I hated running. I've always just done weight training and still do. I'm in my 40s now and started running about 9 months ago because my blood pressure was getting higher than I liked, and adding some cardio workouts was the only thing I could think of to try to lower it (my diet was already pretty good). Now I can't stop running - not because I really enjoy it (although I don't hate it anymore), but because I feel if I stop, all the running I've already done will be a waste. On days I don't run I'll either jump rope or ride the stationary bike, but neither of htose get my heart rate up quite the same. I can say though that after adding in running, I'm probably in the best shape of my life right now.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't run unless someone is chasing me, or my kids or dog are running into the street.

Physical therapists have told me running is one of the worst things people can do to their body. High impact on the joints and all.

I swim, dance and do yoga.

That is interesting. Most of my friends that are in excellent shape are outdoor runners. I have a family friend that had to stop in her 40's and switch to swimming b/c she killed her knees.

Most lady runners have to give it up in their 40's and almost all lady runners have to give it up by their 50's. It is horrible on the knees.

Lady runners? What, are we back in the 1890s?

I am tall and lean, and NOT a natural runner. No matter how many times I've tried it, I've never been able to experience that "runner's high" that everyone brags about. Instead it feels like my lungs are on fire.

I walk a lot, I also have a killer indoor rower. And I do low-impact Barre class for toning.

Have you tried trail running? Much easier on your body and lovely in the woods.

Running ages your skin and joints. You body knows it doesn't like it. Do yoga.

Anonymous wrote:I think you should only run if you like running. Bike only if you like biking. If you are exercising to stay in shape...HIIT is what you need. You need full exertion followed by rest, fully exertion, rest, repeat. That exertion could be...sprinting if that is better than long jogs, rowing machine, jumping rope, biking, plyometric exercises, or something like that. Add in strength training, core work, and stretching and you have a nice work out that will keep you in great shape.

Perfect sunmery of how to stay in shape. Great advice

Doesn’t almost everyone hate running? It’s hard! I hike instead.

I hate running. Ride a bike at a brisk pace instead.

I hate running. Ride a bike at a brisk pace instead.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't run unless someone is chasing me, or my kids or dog are running into the street.

Physical therapists have told me running is one of the worst things people can do to their body. High impact on the joints and all.

I swim, dance and do yoga.

That is interesting. Most of my friends that are in excellent shape are outdoor runners. I have a family friend that had to stop in her 40's and switch to swimming b/c she killed her knees.

Most lady runners have to give it up in their 40's and almost all lady runners have to give it up by their 50's. It is horrible on the knees.

I suck at sports and dancing. Always have. So uncoordinated. Running has been the only athletic thing I’ve ever been able to do. Left, right, repeat.

Running outside is never boring. I love being outdoors. Running is never easy for me, so I always feel challenged which keeps me engaged. I love races. It’s my hobby in addition to it being my exercise. Treadmill is boring. I can only manage 3 miles if I’m forced to use it due to extreme heat or rain.

I've never liked running. I prefer to dance or play a sport. I have a hard time doing any exercise just for the sake of doing exercise. It bores me to no end.

I think you should only run if you like running. Bike only if you like biking. If you are exercising to stay in shape...HIIT is what you need. You need full exertion followed by rest, fully exertion, rest, repeat. That exertion could be...sprinting if that is better than long jogs, rowing machine, jumping rope, biking, plyometric exercises, or something like that. Add in strength training, core work, and stretching and you have a nice work out that will keep you in great shape.

Anonymous wrote:I don't run unless someone is chasing me, or my kids or dog are running into the street.

Physical therapists have told me running is one of the worst things people can do to their body. High impact on the joints and all.

I swim, dance and do yoga.

Here’s the thing; I was told the same as a younger woman, by an ob-gyn. Don’t run, he said; it’s too hard on women’s knees and hips. Walk instead. I took this advice (go ahead an judge but maybe I wanted some justification) and only did low impact exercises like fitness walking and yoga.

Now I’m 50 and newly diagnosed with osteoporosis (and have the bones of an elderly woman). I am under the care of a top notch rheumatologist (thanks dcum for the recommendation) who prescribed Fosamax, prescription strength calcium and hard impact, bone building exercise to include running and hiking! Also advised to add weights.

To answer your question, OP I still kind of hate running but have now run two 5ks (impressive times I might add) and splurged on two pairs of running shoes, running tights and a super supportive bra.

New challenge inside is keeping motivation. I try to run 3 miles as fast as I can and keep trying for a personal best.

A lot depends on your muscle fiber makeup. There are slow twitch muscles and fast twitch muscles. Depending on your genetics, some people have a higher ratio of slow twitch fibers (endurance, long distance runners) and some people have a higher ratio of fast twitch fibers (body builders, sprinters).

Personally, I’m very athletic but will never be good at distance running because I’m not built for it. I have a higher ratio of fast twitch muscles. I do HIIT classes, lift weights, barre, and incorporate shorter sprint runs into my workouts (running 0.5-0.25 mile sprints).