Runners!

Does anyone have to push themselves to run all the time?

I love the workout I get from running on the treadmill but I sometimes I just dread it!! My legs burn and I have to push myself day in and day out!! I usually run 2.5-3miles 4x per week. This usually takes 25-30 minutes. I know i get good cardio work out but just hard sometimes.

Hi, I run a lot too (just about to go and run 4 miles) and it can get tiresome and I dread it but it is such a rewarding and pure form of exercise that I know I am going to feel great afterwards...that is what drives me on. I also see my performance improve which is a great incentive. But I do have hard days, it is important to back off on the running on those hard days and perhaps try something else? That way you run less risk of burning out or getting too fed up :)

I only run every other day. That's what I've been told is best (think we had this convo when you first logged onto this site) :)

It can be boring and repetitive unless you can amuse yourself. So.. why don't you work on ways to make the run more engaging or amusing?

right, sorry! Just venting again.

Try running outside!  It's much less boring since you can potentially see different stuff every time AND it provides natural challenges.

For the sake of my poor knees and other joints I run on the treadmill a couple of times a week to give them a little bit of recovery, but I still like running outside MUCH better so I do that a few times a week as well.

Going back and forth really helps to keep my routine from getting boring!

that is a good idea. i have ran outside a couple of times and i did like it but i go to the gym a lot so i would rather do it there all in one trip.

I have never liked running but I'm committed to it for some personal goals I have.  I'm on a streak of 27 days straight today.

I think what makes it easier is the committment.  So then its just a matter of making it more enjoyable.  Unless your in cold weather, get off the treadmill and go outside.  There are more interesting things out there to take your mind somewhere else.  Add an iPod.  Add in different routines.  The same 3 miles four days a week would be boring.  Try hills, intervals, different routes.  Find a running buddy.

Best Wishes, Geo

I don't see how you treadmill people do it.  There's no way I could run on that crazy thing.  Outside rocks!  Running outside is addictive.   twinmama

I absolutely abhor running also, Daisy. Like you said, it's painful and it burns and you're sucking wind (if you're like me) after just 2-3 miles.

That being said, I freggin' love running! I can't get enough of it. Perhaps it's beacuse I'm a masochist, but the pain has become quite pleasurable. I just made myself do it until I re-brainwashed myself to enjoy the pain.

Now I'm turning out 6-8 mile jogging sessions and I love it. After a couple miles the pain subsides and I can really kick it into high gear. I don't run everyday though, nor do I think I could keep up the pace if I did.

Also, like others have said, moving the running off the treadmill and onto the earth will make a major difference in two places.
1st: You'll not get bored as quickly. You have lots of other things to look at aside from a mirror or the gym wall.
2nd: You'll realize that the treadmill was doing half of the work for you by pulling your legs backwards instead of your legs propelling you forwards. e.g. You will have a better work out.

That being said, I preffer running on grass opposed to concrete or ashpault pavement. It's better on the joints than pavement.

Wow, you guys run a lot. I am feeling i dont run enough!!! 4x per week 2.5-3miles each time! i dont think i can do more right now

Daisy,

I think you are doing just fine!  I only "run" (it's more of a run/walk for now but I am building up endurance)  4-5 days a week at 2-3 miles too.  It's very hard for me to psych myself up for a run though on some days...  If I make myself though, I feel so much better (and that's what it's all about!).

some days i am in there and not bad at all, i have energy and i love it. then other days i have to really push myself and hate it but your right. i feel great after

Some weeks I just dont want to go to gym 4x. Then i feel i am being lazy and going to stop going which is not true but just makes me feel bad!! like today

It's alright to take a break every now and then.  In fact, being tired may be your body's way of telling you to slow down a little.  Instead of running, maybe try something else....or just walk instead.  I also know that I can tell when I am not feeling well, because my times aren't as good and I am tired.  I give myself the option of taking Wednesday off if I am really tired (I go M-F only right now), but I have only done it a couple of times in the last 12 weeks.... but on those days I really needed it. 

I don't know, everybodies body is different though...

hey daisyg - I do the same thing.  Have been running the treadmill for about 8 months now.  I am pretty comfortable with it - gives me a place to run when around here it is hard to find a place outdoors that isnt full of traffic.  There is a park down the road, but being a girl addicted to her iPod, I have a fear of running alone outside...

BUT - I made a commitment this year to do a 5K a month and I ran a 5K 2 weeks ago in the cold and it wasn't so bad... and I've been running more & more outside and I can see how people get addicted to it.  I think the more I run, the more I want to run and the more I will want to run outdoors in the future.

If you like the treadmill, stick with it for now.  I would encourage you to try some 5K road races, your pace isn't that bad at all!  It is very rewarding too!

I do like running outside when i do it but i prefer to be in the gym when i do any exercise!

for me, running is one of those things that is so hard to get motivated to do, but once you get going you don't want to stop.  I always run outside- it's less boring. 

I just started running a couple of weeks ago and am running on the treadmill for now.  I honestly didn't think I could run until I tried - and didn't keel over in a faint at the end!  Right now, I am running a mile for time, then walking the balance until the 20 minute mark.  I have shaved 1 minute, 24 sec. off my mile time in 8 runs. Trying to best my time each run is very motivating to me.  I am working on getting down to a 10 minute mile, then I want to increase my run time each run until I am running 30 minutes straight at 6 mph.  By that time, the weather should be getting better, and I will have a little more conditioning for running outside.  I post my run times on the blackboard at our restaurant - so I know others are looking to see if I made my goal each run or not.  Very motivating - don't want to look bad!  Best of luck with your program.

My theory about treadmill running is if I can run for an hour or longer on a TM, someday I can withstand the mental fatigue of a marathon.  I think of it as mental training every bit as much as physical training!

nooo, I never have to push myself to run.  I LOVE running.  I only run on the treadmill if I absolutely cannot go outside because of the weather.

I run anywhere from 6 miles to 11 miles at least five days a week. :-)

Next year I'm running a marathon (26 miles, yessss :-)).  I can't this year because you have to be 18 and I'm 17.  I could run a half-marathon, but 13 miles? Pshh.. that's way easy.  I wouldn't even have to really train since I can run that right now.  11 mies is easy, so what's 2 more miles (15-20 minutes or so) of running? notthhhhinngg

Daisyg,

Here are a couple of thoughts from someone who ran 20-25 miles per week for 10 years, lots of 10K races on weekends, etc., and then stopped (long story...). 35 pounds later, I am back - humble, motivated, with a goal to run the Philadelphia Broad Street Run (10 miler) in May. 12 pounds lost, so far. Anyway, for what it's worth:

Treadmill vs. outside - Go outside if you can, for the many reasons previously posted. I agree with Distracted, moving your body over the earth is a bit different from keeping up with the treadmill. But, if it's gotta be a treadmill, go for it! I am currently running 3-4x/week, and I get outside maybe once, due to weather, schedule, etc.  Throughout the week I run for 45 minutes, and Sunday is long, slow run day. This week's goal is 7 miles.

Treadmill boredom - One piece of advice...get an iPod! I dreaded the monotony and thump-thump-thump of the treadmill. I finally smartened up, got an iPod, put the music I wanted on it, and experienced a rebirth! It's amazing how it removes distractions, and the rush from the music is incredible. Needless to say, I look forward to my runs now, wheras before I endured them.

Last thought - I have been, and still am a Jeff Galloway disciple. He is a running guru, and has been since the late '70's, when he first published "Galloway's Book on Running." He is the most common sense guy I have found, and his programs are designed to motivate, train, and improve through incorporating walking throughout the run. Believe me, I used to be one of those runners who would rather be seen dead on the roadside than caught walking, but I changed my way of thinking, and it WORKS! If you are interested, Galloway's website is www.runinjuryfree.com. Lots of good info, and training programs for whatever you are interested in accomplishing.

My $.02. Good luck, stick with it, and I hope I've given you something to consider.