Running??

I am just wondering how many people were once too big to even THINK about trying to run, and now are running and actually ENJOY it?  I would like to be able to run some day, but right now I cannot not even wrap my mind around the concept of actually enjoying being out of breath from running?  Exactly how does a transition from dreading running because it wears you out physically to actually wanting to run for fun happen?  How long did it take for you, and what is the difference now that you can run and you like it?  Do you still feel out of breath?

It took me about a full year running before I ever had that "Hey, this is really cool!  I could do this forever!" run that seems to be the thing that keeps people doing it.

I started with a walk to jog or couch to 5k type of program that progresses you slowly.  This way you can see progress every week.  Yes, you get out of breath, but not more than you can handle.  Today when I do speed work, I breathe really hard, but it's not so bad.  I recover pretty quickly now, but I'd say that I'm pretty fit.

There have been times (because of school/studying) that I haven't been able to do much running, but when I get back into it, I get that "That's why people do this!" feeling again.  It's all worth it in the end.  Great exercise, keeps the weight off, and keeps me constantly looking forward.  I'm 6 years post op (in 2 days) and the running/training has made a very positive difference in my life.  I run today because I truly like what it does for me both physically and mentally.

I don't know what anyone else's experiences are, but that's mine.

Linn 

I was reading an article about running myths and one of them is that you can't run if you are big. The author said big people run all the time. You just have to start out slow and have good form. (which is true for everyone, actually.)

I'm not sure when I started to love to run, but it was a VERY gradual process. And I can get out of breath at any time if I push myself. I do some workouts at maximum intensity on purpose and those really make me huff and puff!

I honestly think I forgot how to run. In college I jogged a bit, required in a class I took. A benefit was I lost about 70 lbs., down to 200. I was supposed to wal****il I was at 200, but was getting shin splints so she let me jog. I enjoyed it.

My hw was 331, a year ago.  I would have never imagined being able to run/jog/ walk fast!  I did my first 5K last Halloween....at about 186 lbs. I didn't train for it, in fact I think I walked/jogged for a 1.7 route a week before, and then just did my bike and eliptical at the gym. Nothing major.  BUT THAT WAS IT! I WAS HOOKED! Did my next 5K on Thanksgiving, improved my time....and  that just reinforced it for me.

The BIG difference for me is that although I've only lost 5 lbs. in the past 30 days, I have lost over 10 inches.  I run at least one 5k weekly, mapping out routes near my home. I am struggling a bit with some left knee pain, but making sure  to stretch, ice, rest, and will be seeing  a doc.

Maybe if you make it a goal...rather than something to dread, like a chore. You don't have to run...ever. You can do so many other things!

For me...as I have posted before, I remember being a young kid, and running down a grassy hill in our backyard, pretending I was flying......  SO NOW... I just push myself to fly a bit faster, and glide a bit farther...

I track my routes, speed, mph, etc., so I can see my improvements. I track my heart rates as well.  It's all good....improvement week to week....

Flying is wonderful  


Hugs to you,
Kathy

The progression goes like this:

the first 2-3  weeks, it sucks worse than anything could ever suck

It then becomes habit, and you resign yourself to the fact that you are a runner

It's only then that you will learn to love it



Been there done that!!!! I love running now

I don't love it, still actually hate it, but I like the challenge.
I'm certain that if I didn't have the challenge of races and a daily running goal that I would baloon back up to a much heavier weight. 
For me the only emotionally good part of running is finishing.  That feeling of accomplishment when you complete the long run or a race.  That feels really good.  But truthfully during the run itself, all I can think about is "Am I done yet?"

Scott

It happened gradually for me. I made my self do the couch to 5 K and each day was a grind. then it became Ok. And one day I realized that I was smiling and loved the feeling. I felt like I was flying. I have loved it ever since then. I did hurt my knee twice by trying to increase my milage too quickly and not taking rest days. I learned from my pain.

I can't say I ENJOY it. 

But I do it anyway because it's a mindless way to burn lots of calories quickly.

I run 2 miles every morning without fail and most every morning I dread it. Some days it's easy and I'm amazed at how quickly and effortlessly I ran. And I think to myself... Finally, I'm beginning to like it! But then on other days I can barely make it and I'm counting every minute/yard to finnish.

It's a Love /Hate relationship.