Are you like me? Do you hate running? No really, when you think of running do you immediately try to think of other things to do? I do. I even wrote about why I’m Allergic to Running; I get creative to avoid running. So if you hate running, let me know your creative excuses. Then run like this.
Even despite our hatred of running we must face the reality that running burns fat and gets the cardiovascular system pumping better than most forms of exercise. Over the past three decades I have despised running and have searched for ways to make it better. So if you hate running, run like this!
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Get Outside
If you hate running the first thing to do is change your surroundings. Being stuck in a gym or on a treadmill in the basement is incredibly demotivating. Run like this – get outside.
Don’t avoid the weather; dress for it. I’ve run in Minnesota winters, humid Texas summers, and just about anything in between. Plan for it; let your body adapt and adjust to the weather.
Don’t Run on a Track
If you hate to run, being outside but being caught in a loop where you see the same thing four times every mile will not help. Do not run on a track and field track. While some people suggest that the surface is better for your joints the boredom will kill you first. Run like this – don’t run on a track.
Note: If you are concerned about injuries from running I would recommend digging into minimalist running. They claim that the practices improves your form and as a result eliminates most of the injuries common to runners.
Pick a trail, either paved or natural, and explore. Just because you are running doesn’t mean you have to hate where you go. When ever I travel I use running as an excuse to see the area. At home it is my way to get to know my own neighborhood. While I hate running when I run like this I enjoy exploring instead of running on a track.
Interval Running
If you hate running quite running at the same pace. Your heart better not flat line; don’t let your running flat line either. Run like this by using intervals.
Steady-state cardio is the underlying reason behind my 5 Reasons I Hate Cardio Machines. I know, I know there is a pattern developing here; I do get bored easily. Or perhaps I suffer from ADD and just can’t stay focused. Either way I can’t stand running at a single pace.
There are numerous ways to break your running into intervals, but here is a simple way to start.
Walk-Run-Walk
Get some way to track your time. I use a Garmin FR60 to track my heart rate zones. You can use a stop watch, an iPhone app, or a gymBoss timer.
Find something that can alarm at intervals. Then get outside, don’t run on a track, and run intervals like this:
- Warm up – slow pace 5 minutes
- Intervals (8-10 rounds):
- Run – Hard (1 minute)
- Walk – Easy (1 minute)
- Cool down – slow pace 5 or more minutes
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Hate Running? – Run Like This!
If you hate running and are constantly thinking of great excuses to avoid it I give you two challenges:
- Post your most creative way of avoiding running; admit your hatred.
- Run Like this: get outside, get off the track, and do intervals.
Let’s here how it goes. For me it makes running … dare I say it … enjoyable.
About Troy Pesola
Troy is the founder of Cube.Dweller.Fitness. He's an innovation catalyst in several areas of life including business, marketing, and process improvement. Outside of work he's actively involved in fitness, health, and living vibrantly in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
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