Comments on: Beginner Running Tips: When Does Running Become Fun?

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Tue, 20 May 2014 20:37:01 +0000

In reply to Alec. Yes, dogs are great motivators!

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Tue, 20 May 2014 20:29:18 +0000

In reply to Aaron. Exactly. Running is now something that I need to do, and the more I do it, the more I need it. And the more I enjoy it!

By: What to do this weekend: 5/16/14

What to do this weekend: 5/16/14 — Fri, 16 May 2014 11:13:06 +0000

[…] started in running is one of the hardest things they’ll ever do. For those people, here are a few thoughts from Runblogger Pete Larson on when running actually starts being […]

By: Jeff

Jeff — Fri, 16 May 2014 02:26:04 +0000

In reply to Michael.

This. It’s more fun when you can just go out and run and forget about the fact that you’re running – just doing it and feeling free. It takes a while to get over that hump after the initial enthusiasm wears off and before the fun begins.

By: GNRS

GNRS — Fri, 16 May 2014 00:35:22 +0000

In reply to Aaron. I totally understand. There are days I really feel I'm in a cage if I'm not going to run!

By: Aaron

Aaron — Thu, 15 May 2014 03:08:01 +0000

In reply to GNRS.

I love that video, and shared it with some friends who loved it as well. thanks for sharing the link.

Running is so much “more than running” to me. I’ve run at least 600 miles a year for the last 5+ years. Running takes me to places I’ve never been, and encourages me to take in and contemplate this amazing world that surrounds us in profound ways. (Conversely, this is the main reason why I detest treadmills.) In light of this perspective, I see RUNNING AS A GIFT, and I don’t complain about the pain or the conditions – even though I am well aware of them. Over time, the struggles and excuses to run become less powerful, and running becomes more of a compulsion. “I *must* run. I was made to run.”

By: emby

emby — Thu, 15 May 2014 01:51:18 +0000

I’ve been running consistently for about six months, and the first time I ran ever was about two and a half years ago. I’d say that it became fun for me when I got over the beginning phase where I had only one gear: huffing and puffing. It’s now fun to be able to push it (and watch my slow times slowly improve) or take it easier and run with a friend, or decide to focus on running a hill or with light steps, or just zoning out and thinking about writing.

But that required a modest base level of fitness. I also really like the community. I have friends from college, grad school, who are all over, but we can all stalk each others’ runs.

By: RAD

RAD — Wed, 14 May 2014 15:31:19 +0000

I do all of my best thinking when I’m running. Sometimes it’s figuring out how to configure a wood-working project. Sometimes it’s brainstorming a new approach to a diagnostic challenge (I’m a Dr.). And sometimes it’s just “la la la la”. Running kind of resets my mind and lets me approach problems from a different angle. I love that!

By: Austin Bonds

Austin Bonds — Wed, 14 May 2014 15:22:40 +0000

As to your 5K group that’s just starting out, the difficulty as you noted Pete is that running is hard. It’s a weight bearing activity and it puts trauma on the lower body. That said, with added frequency the runs become more regular. In short, if it is to stick, it must become a habit.

But then there’s the question of why make it a habit? Perhaps someone started running as a way to lose weight or improve self image (which is the case for many). Setting a goal like finishing a race is more likely to facilitate running becoming a habit because it will take consistency to prepare the body for running without stopping.

For me, running is fun for many reasons. First, it’s therapy, and I also find clarity on many things during a run. It’s time alone and time with God. It’s fun because I can discard the road and hit the soft trails for spectacular views. It’s fun for races, and the community of people who are standing beside you and want to do the same thing – cross the finish line.

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Wed, 14 May 2014 09:26:49 +0000

In reply to Zed. A agree 100% with Zed. I run to get away from people and to let my mind go. Though, sometimes I find I do my best thinking running.

By: GNRS

GNRS — Wed, 14 May 2014 09:25:24 +0000

I totally agree with you Pete! I love a video which I think it summarizes the pleasure of running (at least is an inspiration for me!): http://vimeo.com/86164897

By: RH

RH — Wed, 14 May 2014 08:18:33 +0000

For me, running became fun after I had something of an epiphany.
It started with me buying a rowing machine to do something about my bony build. I’d run a ~3K block simply to warm up for my workout, until I someone’s 5k time was mentioned on TV. It was merely mentioned as an aside, as an example of his fitness. My competitive-in-the wrong- place-with-the-wrong-people took over and for some odd reason I decided to beat that time during my warm up runs. Gradually, warm-up runs supplanted rowing workouts. Running became wheezing lungs, pain, frustration and no noticeable improvement. Slowly it dawned on me that I’d never beat this guy’s time.
Late one evening I simply decided to go for an run without any pre-set goal, pace or distance. That night I ran close to 10K through a deserted business park without any effort at all. I kept a relaxed pace and it felt as if I could go on forever. I had I never run such a distance before. Also I just discovered a great way to unwind after a day’s work. It turned out that all the effort hadn’t been wasted after all!
The revelatory experience was greatly helped by choosing Bach cantatas on my MP3 player that night. I still remember running alone, though dimly lighted streets, wearing a saintly smile on my face and angel choirs singing “Heute wirst du mit mir im Paradies sein” (Today you will be with Me in Paradise) in my ears.