Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:you ran for 2 hours straight?? impressive.

Thank you to all of the previous posters for your advice and motivation. Yes, I ran for two hours yesterday, as my cardiovascular fitness and endurance are already at a high level. Today my quads, lower back, and ankles are screaming back at me, but I will make myself run again - for less time - as the weather is supposed to be great. I just miss the interest and challenge that more varied gym workouts -- swim, yoga, weight training, crossfit, step, barre, dance, etc. -- provide. Also. running followed by lots of family time and a stocked pantry seems to result in over eating.

How far did you run?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:you ran for 2 hours straight?? impressive.

Thank you to all of the previous posters for your advice and motivation. Yes, I ran for two hours yesterday, as my cardiovascular fitness and endurance are already at a high level. Today my quads, lower back, and ankles are screaming back at me, but I will make myself run again - for less time - as the weather is supposed to be great. I just miss the interest and challenge that more varied gym workouts -- swim, yoga, weight training, crossfit, step, barre, dance, etc. -- provide. Also. running followed by lots of family time and a stocked pantry seems to result in over eating.

Not smart. I bike, run and swim, but each of those are VERY different. I'm in great shape, but I wouldn't assume that I am in running shape if I am just biking or swimming. They are all very different on your joints.

Anonymous wrote:podcasts. only thing that gets me through long runs.

This! I actually love running. I've been running for 25 years, but I have sciatica and can't run until my PT is over. I miss listening to all of my podcasts. I used to have them all ready for my runs. I would look forward to them. For some reason, I only like to listen to them when I am running.

Fitness Blender and Peloton app classes are great.

So you never run and decided to run for 2 hours. You’re a real genius, OP.

Anonymous wrote:you ran for 2 hours straight?? impressive.

Thank you to all of the previous posters for your advice and motivation. Yes, I ran for two hours yesterday, as my cardiovascular fitness and endurance are already at a high level. Today my quads, lower back, and ankles are screaming back at me, but I will make myself run again - for less time - as the weather is supposed to be great. I just miss the interest and challenge that more varied gym workouts -- swim, yoga, weight training, crossfit, step, barre, dance, etc. -- provide. Also. running followed by lots of family time and a stocked pantry seems to result in over eating.

you ran for 2 hours straight?? impressive.

podcasts. only thing that gets me through long runs.

I'm 51, menopausal since 49 and recently diagnosed with osteoporosis. My diagnosis scared me into taking whatever action I could to include getting second opinions and researching and of course, motivated me to change my personal fitness.

My rheumatologist recommmended hard surface workouts like running or hiking. I had been a home gym treadmill walker for years, believing my old fashioned family doctor's advice that running is too hard on my joints.

I changed my gym workouts to stairclimber and began more challenging hikes with an occasional run outside or on the treadmill. Added small weights and kettle bells for arm workout. Ran a 5k without really training and turned in an impressive time and ran nearly the whole time.

I'm such a fit, fast walker with a long stride that running at a decent pace isn't that much different for me. All that said, I don't truly enjoy running. Maybe because it is now "forced" that it feels like punishment?

All I can say is make yourself comfortable; get good shoes and figure out what you prefer to wear when running. I like running tights (a pocket for my phone!) because they make me feel and look fitter than I am and I have a playlist that motivates me (AC/DC, Van Halen to name a few) to keep going. Not kidding - I tell myself that I'll slow down after Back in Black is over...

I've always hated to run, and am convinced it's bad for you, joint wise.

I do ballet-inspired exercises at home, and there's a cardio component that's perfect for me.

I do love hiking and walking, so I do that too.

My advice to people who hate running is you may always hate it but you have to get in very good running shape - which is different from good gym shape - to enjoy it. I love it when I'm in that spot...even calm myself with images of running and the feeling of striding across the ground. But, when something like a bad illness messes with it and I have to get back into it - I don't like it. Even when I'm capable of going out and running 5-10 miles. Has to be so ingrained that your body just craves it. And then my mind flows too.

I also design runs to get runner's high...after a nice long run - have a short but steep hill in the last mile or so - with a nice coast home. I love that feeling of thinking I can conquer the world. And yes the theme to Rocky does sometimes resonate.

Just trying to provide inspiration. And I love the gym and a good high intensity class and lifting weights too. But, running is my zen.

Sorry OP, it’s frustrating. Running is not for everyone and I would not recommend jumping into extended runs if your body isn’t used to it. Even if you’re obviously already fit, you might risk injury which could prevent you from doing anything. Try to find something you can stream that approximates your normal gym routine. Pay for a specific program if you need an authority figure to motivate you and give you direction.

Try aaptiv. I love the runs.

Do you like walking? You could put on a heavy backpack or leg weights and walk. Stop every so often for jumping jacks or jog a block.

Do you like videos? Lots of exercise classes on YouTube.

I am a fit, dedicated gymgoer, probably put in 1.5 hours a day, 7 days a week. I either take a studio class or work with a trainer because I need someone to motivate and direct my efforts. Now I find myself having to be self-motivated and it has been difficult, though luckily my baseline fitness level helps. Yesterday I walked through Rock Creek Park for 2.5 hours, and today I ran for 2 hours outdoors. The running better approximates the intensity of my regular group workouts but I absolutely hate to run. It is going to be difficult to keep it up.