Is is possible to learn to run for runnings sake?

I

[Oldgirl Graduate]

I would say if you are strong willed and determined enough just about most things in life are possible. The only reason I started running was because I couldn't run 100 yards to catch a bus!! I can run 10K these days (1 year later )which is something I couldn't do ever before in my life. So if you haven't tried it yet, why not!?!

[Chewy]

If people can climb mountains because they're there then why wouldn't you be able to learn to run because you can ?

[swanscot Graduate]

I thought that was what we are doing. It's not as if we're taking up running to catch a wildebeest for dinner tonight or to run away from predators Well, I certainly aren't anyway; I can't speak for the others here

I'm not learning to run to make me better in another sport. As it says on some t-shirts: "My Sport is Your Sport's Punishment ". I'm running for the sake of running.

[Hidden in reply to swanscot]

Hi

I asked the question because although I enjoy reading Womens Running it seems to focus a lot on races of all different types. I dont want to run a half marathon, marathon or any other race just want to learn to run in order to get fitter and hopefully help me in my weight loss plus the fact it doesnt cost anything to run other than a pair of decent trainers.. It was this constant emphasis on racing that initially put me off the idea of running.

My first run of week one yesterday wasnt easy but not that hard either possibly due to being two pounds short of two stone lighter (another six stones to go) Hopefully as I lose weight the running will become easier then I may change my mind about entering a race ( I did race for life in 2003 and part ran it in 45 mins but I was lighter then!)

Sorry for the long reply.

[swanscot Graduate in reply to Hidden]

OK, I understand. I hope I didn't sound too flippant! I started this running malarkey simply for the sake of running. I had a vision of me running through the woods or trails without a care in the world... And I do have some runs like that.

However, I'd kind of been suckered into training for running certain distances and with a wee bit of speed. I ran a 5K Fun Run today and am now training for a 10K race. I wish to try one once even if I never do any more!

[boo_scribbles]

Think you answered your own question... You arn't just running for the sake of it. You're running to lose weight and have a healthier, more positive lifestyle. You should be proud that you have started this programme, and as you feel yourself getting fitter is it SO rewarding! I too have no intentions of entering races but my goal was to be able to run for 30mins three times a week to improve my overall lifestyle.

Well done!

[mark909 Graduate]

This is an article from the running bug website. It's a lighthearted look at the different types of runners out there. I think I fall into the chilled out category. I'd much rather be off running on my own along tracks in the woods than running with loads of people or competing for a better time.

The Hedonist

The hedonistic runner wants to burn the candle at both ends. They love pouring Pimms on hot days but also love to run 20 miles the day after!

Get the best from your running

Join a running club and make it social! Try the Hash Harriers, a club that combines off-road running with beer drinking, or enter races that combine your passions, for example the Medoc Marathon in France, where cheese and wine are served en route. If you want to get the best from your running, make being healthy your passion and swap wine for water, even if only for a few months in the run up to a big challenge, like a marathon.

The Disciplinarian

You haven’t eaten chocolate for 20 years and follow a strict schedule, planned perfectly on a spreadsheet. You rarely miss a run. Races are strategically placed in a periodised schedule, so you never over race and have specific pace targets. You wear a pace band, a training computer watch and monitor and record everything.

Get the best from your running

There are so many amazing online resources and software packages that a runner like you might actually make the most of! Check out our reviews of GPS monitors to get an idea of the technological support you can access. If you’re over disiciplined you may not be enjoying the fun side of running, so challenge yourself by running off-road without a watch, or doing a race on the spur of the moment.

Obsessive compulsive

You’re very like the disciplinarian, but you’ve gone a stage further, and have gone and got yourself addicted to running. You log everything and get upset if you miss a run. You tend to race every week but never feel satisfied with your results. You can push yourself too hard and can get injured.

Get the best from your running

You’re most likely an achiever and do well in races. So make sure you take time out to celebrate your successes. If you get a PB, enjoy it, because you never know if that might be it! Read our feature on racing yourself fit, and try to remember that if you do race a lot you must incorporate it into your training, and accept that not every result will be your best. Like the Disciplinarian you could do with a relaxing run, with no watch once or twice a week!

Chilled out

You run without goals, without a watch and when you want. You love nature, the freedom and running in the moment. You race for you, and don’t ever worry about the result. You regularly say you’re not competitive.

Get the best from your running

Enhance the whole mind/body vibe with some yoga and pilates to compliment your running, or why not try a Meditation Workshop. Want to get a bit more out of your running, then hang out with the nerds! It’s all well and good being in the moment, but ask yourself, is it just an excuse for not pushing yourself? Are you really not competitive? Or just scared of committing to success?

[Pelephant Graduate]

Hi ebony, I would say you can definitely run for runnings sake. Some books and magazines are based on races but you never have to run a race in your life if you don't have to. Just run for yourself. I can highly recommend 'complete Book of Women's Running' by Dagny Scott Barrios. Although it has a lot about training for races if you want to, it is much more based on the spiritual side of running. Also 'No Need for Speed' by John Bingham is very similar. Hope this helps.

[Hidden]

Hi thanks Pelephant

Sorry for late response - i dont come on the community everyday. Yes this does help - its nice to know that you dont have to be running for a race .

I might add that my name isnt really ebony (its my niece's name my actual name is philippa)its just one I had to think of as a user name . Will look for these books on play,com or amazon. thanks.

Just off now to do first session of week 2.