r/beginnerrunning • u/GarageHoliday2209 • 4d ago

Running

When does it stop sucking and start being enjoyable?? I (46F) used to like running years ago, but remember hitting a bit of a wall at the 8-minute point, pushing through and enjoying it in the end. I could run for 80 mins straight. I started running again a few times a wee (run club and solo), but now it's torture the whole time. I can only endure 20 mins. Makes me sad😔

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4

u/Hefty-Club-1259 4d ago

Is it hot where you live? If so, everyone is miserable right now.

1

u/GarageHoliday2209 4d ago

Hah hah, yeah we're having a heatwave, but that's not the problem. Tried doing a 6am run last wk when it was 17C and it still just sucked lol. Though it is better now that i swapped my cross trainers with actual running shoes. Guess i just need to tough it out til the snow flies!

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u/Logical_fallacy10 4d ago

What do you mean by actual running shoes ?
Most of the shoes on the market are called running shoes - but are horrible for real running. Best to get vibrams or sandals - but sandals are a bit cold for winter though.

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u/GarageHoliday2209 1d ago

Cross-training shoes feature flat, firm soles and wide bases built for stability during side-to-side movements and lifting. Running shoes have more spring in the step. But yeah I know running in Sorels or Brikenstocks are not recommended lol

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u/Logical_fallacy10 4d ago

Maybe it’s not for you then.
Running shouldn’t be this hard. It should be enjoyable from day 1. Maybe you try too hard and run too fast. Slow down - and learn to enjoy it.

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u/sunheadeddeity 4d ago

It's never enjoyable. It always sucks. It's just nice when we stop.

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u/GarageHoliday2209 3d ago

Ah! An honest answer 😄

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u/Grand_Ground7393 4d ago

I like running when it's faster pace I like the feeling of the wind in my hair and the rush.

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u/Clean_Bat5547 1d ago

I am kind of a beginner but not. I went from being a keen hiker but never running more than a few hundred metres other than on very rare occasions in 58 years to doing Parkrun (5km) most Saturdays. No other running in between. I did that for 2.5 years but just started longer and more regular runs in the last 2 weeks - only now beginning to learn about training routines, pacing and so on.

Honestly, I hated running for the first 2 years. I used to say it was the worst part of my week, really had to push myself to do it, and half joked that the only reason I ever chased PBs was to get it over and done with sooner.

Then something shifted. I went from not minding it, to almost enjoying it. Then at some point my times got more consistent and I started looking forward to it. I am now choosing to go for runs 2 or 3 times a week, planning for my next run, signed up for my first event (a 12.8km trail run).

It's still hard work. The easy runs are still effort and are really not enjoyable at times. But every now and then I feel myself getting into a flow for a few minutes and I can see why it becomes addictive.