Does there come a point where you "enjoy" the run whilst you are doing? Thus far I cannot say I have enjoyed it whilst doing any. What I have enjoyed every single time is the achievement of "completing" the run.
I imagine this might be a personal thing and maybe once the runs get easier I can start to relax and enjoy it in the moment?
I once met a marathon runner and he told me exactly what you have said, at times during the run it is very tiring but the achievement of completing it is amazing, I just hope that you will enjoy the running, not just the final 100 metres to the finishing line.
I used to think that nobody enjoys running but only the sense of achievement. But obviously some (most?) do enjoy.
I hope that one day I will fully enjoy the run itself. After years of jogging (ish) I am just starting to feel good and look forward to jogging, just recently.
So, don't give up. Have you got a buddy? They would help a lot.
I've joined a few Parkruns recently and that has helped the enjoyment level a bit. Also looking at joinging the local running club who accept newbies like me 
Ah, good, then you are not in a bad position - compared to me. 33 parkruns, I recall to have enjoyed three. Two of them were the last two ones. So, I would say, I am getting there.
Good luck with the running club! You are much more advanced than I am, from that point of view.
It's a tricky question, I think you're right it's personal.
I'm getting back into running, and at the moment it's hard work, legs are heavy, aches, I'm always uncomfortable, but I'm really enjoying it. It feels new again, I have my running mojo back, i'm excited again.
Yes running gets easier, and there does come a point where you can run an enjoyable/comfortable 30 minutes on a Sunday morning. But I realise now that I stopped running because I stopped challenging myself, and that's what I actually enjoy... The challenges!
So this time, I'm definitely entering more runs and I'm joining a running club to keep me motivated.
The runs get easier if you are jogging at an easy conversational pace, as described in the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
Not only will they be easier they may be enjoyable.
I didn’t really get the in run buzz on the plan... I did get the “it’s done, I’m awesome” buzz after each one for sure.
Now I love most of my runs at the time, some runs I do mean pushing harder (those are love after the event only) and sometimes a run just sucks leaving me proud that I didn’t quit. It’ll come.
I’ve just completed and I can’t say I really enjoy it.... not like everyone said I would ! It’s the challenge that got me through.
My new challenge is to fine ways and times and distances that suit me. Sometimes I feel I could run for about 5 mins take a couple of minutes breather and then I’d be good to go. It was not what the program said. The advice is to always keep running, but I’m interested to see what works for me.
I used to think I would never enjoy the actual running - but now I love it! I graduated at the end of December, and have been building on that, running longer distances.
At the beginning of each run it's a struggle, and my body (and mind) doesn't want to do it. It takes about 15 minutes to start feeling good about the run. Then I start to really enjoy the physical sensation of running, and the sense of solitude/headspace that I get with a run.
Then I get tired and struggle again for a bit, and I have to push myself. But after a while (and maybe a jelly baby) that will pass and I feel great again. And so it goes on in waves. Now I understand this, I can keep going through the tricky times to get to the good stuff.
So yes, it does become enjoyable, but it takes time. Stick with it, it is absolutely worth it.
Good luck on your running journey.
I always find the first run difficult (just finished week 2), but as you do, I start to feel better after a while, and it becomes quite fluid.
Sometimes l look forward to it, sometimes I don't. Sometimes I smile as l run, sometimes l grit my teeth because l hate every minute.
I saw a marathon post on Instagram and she hates it. But the sense of achievement is always good.
Sometimes I really enjoy it, but alot of the time when people say to me did you enjoy that I say I am glad I did it.
Some of my runs I love some are just hard work but I always feel I've done well to compete them. I'm hopping as it becomes more natural it will be less challenging. Bit well done us for getting out there and doing it!
I agree with you. I never enjoy the run - just so happy when I’ve managed it. I’m hoping one day I will actually enjoy the running. But it’s early days for me - w5r2 today!
For me it’s like childbirth not fun at the time but when it’s over I immediately want to it again and I only remember feeling how good it was not how much I actually struggled
I feel like I know where you are coming from... I don't know whether I "enjoyed" running whilst on the plan. I know I enjoyed the results of running and the feeling of having achieved the run.
I definitely do now (ignoring bad days). After about 6 weeks of no-pressure experimenting, I'm beginning to realise that the feeling of those long, slow runs is amazing. I'm not sure it's the same type of "enjoyment" as eating cake, or hill walking, or going on a roller coaster (or any things you might find enjoyable). But once your body is fit enough for you to get in a zone where it's comfortable to run for an extended period at a gentle pace it gets to be sort of hypnotic and you start to appreciate the feeling of being alive and moving. Does that make any sense at all?
Makes perfect sense yes. Although I think i prefer the high of eating cake far more than running....thats probably why I ended up needing to run come to think of it.
Reading everyone's responses (thank you all) it does sound as if what I am feeling is normal which is pleasing. It's not going to stop me doing it though because the sense of achievement at the end far outweighs the voices in my head telling me to stop
Change your routes, so you don’t get bored? I like looking at people’s front gardens as I run! I also find finishing my run going downhill is quite fun.
Absolutely hated the first few weeks..all changed for me when I ventured outside to run at W5.
I definitely don’t enjoy every run, in fact the last 2 (W8) runs have been the toughest and I’ve only enjoyed the last 10 minutes of those runs, its the fulfilment of completing that I enjoy the most and looking back at how far I’ve come that drives me forward.
Favourite playlists are crucial for me too.
I’ve signed up for parkrun and looking forward to that in a couple of weeks. 🏃♀️
Really interesting question. I get a nervous buzz before every run (especially Parkruns) and elation afterwards. The running bit between is hard especially during the Toxic Ten. However, more and more there are periods when the old bones are moving like clockwork and I’m enjoying the countryside and all it has to offer. Keep on keepin’ on!
I mostly feel the same, no buzz during the run but feel smug and happy afterwards. I’ve found some podcasts to listen to which help distract me when the wind is blowing in my face or my legs are tired and I just want to go home. A combination of someone chattering away in my ear and stubborn determination has helps me get through the horrible times.
Having said that I found myself smiling at everyone during the Parkrun last Saturday so maybe it’s not all bad...
Parkrun has gotten me through a couple of runs recently. People smiling back and the odd high five too!
I found if I have good playlist to listen to with all my favourite songs I'm buzzing after the run. I don't particularly enjoy the jogging but once an epic tune comes on I feel like I'm flying down the road, albeit to anyone else it's still a snails pace!
Good luck xo
I think that at 10 /15 minutes into the run I start to enjoy it. I love being outside and running in the countryside.
I listen to downloads of Radcliffe and Maconie ( Radio 6 Music) and love hearing their superb choice of music and blend of chat. It all helps with the running.
Keep going. x
I used to run years ago, before injury. I remember how one day it all just clicked into place. I just ran and ran with no aches or breathlessness and I felt so light on my feet. Maybe you’ll enjoy it when you get to that stage. I think we are continuing to challenge ourselves and haven’t yet had the chance to just enjoy the run for what it is.
It all changed for me when I started running outside, kept the pace easy so I was able to think whilst running and look around a bit. Lovely country we live in! As I got fitter I got (a bit) quicker without really pushing it. I suspect that if you persevere it will get better and more enjoyable. Good luck
Finished W1!
Week 4 R1 hell yeah ! 
Finished week 4!!
Trying to keep the blues away
Parkrun - I love it!
