I Hate Running

This is what a lot of people say, no doubt. I certainly did 15 years ago.

But Why?

Many people have their reasons, justifications, and hatred for grotesquely defaming this “activity”. Is it a sport? An exercise? A punishment? To only use in a ‘fight/flight’ scenario?

Maybe people don’t necessarily hate running but just the mere thought of running just doesn’t make them feel good. All that huffing, puffing, and sweating – who needs all that torture?

Watch out because here comes the cold water –> Running is one of the best overall exercises because it works numerous muscle groups including your core (also known as your mid-section).

I used to run all the time growing up. Not the conventional “get your shoes on and go 3 miles” running, but running in sports. Running up and down a basketball court or around a track. I also ran a bit in college but mostly on a treadmill. As I got out in the real world, running became that vegetable on my plate I didn’t want to eat as a kid, but now I had the choice. I chose not to run.

As the pounds started creeping up due to work, travel, sitting in boardrooms, on airplanes, etc. I realized I weighed more than I ever had in my entire life and it wasn’t because I was putting on muscle.

I needed to make a change.

From my education and research, I knew running was always one of the best ways to get in shape. Since I tend to do things BIG and never mess with tippy-toeing into things, in December of 2005 I decided to sign up for the Marine Corp Marathon which was in October 2006. That’s right – going from running zero to 26.2 miles in 10 months is crazy.

There were many life lessons I learned in training for that MCM race that still holds true today for me like sticking to a plan and seeing it through, embracing the environment, and most importantly, enjoying the ride.

Along my journey, I have accumulated certain aspects of running I think you may find informative. Here are some tidbits:

• Your first run will always be your hardest run
• The rate of running enjoyment will increase (see below)
• Acknowledgment that the “Runners High” is real

Below is my mock graph comparing the Rate of Enjoyment of Running versus the # of days when someone who just starts out running for the first time ever or if it’s been a long time since they ran the last time.

Rate of Enjoyment is ranked 1 (worst) – 10 (best). Assumptions of data are based on a 1-2 mile jog run where the pace can be consistent.

Around the 12th run (4 weeks if running 3x/week), you will notice an upward shift in the Rate of Enjoyment that continues to increase with each subsequent run. As your body adapts, so will your mind. Endorphin release will provide enjoyable feelings of pride, confidence, and a positive state of mind.

Fast forward to the present day, I have logged thousands of running miles and I still remember that commitment back in December 2005 and what it meant to me. I hated that first run – I could barely get a block. I remember fighting through that first couple of weeks until things started changing, both physiologically and mentally. My mind and body started craving to go for a run because it became enjoyable. I also realized that running became a cure to clear my mind. If I felt stressed or overwhelmed, the cure was a good run. It still is.

If you are a person that says “I HATE RUNNING”, I get it. No non-runner wakes up one day and says, ‘I think I want to go run 5 miles’. It takes time, however, the ‘Runners High’ is real. Ask any runner and they will all tell you. It cannot be explained, only felt.

If there is just 1% of saying you will give it a try, I recommend joining the ExPo LIFE Run Club and let us show you how your rate of running enjoyment will drastically increase after a few runs.

ExPo LIFE can find a program that fits your needs. Join Us Today!