I have never liked to run -- except as a means to an end: run up and down the court, run to first base, run to tackle your friend (or foe). However, since I no longer play basketball three times a week like I did for several years, and my only running "exercise" is loping around the softball field a few times a week, I finally decided that I need to try to convert.
So many of my friends are amazing runners -- marathoners, joggers, social runners. I still can't figure out if/how they can really possibly enjoy it (which it sure seems like they do!) or if they just have a stronger will and/or higher threshold for boredom and screaming muscles (which they likely do). I am trying to find out. I have now run for 7 of the last 8 days (biking at the gym on the non-running day.) NOT long distances for real runners, but a couple miles is plenty long for me at this point. I listen to my music and go around the neighborhood, looking at beautiful homes, nodding at the occasional dog walker...
So far, if I'm being honest, I have not enjoyed a second of the actual running. Though I do feel good working up a sweat, the post-run feeling of accomplishment, and the internal mini-celebration when I get to walk at the end.
Will I ever fully convert to a, "Let's go for a 10-mile trail run this weekend!" kind of guy? Doubtful, but maybe "A five-mile run won't kill me!" kind of guy? There is always hope. I guess.
Have you given any though to finding a 5 or 10K (3.1 or 6.2 miles) to sign up for? For some runners, a 'race' is the least appealing thing, but for others, it's the most enjoyable. It would also give you something to be working for, a somewhat more tangible goal than 'being healthy.'
ReplyDeleteAnyway, good one you for starting this routine up, good luck keeping it going! (It gets easier the longer you stick with it, in my experience)
Thanks for the encouragement! And suggestion.
ReplyDeleteThis week's running highlight: getting to see a guy and his wife/girlfriend/daughter? shuffle around his Ferrari collection. I counted at least 7 different ones going around the block during my run.