So many positive vibes on here and superb support so thanks everyone. i however still loath running and get no 'kick' out of it. It has undoubtedly done me some good but i wish i got the euphoric outcome others seem to have had.
W9R3 about to graduate so why do i still loath... - Couch to 5K
W9R3 about to graduate so why do i still loath running?
JamsandwichGraduate
Written by
Jamsandwich
Graduate
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47 Replies
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Jay66UKGraduate
How do you feel after a run?
Tasha99Graduate
I don’t love it either. I am however addicted 😂 I feel great after but find it hard. That might be because I am constantly pushing myself. I just keep going and hope I’ll enjoy it eventually. Then I wonder if I do secretly enjoy it. Not sure 😂
Normally I’m the same. However, the advice for people with knee replacements is “don’t run”. I’m allowing myself to run but on the condition that as soon as I get any pain I stop and secondly that I DONT push it. Consequently I am enjoying this running more than ever before. Take the advice and run really really slowly. Keep it comfortable. You are far more likely to keep it going if you don’t dislike it. Good luck. Ps. When I’m running I still count the minutes till I can stop. I love the feeling after I stop.
BluebirdrunnerGraduate
Hi Jamsandwich...the actual running is tough, especially in these temperatures. Wanting to go running, looking forward to it and then feeling amazing afterwards is often all we can expect at the moment.
You have one run left til Graduation..you are running for 30 minutes...😄
Nice slow steady runs, start slowly and relax into it..get passed that toxic ten feeling. Hopefully you will find the running zone you may hear mentioned on here. Your legs know what to do and you feel great...
New playlist, new route and get ready to celebrate your next run in style...
We will be watching for your post!😊xx
I'm wondering if there's anything in particular causing this feeling? Maybe you're doing it because you feel you have to, so that's sucking out the joy.
I think we should try and find you ways to improve things.
Firstly, I love checking off things, so you could print off the plan and check each run off to give you a sense of achievement.
Second, you could try a new playlist, music definitely gets my blood pumping. One of the members often posts a link to her Spotify playlist and it's great to try someone else's music choice - Jay66UK I think your dance like your dad playlist was one of the shared ones, right!?
Next, do you have an app like Strava to knock out some personal bests? It's only a challenge against yourself and it's brilliant when you see a wee 'PR' (personal record) at the end of a run.
Possibly get a run-buddy, real or virtual, to share your experiences with. It's great following someone else's progress and ups and downs too, we all have them. I know I look out for certain people's run reports on here, it inspires me and often I can take tips from their highs and even lows. (Ripcurlrana71 , I'm thinking of you here and your soaked cap today - a neck buff is the future! 😁).
If you dislike running in public them my best tip is buy a cap. I tip my head when passing people, not because I dislike running in public, but because I'm doing my thing and don't want anyone interrupting me.
I'm sure the others can also add some possible ways to improve things. Come on you lot, let's get this runner sorted out!
I do hope you can take something from this to see if you can make it work.
💫🏃♀️💨💫
Not mine. Jancanrun made it.
open.spotify.com/user/janca...
in reply to Jay66UK
Cheers Jay! She's posted a few great ones from recollection, but I've lost the links!
Follow that link and you can access the others by clicking on her name.
A couple of mine that I used through the middle and end weeks of C25K here:
open.spotify.com/user/jay66...
open.spotify.com/user/jay66...
in reply to Jay66UK
Gotta love The Jam and Blondie, but will have to give them a miss as I absolutely can't stand Oasis! They really turn my ears inside out 🙉😀
Guess that's why the skip button was invented 🤣
Ha! Love ‘em. I guess it’s living near Manchester but being from down south. The accent is still novel to my ears.
I don't love the run..but I like the sense of achievement. I think I'm becoming hooked...I've just been on my treadmill..first time I've tried running late in the evening. I'd just finished watching the match..😿 and I suddenly thought..I'm going to do a run..this is very odd indeed..I've avoided sports all my life..was and am still useless at anything requiring skill or co ordination..but plodding away slowly running..with music blasting my eardrums..I can do it...it was a Slade.Momma we're all Crazee Now tonight..Noddy Holder ..you are so right..
Me too moment! I don't enjoy running at all. I never seem to reach that mythical 20 minute everything is flowing time although I'm sure it will come when I get a bit lighter/fitter. The sense of achievement is what is keeping me going. I'm giving myself little side tasks to keep myself going (new side task, do the stepping stone pace beginning to end) and I make myself do a "run" three times a week even if I only run for ten minutes of it.
IannodaTruffeMentor
Maybe you are running too fast, maybe you are running on a treadmill......yawn..........maybe you are one of the few who do not get a buzz from the exertion.
Try a long slow run along a beach, clifftop, moorland, woodland or anywhere else that is beautiful and new to you.........if that doesn't work then perhaps there is no hope for you.
That’s a bit brutal! There’s always hope.
Some people just don't get it............nothing brutal, it's a fact.
Completely agree.
Hmmm I may be going against the grain here but I wonder if running just isn’t your thing? There must be many who just don’t get into it.
I’d say if it isn’t floating your boat it’s ok. Getting as far as you have is brilliant especially if you’ve not enjoyed it. See how you feel when you graduate? Maybe just accomplishing the C25K is as far as you want to go.
Whatever you decide very well done on graduating - nearly!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
wez70Graduate
I can't say I love it above all else, but I love being able to do it … I couldn't run before this, I've been running for over 2 years now and am running distances and events that were a foreign language to me prior … so, I guess for me, I have a deep respect for the fact that I am physically able to in the first place whilst others aren't and wish they were … something keeps me getting out there and as I said, afterwards and to be honest a few km in once I know it's going to be a decent outing, I feel 'happy' to keep going and actually want to … each to their own but you're achieving great things and perhaps as others have suggested, need to find an alternative way to make it at least just a bit enjoyable! Good luck 
I graduated about 3 weeks ago, and did my first park run last week. I enjoyed it so much, the atmosphere was great. The 5k went by so quickly, I ran slowly, to make sure I could complete the run without stopping, but running with other people really helped me to enjoy the experience of running. Give it a try!
LylagraceGraduate
Hello, right at the grinning, I read a post from someone who said they were always reluctant to run, but never regretted it, once they got home. That’s just how I feel, but since I changed to the app and created my own playlist, and use the shuffle option it’s made it more fun. Wasn’t too keen on Laura’s music choice. Hope you start to enjoy it before to long.
Lylagrace you say ‘wasn’t too keen on Laura’s music’. But I’m not even aware of it! How do I try it? I can’t see any button or settings to play music.... but would love to try this option
You need to look on the App Store, once downloaded it’s just there, you create and then start your playlist, and then click on the couch to 5k app and it plays over your own music choice, hope this helps.
I don’t have any music on my phone so that’s probably why the button isn’t showing. It’s also why I’d hoped I could have a playlist through C25K! I have played a podcast during a run but Laura just talked over it which wasn’t great
Perhaps put a request out for solutions, im sure others have similar experiences. Good luck
What sort of phone do you have?
Amazon music is a good app, you can make your own playlist, or there are some pre done lists.
£7.99 a month and that includes prime membership.
Just occasionally I have had moments of not even being aware I was running, it's like I was there, but wasn't, fabulous.
Those moments I can count on one hand, but most runs have been an effort, but after, I have felt great all day🤩🤩
Fatdad71Graduate
I've never been a runner or much into fitness but I've always been bloodyminded and I get a real buzz out of my body being able to keep going when my mind is saying "stop".
I see every step as a victory and it keeps me going!
You can do it!!!
OKESGraduate
Perhaps it’s the route - I know that sounds mad but this morning I just couldn’t do the old route and picked a new one and felt so much better. I had doubts that I could achieve the 30 mins - don’t get me wrong it’s tough but I do feel a great achievement after !! Hope it helps 😊
PippayoungartGraduate
I also still don’t like the running itself, but i love the way it makes me feel after. I like the sense of personal achievement and the way my world seems larger now - i feel as though there is so much more that i can do than before - because i feel fitter. I enjoy being out in the fresh air. I enjoy the empty roads in the early morning....But the running - that’s hard! And the heat at the moment doesn’t help. Hidden has given lots of good advice about how to make the actual running bit more pleasant, but i would think beyond the running and see how your achievement has made you feel about other things in your life. I think that’s where the euphoria lies.
AgaigGraduate
I don't enjoy the running it's hard work but I am enjoying the health and fitness it is bringing. But you are right the actual running is ****
Steved110Graduate
I like the runs when they are finished , mostly. I tend to find the first 10 toxic minutes a struggle as do most, then settle into a rhythm that lasts, and change of scenery helps so look for alternative routes might be a good plan.
The other issue is make sure you aren’t running too fast - you need to slow down otherwise it hurts more than helps!
Finally I like the use of technology to monitor my route, pace and distance - I use a Fitbit Charge 2 and also MapMyRun
On the app I usually choose the neutral or slightly positve icon before the run. During the run when I'm struggling I think I'm going to choose the negative icon post-run, but then once I've completed the run and had a short rest I always end up going for the big smiley face.
whibblesGraduate
Don't always enjoy the run but always feel better afterwards - perhaps its the relief and the sense of achievement. Also, its better for me to spend time outside running than on the Internet. The glue for me is the weekly Parkrun as I run on my own during the week so perhaps try this if possible or find a running buddy. He's hoping you graduate and start too enjoy it a bit more 
I think the setting does have a massive impact on a run. I rarely run road routes unless I have a particular destination. Most the time I run canal paths, river banks, local country parks etc.
As others have said, running may just not be your thing, in which a case, completing this c25k challenge is great. I think the real goal is to get, and remain, active. You could try a gym, swimming, fitness classes.... The list is endless, but the idea is to be more active and stay away from the dreaded couch which I guess was where we all were before coming here 🙂
I was like you for the first 50 years....
Are you running with music? Try turning it off. I couldn't get this to work for me until I ditched all the cat-strangling noises. But then I'm weird.
In truth though, I only enjoy the last Km of a run. But the feeling of euphoria at the end is worth all the effort.
I think the whole running with music thing odd. My previous main exercise thing has been swimming. No smartphone there! But still no buzz from jogging (W5R3).
Maybe running just isn’t your thing. Now you’ve improved your fitness, you can move on and try and find a sport that is right for you. No matter what, you should be proud of yourself for completing the programme.
NotjustjaniceGraduate
I am just about to do 9:3 and I love it in a funny , don’t love it sort of way. I certainly intend to carry on as I feel it is making a difference to me in fitness and just starting to in my body shape so I suppose I’m more than anything addicted. I know what you mean though I’m not euphoric but then I’m not like that as a person anyway, can’t really remember getting euphoric about anything. Well done for completing it great achievement.
Some people love it. Some people see it as a means to an end. I have a dear friend who is a marathon runner. She has done more than three dozen of them, as well as three half Ironmans. She is very frank about the fact that she dislikes running. However, she loves the discipline of training, running keeps her anxiety at bay, and she loves to eat chocolate and drink beer. So, for her it is a trade-off. I have just started this endeavor, and I am on week seven. I am 56 years old, out of shape, and very overweight. I don’t love the actual running (yet), but as someone who always felt inferior to other people because of my lack of ability, this has been a liberating experience. Also, my end goal is to get fit enough to go back to riding horses. It started off as a means to an end, and it has come with the extra bonus of empowerment. Good luck to you.
PS I haven’t met any of those endorphins that everyone raves about, yet! I hear so much about them. I am hoping that one day they will introduce themselves to me. LOL
Ang33333Graduate
I guess we all get a buzz from different things. Some people bungee jump or parachute. I can imagine nothing worse. Years ago for me it was horse riding, swimming. Now I love walking. And gardening. And I'm loving running. As long as it's not too hot! I used to drive past sweaty runners thinking they were crazy. Now I am the sweaty runner. Find something you love. Life is too short to do something you hate.😀😀😀😀
vegasjoGraduate
I was so relieved to read this post, and replies. I posted 2 weeks ago as I too don't have the "love" for running I was hoping by Week 8, it's just a "struggle". When I am running all I am thinking about is how much longer do I need to run for until I can stop. However, I have just had a 2 week holiday, i only did one run, and if I am honest, Im so gutted i didn't stick to the plan whilst I was away. I think I need to concentrate more on the relief/ buzz i get when Laura tells me I'm ready to start my 5 mins cool down!
Ah, one of my people.
I have not graduated, nor do I anticipate ever being able to do so. I too do not experience euphoria or a runner's high or this grand collegial feeling of being of a family of runners now. Ha.
I have experienced a mental thrill or high at the accomplishments themselves. I don't think I'll ever forget W1D1 I was literally gasping and heaving and talking (really negatively) out loud. It was one of the most humbling and human thirty minutes of my life. Every running day since has been a victory over that day. I'm in this to prove something to myself, to accomplish something I couldn't imagine possible for me, and to build up a skill over time.
I won't leave this experiment a runner, though.
runningphobe_no_moreGraduate
I can relate to that. The first step out of the door is still the hardest even after 4 years. But I love what running does for me - for my shape, my sleep, my mood. So I will keep going. And sometimes - just once or twice - when I've been running in a beautiful place and without a timetable and all the conditions - sun, breeze, temperature - have come together, I have had a small glimpse of what the others are talking about....
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