing it!"

Sounds like you haven't experienced the joys of a run on the hills or trails then?

While some runs are like what you describe for me I enjoy the time training with clubmates and those runs on my own.

ThePiedPiper

It'd be very rare I'd view running like that. Possibly, when I'm on the very home stretch of a marathon training cycle, and having to squeeze in a few miles when it doesn't particularly suit, then yes, it can sometimes feel a bit of a drag. But, in general, running is something I love doing, at least 80% of the time. I usually take a couple of months in the winter of knocking the training back to 20-30 miles per week just to build up a bit of motivation and desire to embark on higher mileage.

MrCreosote

I don't particularly feel like what's described in the OP, but plenty of people do I reckon.

It's better to be honest with people if we want to get more people out running as well. Saying it's always going to be some sort of happy-clappy life-changing experience isn't always helpful. If people don't feel like that when they run, they might think they're somehow doing it all wrong.

Having said that, there should be at least some positive people can take from it all- either during or after the run, or the satisfaction from completing a tough race, or losing weight or whatever. Plenty people hate the act of running, but like what it allows them to do or to be, and find it's the easiest way of achieving that.

Deirdree loves Rashid

MrCreosote wrote: »

I don't particularly feel like what's described in the OP, but plenty of people do I reckon.

It's better to be honest with people if we want to get more people out running as well. Saying it's always going to be some sort of happy-clappy life-changing experience isn't always helpful. If people don't feel like that when they run, they might think they're somehow doing it all wrong.

Having said that, there should be at least some positive people can take from it all- either during or after the run, or the satisfaction from completing a tough race, or losing weight or whatever. Plenty people hate the act of running, but like what it allows them to do or to be, and find it's the easiest way of achieving that.

Totally agree with you, too many airy fairy people on this thread!

vitani

This is a forum dedicated to running though. I'd expect that most of the people posting here enjoy the act of running in itself.

Deirdree loves Rashid

vitani wrote: »

This is a forum dedicated to running though. I'd expect that most of the people posting here enjoy the act of running in itself.

Id say its almost routine for some and for others they may find that its a sport/hobby they excel at towards other events. Theres also a good few who socialise through running on this forum.

i'm surprised at the likes of PM commenting the way he has, like myself hes had some injuries and bad form and is only this year having some noticeably positive experience with running.

Running is a difficult sport, its lonely at times and you've no team mate to give you a rest or finish things off. The prize money is poor and its badly supported in Ireland especially with the lack of funding and publicity.

There are the positives as have been mentioned but like the other poster said, its important to give a practical and realistic opinion of how it really is.

bobwilliams

jesus I think I'm nearly on my own here but I have to say I really don't like running,the odd time when doing a long run I feel great but more often than not it's a chore.
I've done a few half marathons and I did enjoy those tbh,I run on my own all the time,maybe that's part of the problem.
One other thing,i work shift overnight most of the time so it's tough to get into a regular routine,i think I'd like it a lot more if I had a regular sleep pattern.

Ososlo

bobwilliams wrote: »

jesus I think I'm nearly on my own here but I have to say I really don't like running,the odd time when doing a long run I feel great but more often than not it's a chore.
I've done a few half marathons and I did enjoy those tbh,I run on my own all the time,maybe that's part of the problem.
One other thing,i work shift overnight most of the time so it's tough to get into a regular routine,i think I'd like it a lot more if I had a regular sleep pattern.

I run on my own 99.9 % of the time and it's never a problem for me but I guess everyone is different.

Do you mind me asking you, why do you run at all if you don't like it and it's a chore? Why not pick another sport that you might enjoy? Just interested...

Gambas

I don't get the 'runners high' after a run. I enjoy the act of running, the rhythm and the headspace where I pretty much think of training, racing and getting faster and little else, and I enjoy the feeling of tenderness in the legs on the stairs the day after a hard session as a mark of accomplishment.

I don't like stretching though. Even though it just involves finally getting off this chair and down onto the floor like I promised myself I would do since 9am. At least now I have shamed myself into it. Goddammit.

RayCun

bobwilliams wrote: »

jesus I think I'm nearly on my own here but I have to say I really don't like running,the odd time when doing a long run I feel great but more often than not it's a chore.
I've done a few half marathons and I did enjoy those tbh,I run on my own all the time,maybe that's part of the problem.

How fast were your half marathons, and how fast do you run normally?

dna_leri

If you don't actually enjoy running, you probably will not be doing it in 2 years time and you would be better to move to something you actually enjoy.

Pacing Mule

Deirdree loves Rashid wrote: »

Id say its almost routine for some and for others they may find that its a sport/hobby they excel at towards other events. Theres also a good few who socialise through running on this forum.

i'm surprised at the likes of PM commenting the way he has, like myself hes had some injuries and bad form and is only this year having some noticeably positive experience with running.

Running is a difficult sport, its lonely at times and you've no team mate to give you a rest or finish things off. The prize money is poor and its badly supported in Ireland especially with the lack of funding and publicity.

There are the positives as have been mentioned but like the other poster said, its important to give a practical and realistic opinion of how it really is.

I really don't get that post tbh. You don't know me at all. :pac: I've always enjoyed my running. Injuries and setbacks are frustrating for sure but that doesn't take away from the enjoyment of the act of running itself. Beyond that an outsiders perception of my running to date is just that - an outsiders perception. You might look at my history and see negatives but I tend to focus on the positives of which there have been plenty. Not only this year !

Aside from that which referenced me the loneliness of running is subjective. I quite enjoy the time to myself. And running within groups or clubs etc isn't running alone. I also like the fact that it is me against myself out there. I'm not playing football for example with half a team better than me and half a team worse. I don't need or want someone to finish things off for me. Running alone doesn't equate to being lonely for me at any point. Prize money LOL not for me unless they come out with random spot prizes along the field. And the vast majority if runners won't be in contention for the prize money of any race.

I really pity those who don't enjoy the run at the time. If I didn't enjoy it I wouldn't be doing it.

bobwilliams

RayCun wrote: »

How fast were your half marathons, and how fast do you run normally?

1.36 half was my best, generally run between 7.40-8.40 min miles depending on distance.
I think my job and the hours I work with the fatigue involved in working overnight makes it harder for me to enjoy it.

Gavlor

Ososlo wrote: »

I run on my own 99.9 % of the time and it's never a problem for me but I guess everyone is different.

Do you mind me asking you, why do you run at all if you don't like it and it's a chore? Why not pick another sport that you might enjoy? Just interested...

Running is the easiest sport to get involved in. Throw on a pair of runners and out the door. For a person that wants to maintain some level of fitness it makes sense to run even if, like some on here, they don't orgasm during every run!

It's alot easier to run as a fitness hobby than it is to take up any other sport. Some people aren't technically good enough for team sports and maybe can't afford expensive sports like golf etc.

Hence the reason you get people running even though they don't particularly enjoy it. It's not as simple as "pick another sport"

bobwilliams

Ososlo wrote: »

I run on my own 99.9 % of the time and it's never a problem for me but I guess everyone is different.

Do you mind me asking you, why do you run at all if you don't like it and it's a chore? Why not pick another sport that you might enjoy? Just interested...

to keep in shape,it's handy,i can suit myself when I want to do it.i already play and coach golf so that takes up a lot of time.
I'm sticking at running and hopefully I will start to enjoy it more as time goes on.
I want to be a good runner but I get very little time to do it.What I might do is try to do runs at a slower pace so I'm not killing myself.
I get a bit bored doing slow long runs,tried music whilst running and didn't like it at all,struggled with my rhythm.

ThirdMan

I've piled on about 3 stone in the past 18 months, so I'm back running as of last week. Needless to say I'm not enjoying it at all. I can't fit into my old running gear and I can't afford larger stuff. So I'm hobbling around the place in a builders high-vis and baggy shorts. I feel ridiculous and I'm sure I look even worse. But I'm down 6 pounds already. I'm getting excited again by healthy food and tall glasses of iced-water. Soon enough I'll start looking forward to my evening run. My skin-tight Nike gear will reemerge into the world and there'll be no holding me back. I really do love it. I just need to lay off the Chicken fillet rolls.

Deirdree loves Rashid

Pacing Mule wrote: »

I really don't get that post tbh. You don't know me at all. :pac: I've always enjoyed my running. Injuries and setbacks are frustrating for sure but that doesn't take away from the enjoyment of the act of running itself. Beyond that an outsiders perception of my running to date is just that - an outsiders perception. You might look at my history and see negatives but I tend to focus on the positives of which there have been plenty. Not only this year !

Aside from that which referenced me the loneliness of running is subjective. I quite enjoy the time to myself. And running within groups or clubs etc isn't running alone. I also like the fact that it is me against myself out there. I'm not playing football for example with half a team better than me and half a team worse. I don't need or want someone to finish things off for me. Running alone doesn't equate to being lonely for me at any point. Prize money LOL not for me unless they come out with random spot prizes along the field. And the vast majority if runners won't be in contention for the prize money of any race.

I really pity those who don't enjoy the run at the time. If I didn't enjoy it I wouldn't be doing it.

The whole post is not about you. Just the part where it sounds like you've lost the memory of your injury and trying to run while expecting a baby and working.
I did state that your running experience this year sounds positive and if it was last year and year before then apologies! I missed it.

Gambas

ThirdMan wrote: »

I've piled on about 3 stone in the past 18 months, so I'm back running as of last week. Needless to say I'm not enjoying it at all. I can't fit into my old running gear and I can't afford larger stuff. So I'm hobbling around the place in a builders high-vis and baggy shorts. I feel ridiculous and I'm sure I look even worse. But I'm down 6 pounds already. I'm getting excited again by healthy food and tall glasses of iced-water. Soon enough I'll start looking forward to my evening run. My skin-tight Nike gear will reemerge into the world and there'll be no holding me back. I really do love it. I just need to lay off the Chicken fillet rolls.

like a butterfly, slowly emerging from the cocoon...

Deirdree loves Rashid

ThirdMan wrote: »

I've piled on about 3 stone in the past 18 months, so I'm back running as of last week. Needless to say I'm not enjoying it at all. I can't fit into my old running gear and I can't afford larger stuff. So I'm hobbling around the place in a builders high-vis and baggy shorts. I feel ridiculous and I'm sure I look even worse. But I'm down 6 pounds already. I'm getting excited again by healthy food and tall glasses of iced-water. Soon enough I'll start looking forward to my evening run. My skin-tight Nike gear will reemerge into the world and there'll be no holding me back. I really do love it. I just need to lay off the Chicken fillet rolls.

I know that feeling...ive got the most gigantic pair of knockers at the moment and its a nightmare trying to run with them.

ThirdMan

Deirdree loves Rashid wrote: »

I know that feeling...ive got the most gigantic pair of knockers at the moment and its a nightmare trying to run with them.

Me too. At least you're a woman.

Stone Deaf 4evr

Best one I saw that summed it up for me was a 'demotivational' poster, it said "Winner- for every one, theres 10 losers, odds are, you're one of them"

made me stop fussing about time, pace etc, and settle in to cover my distance and enjoy it.

bobwilliams

Deirdree loves Rashid wrote: »

I know that feeling...ive got the most gigantic pair of knockers at the moment and its a nightmare trying to run with them.

women say men aren't empathetic,post a pic so we can really understand what you poor girls have to go through:D
p.s or email boblovesbigboobs@gmail.com,:D

Deirdree loves Rashid

bobwilliams wrote: »

women say men aren't empathetic,post a pic so we can really understand what you poor girls have to go through:D
p.s or email boblovesbigboobs@gmail.com,:D

I swear I didn't see that coming

Pacing Mule

Deirdree loves Rashid wrote: »

The whole post is not about you. Just the part where it sounds like you've lost the memory of your injury and trying to run while expecting a baby and working.
I did state that your running experience this year sounds positive and if it was last year and year before then apologies! I missed it.

That's why I prefaced the second paragraph with "aside from that which referenced me" I was at that point referring to your general observation.

I hear what you are saying about injuries but that doesn't make me view running in general as being a negative. Family commitments and work circumstances getting in the way are a negative in general not just to running. But that distinction perhaps can be lost in the text of posts.

Pacing Mule

Deirdree loves Rashid wrote: »

I swear I didn't see that coming

That would be the big knockers getting in the way again.