A while ago, Courteney wrote this post about fitness trends. At the time, it got me thinking about why I've stuck with running for so long. I'd tried other routines and exercises to get in shape before, but running was the first one that stuck. Now, with my calf issues, the post has also gotten me thinking about why the advice of "look into another sport" has made me irrationally stubborn and angry.
Unlike many running bloggers, I wasn't introduced to running at a young age; I didn't have the benefit of decades of experience that just makes it come naturally. I started running in graduate school with no idea that races even existed outside of high school and college.
Before running, I tested the fitness waters. I tried classes. I saw a personal trainer. I tried spin, hot yoga, weight-lifting, pilates...Nothing stuck. I would get bored or I'd hate the workout, and then I'd stop going. It's hard enough to motivate myself to start a workout I love, let alone one I dread!
And people might think that when you try something and you're not good at it, it's normal to hate it, but eventually the hate will dim and soon you'll be in a routine and you'll love it! I think that's true sometimes, but not always. Because even though running was (and still is) hard for me, something about it just automatically clicked. And despite doing circuits and other workouts for a solid year now with Elizabeth, I still don't love those the way I love running. In fact, I don't even really like them most of the time.
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| TBH, the best part of non-running workouts are these two! |
I don't know if many people really just naturally love all kinds of exercise in general, but I'm sure those lucky people exist.
But if you're someone like me who wants to get active but it kind of goes against your nature, the best way to find success is to find something you actually enjoy. I think that's the downfall of most people who try to get active and give up; they just haven't found what they love.
You know that saying about finding a job you love means you never work a day in your life? I think the same goes for exercise. I don't like to work out, so I found a sport I love, and it feels like I don't have to work out a day in my life!
Do you like all workouts, or are you picky?
What is your favorite kind of exercise?
ABK
I love running too! Well, 90% of the time! I want to say I'm not picky about workouts but I probably am. :) My favorite things to do are run and lift. Zumba is fun as well! And I liked biking but it bothered my ITB in the past. I want to test that out again soon...
ReplyDeleteEven when I hate running I think I love it. Or is that just the rose-colored glasses of missing it talking?
DeleteI started running around 15 (just for fun) and kept it up throughout the years (just for fun). I did also walk and cycle sometimes but running was my main sport--out there at least 5-6 x per week. When I was about 30 I had a bad bike accident that I recovered from but I learned quickly that running only was not going to work. It was then that I embraced tri training. I was already cycling but got myself back into the pool (I swam as a kid but never competitively or much as an adult). I actually am in love with tri training. I also still walk and have gotten into both yoga and weights. There are a lot of things I don't like though: zumba, group classes, birkam yoga. But if I had no choice, knowing my stubborn nature I would find a way to love them because not having an active life just isn't an option for me. I am just really stubborn and want to do what I want to do, if that makes sense. I know I won't always be able to run (in fact, once I am done with my regeneration therapy I may not be able to...we shall see), so I am constantly trying to just embrace a life without it. I actually haven't run in exactly a month but I am so thankful to have walking, swimming, cycling, yoga and weights.
ReplyDeleteYou raise such a good point...if you had no choice, in order to stay active, you'd find a way to love whatever was available to you. And I think that's really important. I am not a naturally active person but it sounds like you are. I worry that if I couldn't do my sport of choice, I'd eventually give up on being active because it's just not my personality. I'm glad that other activities have brought you happiness while you're off running. I hope you can run again after your therapy, but it sounds like you'll find happiness and activity even if that's not the case!
DeleteI hate to work out and running is what I love. After ankle surgery a few years back, the dr told me that I may not run again. I wouldn't accept it. It's what makes me happy. I decided that I would no matter what even if it meant that I'd be very slow or could only run 5ks. Happily it all worked out.
ReplyDeleteI think it will for you too. It's hard to be patient and wait, though.
I'm glad you didn't accept what the doctor told you! We shouldn't have to give up our passions without a fight.
DeleteI do enjoy running because I can do it on my own. I'm not a fan of group fitness classes.
ReplyDeleteYes, the solitude is nice!
DeleteI love anything that lets me cover distance. Even if it's the same distance over and over again. So, running, walking, hiking, biking, swimming... a new love is ice skating and I'm hoping to take some classes to get better and even learn to play hockey. I also love martial arts and wish I had a lifestyle and an income that allowed me to really pursue one, maybe when the kids are much older.
ReplyDeleteThis is really interesting...I wonder what it is about overing distance - or feeling like you're actually moving - that speaks to you. I think if I could get some practice in, I'd love the rush of ice skating.
DeleteI love running because it's never boring. If ever I feel bored all I have to do is pick up the pace and I'm no longer bored... I'm in pain! :D But seriously, it is the only sport that is not boring to me. I like weight lifting but not with the same passion I feel for running.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that you should try a bunch of things and find a fitness activity that you enjoy so it doesn't feel like a chore. Now when it comes to jobs that's a different story. I like what I do but it definitely still feels a lot like work! :D
I totally agree!! Running never bores me. I can zone out and be in my mind, or I can change it up and make it a point of focus. Either way, I'm not bored!
DeleteI was just like you. I tried all kinds of fitness routines and nothing stuck. Even now I can't be routine about boot camp or indoor fitness- something about it just bores me and then I stop going for a while. Running was the first thing that I really stuck with and loved too. I'm actually kind of getting into the swimming thing though- which will be good for triathlon. I find I look forward to swimming workouts now, just not quite as much as running. It's the biking part I can't really say I enjoy yet...hopefully soon.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could get good at swimming...it's so good for you. But this little phobia I have gets in the way!
DeleteTo date, I love Zumba and running. I loved Zumba from the first time I went, and it made me realize that I could start running.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy the other work outs I do... weights are not my favorite, but I know it will make me strong and I will need it
I think Zumba is so fun. I wish I had the time and energy to find a class and actually make a point to go.
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