Runners, Running and enjoying it

[TheSiege]

I run and I feel like I am going to die. I want to be able to run and feel good like I hear people say they feel. How do I accomplish this? How long until I can run and just run for fun? I am about 200lbs and 32. I have some decent Brooks running shoes. I want to run outside. Thoughts on how to get started and how to reach a point where running becomes like walking and not where it feels like death?

 

[ViviTheMage]

You feel like you are going to die? Keep running past that, then it'll be enjoyable ... or so I hear.

 

[blackdogdeek]

http://www.c25k.com/

 

[Ventanni]

You're going to feel like dying at first, but it goes away with conditioning. It's just like any weight lifting goal, only the difference is, you're trying to lift a static amount of weight (your own!). I took me about 3 months to get up to a 4 mile mark, but once you're able to run 5 miles you can pretty much run indefinitely.

Best decision I ever made. Lost 80lbs doing it, and nowadays I just get out there and ggggooooooooo!

 

[Megatomic]

I run ultras and the first few miles of any run are uncomfortable. I don't even warm up until I hit the 4 mile mark, then I enjoy running. Give yourself time, stay dedicated, and move your distances up slowly and progressively. Also, find a place to run where you just love to be anyways. I run on trails as often as possible for just that reason.

 

[VoteQuimby]

Start out with a slow pace. Don't try to run a 8-9 minute mile right off the bat. As blackdogdeek said, try to couch to 5k plan, it worked great for my wife.

 

[nickbits]

Just do the best you can each time. I started out like that about 10 years ago (34 now) and now I run marathons (26.2 miles). However I still don't think it's fun and generally every minute of it sucks.

Btw running in races is more fun than doing whatever by yourself even if you are the asocial type like I am.

 

[RagingBITCH]

Get a structured program like a Couch to 5K, and sign-up for a goal race so you have motivation. You might also look at running with a group, like one at a local running store or a local running community near you. You might also ease up on your pace - like you said, you are 32, not 16 - that 7 minute mile you ran then is going to be a beating on you now. Start slow, and set small goals for yourself

 

[TallBill]

Running is terrible. I have to do about 6-8 miles per week and I hate it Lol.

 

[smackababy]

Even if you get past that "I'm going to die" phase, if running isn't fun, conditioning isn't going to make it so. 4 years in the military, plus soccer, football, basketball and cross country (ugh... forced by soccer coach) before that for a few years. I was good at running, but I still hated it. I didn't mind it during sports games, but just running, no thanks.

 

[Auric]

Rather than incrementally increasing distance and/or pace, consider maintaining a minimum pace -whether a fast walk or jog, such that you can intermittently sprint. That should result in quicker gains and allow shorter total distance to avoid injury, and less rest days in between. After awhile you should be able to comfortably maintain a moderate running pace.

 

[pauldun170]

I run and I feel like I am going to die. I want to be able to run and feel good like I hear people say they feel. How do I accomplish this? How long until I can run and just run for fun? I am about 200lbs and 32. I have some decent Brooks running shoes. I want to run outside. Thoughts on how to get started and how to reach a point where running becomes like walking and not where it feels like death?

What sort of distance are you running?
First mile tends to suck because your body is saying "Dude....wtf? someone chasing us or something?"
Key thing is finding a good pace. Get past mile 1 then settle into a comfortable pace.
Personally, I like to start off with about a casual minute worth of level streets then BAM....hills.
At the mile mark, I hit normal streets again and within the next 1/2 mile I'm ready to set the cruise control.
Everything is cake after some hills.

 

[EvilYoda]

I hear you! I'm in pretty good shape but I've just hated running my entire life. I can run a 5K , sprints, programmed rest, or whatever is prescribed at my Crossfit gym, but I hate it every step along the way.

I know I need to get better at it so I don't approach it with such dread.