Do you enjoy running WHILE running? Which best... - Couch to 5K
Do you enjoy running WHILE running? Which best applies to you?A requested poll by @stephen_UK.
Please select one:
I am going for most of the time. My first 5-7 mins is always dire and my body is screaming WHY DO YOU KEEP DOING THIS, then it settles down 😂.
Yes quite agree always feels as if my brain is saying “and now walk” after 5-7 mins but that feeling goes away until around 6k when it comes back and if I ignore it the next 4 k is relatively easier. Very odd 🤔
What is it about that first 1km or so?!? Always AWFUL! Everyone seems to feel the same. I've gone for some of the time, because, although once I'm past the hell of the first km, I generally feel ok, I am always always on countdown to when I'll have achieved my goal!
I was having real problems with this and after much googling realised that although I'd had a 5 minute brisk walk to warm up, starting to run was still a shock to my lungs/breathing. So now during my 5 minute warm up I do lots of throwing my arms about (I'm sure there's a name for it) and it seems to have made a difference to my breathing once I start running. Living on a farm, I only have sheep and cows to give me funny looks, or the occasional startled farmer😂. Not sure if I'd be doing it in the city!
The first 5 minutes are awful. However I have found that a much more vigorous warmup has helped. I now do 2 x 1 min jogs plus star jumps in the warmup and it seems to have improved things. I am starting week 7 now so maybe more exposure to longer runs will also help.
I had this prob Toxic 5 min and 10min. So after some thought I found if I did a 10 min warm up for me that is 5 mins of dynamic stretching ( google that if you’ve never done it) and then straight into my 5 min brisk walk it made a huge difference to the first part of the run, no feeling of 😫😫😫😫 and I settled into my pace better and breathing. 😊
That’s what I’ve found, it just seems to take me longer than 5 minutes to warm up lol 😂. I’d say it helps but it doesn’t take all the psychological pain of running away ha ha! But my saving grace is the euphoria and smugness I feel after I’ve done it 🤸🏻♂️💃🕺🏼😜😍
😂I too love the “euphoria and smugness” that follows a run. It makes all the hard parts worth it.
Yep, that's me too. First 5 minutes are the longest, then I start enjoying the fact I'm outside in the beautiful countryside.
I feel like I have to really push myself at the start of my runs too.
I’m the other way around to that. I love the freedom and energy at the start of the run. As soon as I’m either struggling to breathe or my runner’s knee starts kicking in, it becomes a slog and a struggle.
Me too.. I seem to do better only with the beginning.. I’m very new to running
I voted most of the time, sometimes I feel like a bag of rusty old spanners....and take ages to settle down.....but overall I do enjoy most of my runs.....😂🏃♀️
Mx
Had to be ‘Some of the time’ tbh but it depends on lots of things really. If a run could be on a constant, gentle downhill slope with a light tailwind, on a sunny day with little traffic at about 15C in temperature, I’d enjoy it all of the time 😁
That’s me too 😂😂
Ooh, wouldn't that be lovely?!
Some of the time for me. After first 3 mins im like why dont you just go back home. Then after 10mins i settle down and enjoy the next 20 mins.
I’m similar to a few others - the first 10 minutes is a real struggle and I wonder why I’m doing it, then I settle down for the next 10-15 minutes. After that my right leg becomes quite painful and I can’t wait for it to be over! I currently aim for three 30 minutes a week since graduating mid May. I always feel pleased with myself afterwards though 😊
Unfortunately for me it’s non of the time 🙁 although I will continue to do it
Bunnyrunner, i graduated, did a 5km parkrun and have be er run since!
Me too! Don’t enjoy it but think it must do me good! Just about to start week 9....
Bunnyrunner - could you plan a really lovely route in beautiful surroundings? Might help you to enjoy (some of) the actual run itself?
100% agree. I have to distract myself while running. I get bored then I start thinking about the run, the time left and that I may not survive the run!!🤪
I voted not much of the time. It helps me to listen to music - I use Spotify 155 or 160 beats per minutes playlists. I don't really enjoy the run much, but I always remind myself of the physical and mental benefits, and I feel really pleased with myself for just perservering.
I don't like the first 10 minutes at all, feels like I'm running with bricks on my feet, but I've found once I've got into a steady pace it feels easier. I voted some of the time
This is my second time using couch 25k over the course of five years after stopping running. Only have two weeks to go and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every step this time so had to choose ‘all of the time’ - whatever the weather
Yes I have to say on balance all of the time, particularly if it’s a trot. Have found trotting easier than brisk walking.When it comes to speed intervals, endurance, etc, cantering and galloping it’s a different level of interest and enjoyment.🤔
But it’s all a blessing to have given yourself the gift of running.
I feel for those, although respect their situation, if anyone cannot experience the pleasure of running in whatever way, then it’s time to find something that gives the individual that same or even more pleasure.
👊💥🏃♀️🏃♂️⭐️⭐️👏👏
I voted all the time. I think of the people who can't run and I'm so happy and grateful that I can.
Love Fabulous Floss’s quote,
There will come a day I cannot run, Today is not that day.❤️
👊💥🏃♀️⭐️👏👏
I work from home, sit down most of the day and have three kids. It's my opportunity to escape and get some fresh air. I choose to run in parks. So for me most of the time, but strangely, I still get nervous before lots of my runs.
Ha yes I get that nervousness too!
I put all the time. Because even when my body is saying enough at about 4K I am still so thrilled to have got there! Once I’m through that point it’s easy again until I get to where I wanted to be. Then I’m very happy!!😊🏃🏻♀️
If I didn't like it at all I would try to find something I liked better! I love it the more I do it.
I do now, but I've only recently started enjoying my runs while actually running. Before that I only enjoyed having had a run, but the last couple in particular have been really fun while I was actually running.
I voted none of the time, but to be honest once I have finished and cool down I always want to go out again the next day and don’t want to wait two days, it’s very weird
Are you from Fleetwood? Or is it in your name. Sorry if it seems prying but was born in Fleetwood and will always be a bit special.
No sorry I am not from Fleetwood nor is it in my name. I just happen to like Fleetwood Mac😂🤣😂
Well good a reason as any to choose that name. Me too. I always wanted to be Stevie Nicks.
I know I have to get through 3 tracks on my playlist before I am settled. Things are then fine for about 3k and from there on I am making deals with myself all the time. One more track, see that tree just run to there and see how you feel, go on you can manage another few meters.
Usually my favorite bit is my cool down walk at the end, especially if there is a really good tune to strut to in a self satisfied way so long as there is no one about to see.
Same for me 😃
At the end of a run I miss my youth. Sometimes I wish a cartwheel was still possible .
Unlike a lot of people I have no problem with the first 1k but I really dip at around 3k to 5k. I often feel sluggish, out of breathe, like my body won't quite cooperate. This is also when I tend to give up when it is a bad run day.
But once I'm past 5k, my body seems to realise that's what it's stuck with and I can finally get on with enjoying it and keep going
I spent 3 months working on increasing my pace, and it worked, but I quickly realised I wasn't enjoying my runs anymore.
Now I've allowed myself to go slower, I'm loving it again (even the first km, so long as I go REALLY slow!)
But most of all I love being able to run - it's a release.
I have also put some of the time, anticipating the run, that feeling when you start to run... a tough bit....then at some point after the first few minutes those robot legs kick in and I feel strong and capable...this is when there is enjoyment...and I agree with Runningroni, the warm down walk is absolutely the best bit! 😊
What a great question!!! And great to see the answers aren’t all- all of the run. Just shows we all struggle at times but still don’t give up. For the 1st year it was none of the time only after.... coming up to 2nd year it’s now some of the time, which is a substantial improvement in my book! Also slightly disappointing to realise it might not get any better than that, but hey I’m still not gonna stop running by choice 😊
Do I really have to wait a year before I enjoy it 🤦♀️ ?
No I am sure you will love it sooner!! I weirdly loved it so much at all other times except when running.... then it got easier. We are all different and I was particularly unfit. Now I go to the gym on my off days... never would have ever done that if it wasn’t for running. You will get there - promise, have faith and go slow.... any run is better than no run (so I keep telling myself!). Good luck 😀
Most of the time. Sometimes when l had scheduled runs, longer ones that had to be done and the weather was appalling, l couldn't pretend l enjoyed it, I simply did not, but l ran anyway. Win some-lose some.
First ten or twelve minutes feel laboured, then I hit my rythm. At the end usually I wish I had the time and fitness to run all day 
The worst part of my runs is changing into my gear and actually stepping out the door. Once out, it's all golden nuts
I dislike the Toxic 10 and uphills. After that.... Unfortunately my current circuit takes me uphill for the first 7 minutes. I just have to ignore the defeatist Voices by telling them “You know I’m going to finish this run”. After that, sweaty enjoyment.
I think even though the first 15 minutes feels like a slog, I know it will (usually) settle, so I still kind of enjoy it.
Well i love it all even the difficult first 10 mins when i have Ed Sheeran, Emile Sande and Kate Bush to keep me going before Nick Cave kicks in and everything is good. I even enjoy the sheer exhaustion part at the end of a new distance. I seem to be floating, maybe that's the effects of last nights Gin 😂, I'm just grateful i can do this long may it continue.
Hahaha I need your playlist 😁😁
When i started running on C25K Last November a friend told me that apart from a good pair of running shoes the playlist was the key as you ran further. So as soon as i got to the 20 min run i invested in some Saucony shoes and the aftershokz over the ears headphones. The key to the playlist is to time the inspirational tracks for when you need them hence Nick Cave after 10 mins Jubilee Street ( I'm transforming, I'm Vibrating,I'm Glowing) the album version then at about 1hr 45 the live version from Copenhagen with the fast ending (I'm Flying) which at that point i am. In between when i'm in the zone The Orb Fluffy White Clouds, some Springsteen, Candy's Room, Darkness on the Edge of Town, The Wrestler a long Chris Wood track One in a Million. Then as i get to the 2 hours, The Dammed New Rose, The Clash Should i Stay or should i go and The Stones Gimme Shelter. For the last Half an Hour Chemical Brothers Block Rocking Beats, More Springsteen The Electric Version of Tom Joad and to finish Laura Marling breathing in my ear and Tiny Dancer last of all. It's worth taking the time and keep adjusting. Enjoy your running and music.
Yeah the first 10 mins I hate
I replied 'very little of the time' and it's usually towards the end, when I tend to speed up for the last half k, and feel as if I'm flying.
I enjoy running all of the time. Yes, sometimes I can feel a strain, or I've set off too quickly and I need to slow down. But, I'm still outside breathing in all the fresh air, I'm pushing my body and I'm with my friends.
The only time I am in a bit of pain, or aching is when I haven't been a run for over a week and I know I need to get out there again.
I found the first week of doing this easy , the second week I must admit I've paused a couple of times. I enjoy the feeling of achievement at the end and I absolutely love the walking parts , the running I am starting to struggle to find the motivation x
You’re not alone in that it can be tough but if you follow the programme and slow down, you’ll get there and as you say, the feeling afterwards is well worth it. Keep it up
I found C25K really hard, and didn't enjoy the running at all (though the feeling of satisfaction after each run kept me coming back)
But once I'd graduated and consolidated I started to enjoy the actual running. It gets easier, and it gets better, truly it does.
Keep going - it's worth it!!
Thank you for this poll! I used to only enjoy finishing my run and the feeling afterwards but didn’t enjoy the run much. Now I’ve graduated I thought I’d be in the minority with only enjoying some of it but I’m surprised and happy to see I’m in the majority 👍
Once any niggly aches go (calf/piriformis/hamstring) and I get into a groove, the run is enjoyable...😁
I choose the routes with challenges I know and enjoy the achievements of completing each in turn. I measure how I feel as I run through a particular challenge and use this to judge how well or otherwise I'm doing on that day. Obviously my overall time is controlled by the effort each challenge takes out of me and I really enjoy it when I finish within the range I expect. Its great when I get that moment when I feel I'm running smoothly and am distracted from the pain.
Most of the time these days, but it hasn't always been like that. I had to stop being frightened first. Seems mad now, but I was always scared I wouldn't complete what I set out to do! I've been running just over two years and have been enjoying my runs for a while now 😀
I enjoy running all the time ! I find it a great way of clearing my mind and a great way to keep fit. I am registered blind and just got back into running again.
Every run is different.
Sometimes I detest the run, hoping that it ends quickly, sometimes I love every step and hope it never ends.
Most of the time I enjoy bits and dislike bits so I'll go for the middle ground
Thank you VERY much, Realfoodieclub, for kindly bringing my little poll idea to life. It’s brilliant to read all these responses. As always, it shows how diverse and varied the running experience is for everyone in this community.
I chose ‘some of the time’ because I usually hate the first 10 minutes then slowly start to feel better – even as I’m getting more tired.
The holy grail, for me, is to enjoy all of the run, but I would be happy enjoying most of it.
I’m getting better slowly but still waiting for the light bulb moment!
Park runs are definitely they way to go for encouragement and support.
I would say that the first 10 mins are the worse and then it's fab ( I think).
More a case of totally enjoying some runs and not enjoying the others, depends on my niid and the purpose of the run.
If there was a choice between very little and some...😂
Just very occasionally I have runs where I have really enjoyed it, but they are few and far between, but that makes them special.
Most of the time I love every step but sometimes it just hurts because my body isn’t 21 any more 😩🏃♀️🏃♀️
Hmm! A hard question to answer! I voted for some of the time, because I don't always enjoy all of every run. Usually the first up to half an hour of my runs in Cambridge are awful, I feel really cronky, and wonder why I do it, but strangely in France I don't suffer with that at all...I'd be interested if anyone has any kind of answer why that might be...
Every run is different. My most recent experiences are some of the time, as it’s not straight from the off. I’ve seen where other runners are doing the walking warm up!! I’ve been neglected that part, but I realise that it’s probably going to be much more enjoyable from the start if I start doing that. 👌🏽🤩❤️
I ticked most of the time...like many others I often struggle for the first few minutes, followed by that euphoric feeling of 'my God I'm actually doing this!' Followed by 15-20 minutes of loving it...........and finally, the 'am I nearly there yet?' scenario....but someone wise once said, "You regret not going for a run, but you'll never regret going for one!" Or something along those lines...so, overall, I'm thankful that I'm able to run, fearful that I might not always be able to........and bloody loving it while im doing it!🤣🤣
I voted 'all the time' but that doesn't necessarily mean that I find it easy. I still get the toxic 10 and some runs are harder than others, but even so I enjoy being out there and even if it's a harder run I'm enjoying the challenge and pushing myself. 😊🏃♀️
Great poll idea, so pleased so many others find running tricky at times too!
Firstly, I have to talk myself into getting ready and out the door for the run. Then I use the 5min walking warm up to mentally prepare for the run ie, you can do this! Lol! Then sometimes for the first few minutes legs feel really heavy but once they get going I enjoy the middle bit, then towards the end think OMG I really, really want to stop and do everything I can not to, like running at a super slow jog. When I hit my 30 minutes I am over the moon to have succeeded and need the 5 min walk to get my breath back. Then the happy endorphins kick in and despite the pain the feeling makes me want to to do it all over again! Madness! 😆😆😁
Yep, like most , I guess, I get the tt,s and my body and respiratory system feel like they are on vacation somewhere for the first 2K ,but gradually I get my groove on and we,re away !! Love that feeling of pushing the pace at times but also the easy pace runs where I can work on correct posture and enjoy the sense of peace , being 'in control' ,'centred' , living in the moment as it were ! The more one invests,I feel, the more one can expect in return - 's funny though, I still get a little nervous before a run ?!?!
The worst bit is the dread that comes beforehand. The best bit is checking my stats afterwards and planning my next run!
I hate starting. But sometime after that I realise I can still do it...
Love this poll/thread as I can see I’m not on my own lol. Some of the time for me and some of the time I’m thinking running’s not for me, but I still keep coming back for more and LOVE how I feel afterwards 🏃♀️🤸🏻♂️🏃♂️😍
Overall I have 'enjoyed running most of time' over walking as my groin hurts. To be honest running at a steady pace is easier after I have warmed up and have got my breathing sorted. The legs are noticebly stronger and my next run is week 6 run 2. Looking forward to it. 
I too have put most of the time as my first 5-6 minutes for some reason I find the most difficult.I then get into a rhythm and really enjoy the rest of my run.In fact I’m loving it!After a run I feel totally invigorated and ready to take on anything 😂
I think I enjoy the challenge of the run more than the run itself. I'm still in consolidation so I am still running 30 mins most of the time. I recently pledged 5K for Global Running Day and I found that pushing myself just that little bit harder was more enjoyable than running 30mins then stopping. I know the "bread and butter" runs as I call them are the most important ones for building that foundation but I get more enjoyment out of the challenges, which is probably why I enjoyed C25K without actually enjoying the running bit very much lol
I voted most of the time through the run. While most days, I enjoy all of the run - especially if running with the dog and/or my social running groups - there are days that I wonder what the hell I am doing and reminding myself I’m doing it for fun.
once over the toxic 10, and into a rythm, settle down into a good place of wellbeing, both physicaly and mentaly.
Most of the time for me although a bit less on road runs 👍
Yep, can feel awful going through the toxic-10, here's good explanation in this link..
I'm currently on week 5 and just completed run 2. I'm amazed at how much more I can run and how much I look forward to running. It's gotten to the point that on my rest days I'm tempted to go out anyway hehe.
The last 2 minutes of the 2nd 8 minuge run were the hardest but I pushed myself to not stop early. I'm not going to lie it was a relief to stop and I was glad I could but I couldn't bring myself to stop early.
At the minute it's still hard work trying to balance breathing and pace but it's coming together.
The 5k target is looming closer and I'm genuinely excited to complete it, I know it's not the end and I'll continually push myself further and further.
I don't enjoy running, I do it because it helps me stay fit and trim (and because I aspire to fun triathlons). I find it tough and I have to focus on my breathing to keep heart rate at a reasonable level so that I can sustain the run. I'm already slow so not too much scope to bring the pace down, I can keep going longer if I REALLY jog slowly but then I find I would cover the distance almost as fast with a very brisk walk - which is arguably better for me as it takes less of a toll on the joints. I consider myself pretty active and fit for my age; I cycle, swim, do strength and conditioning work and yoga every week, alongside the running. Just don't enjoy (the running) very much.
I enjoy it most of the time now, although it took me a month to stop hating it initially!
I'm going for 'most of the time'. I don't enjoy the first few minutes, usually, and I don't enjoy feeling knackered when I'm trying for a particular time or distance and my body would rather not, but the vast majority of the time I enjoy it. I enjoy feeling the freedom that my body can do this thing called running, that I've never been able to do in my life before, I enjoy the feeling of being up and out of the door early and seeing the world before it wakes up.
Most of the time yes. Currently taking a break because of hip and back pain. I miss the buzz of running, can't wait to get back out there.
I also love the feeling the night before a morning run, but come morning I'm half dreading it. Then hate first 2 songs, well not the songs, but the run for those minutes , then love it, hate it again and then love the feeling afterwards. No wonder I'm confused 🤔
Wow, less than 1/3 of us enjoy all or most of their run. Why do the rest of you keep running? And how do you stick to it? I think I've got even more respect for you lot now, knowing you're hating it, but still here running.
I feel a bit like forbiddenplanet, I see my running as a bit of a superpower, certainly something I never believed I could ever do.
So I’m doing it because I can.
I've enjoyed the programme so far (going to do W6R3 tomorrow).
I view running as a superpower that I would not be able to attain due to pain in my knees for the past 5 years. Magically, the pain disappeared in July, and after a month or so I felt emboldened to try C25K.
I say a superpower because for so long I have been plodding along on my early morning walks with The Joggers whizzing past me covering the same ground as me in much less time and deriving much greater benefit. I expect occasional discomfort because I am pushing my body to develop, but the overall experience is a total joy for me.
I went for some of the time.
I don’t especially love the running bit 😀 the first 5-10 minutes can feel pretty bad. I quite like being outside, feeling like I’m doing something, I can get a bit panicky that I’m not going to be able to do it this time. Sometimes I have to really push through the last bit. Every now and then I have a great run where I’m floating on air, but not often!
I keep going because I like the feeling afterwards, the feeling of achievement, the mental well-being it gives me and the physical benefits.
Also because I worked so bloody hard to graduate I don’t want to start all over again!
I get a bit bored then start getting lost in thought and if I’m not careful I stop running as the thinking takes over! I do have a lot to think about! I really need someone to chat to to make it more fun.
Depends how tight my sports bra feels!
Most of the time but I am only running for 3 minute so far so not really sure if that counts 🤗
I find I'm haif to three quarters my way through a couch to 5k session before I'm warmed up and in any kind of zone🥵
I am on W7 now and I enjoy it so much. I am not a runner and never have been but now doing it all n my pace I can seriously say that I like a lot. Feels so good at the end and have great satisfaction that I can complete the runs and follow the instruction which helps.
Do I enjoy running whilst running? That's a good question, I have to honest, I don't think about it much. What I do think about is this: "take it slow, run tall, no taller, ah that's better, remember this is not a competition, its about completion not speed, ooh look what a lovely flower, ahhh I love hearing the birds singing, wow - everything is so green at the moment, what shall I have for breakfast today, etc. etc. etc."
So, as you can see, not much thought about running whilst running, I try to enjoy the present moment, not always possible, but that is what I try to do.
I enjoy my mind and body challenging me. Get a stupid grin on my face when things start to hurt and enjoy learning things about my mind while i push through being winded or a stitch.. not normal I know, but i choose to enjoy every second of it
I voted MOST of the time ~ I fight with my whole body for the first 5 mins as it wants me to give up with every step but if I can beat the impulse to stop I not only feel a winner as I've won against my body but I am in a rhythm and feel that running is much easier and smoother and nothing can stop me
How helpful to know im in the majority when there are bits I don't enjoy
