I've tried to run. I really have. I tried C25K, I tried intervals. All of this over the last year.
My friends, I have now accepted that fact that I am not a runner.
Part of me feels guilty. I know that running burns a lot of calories and is great for my heart. I know lots of people that run. Heck, a lot of you reading this are those people. I've tried to like it, really I have. I would rather walk 5 miles than run 1/2 mile. For real.
The tummy flab (even with Spanx on) flops up and down. It hurts. I know, TMI, but I'm serious. My knees ache, my back hurts, there's nothing enjoyable about it. I feel like I'm going to fall flat on my face. I thought that as I lost weight that I would "enjoy" it more and be better able to run. That hasn't been the case.
I like walking. I especially like taking Walking Pup with me. It feels strange if I walk without her. I power walk, get in a nice sweat, get my heart rate up and feel good at the end. It takes longer than running, but it gives me time to see beautiful places and get in some good, "thinking" time. I don't hike mountains, but I walk the nice paved areas around the mountains. :) Maybe someday I'll hike. We'll see.
So....I no longer feel guilty or that I'm not busting my butt and running miles upon miles. For me, walking (and occasional gym) is how I'm going to lose the rest of my weight (along with a lot of diet modification). I guess this is one more step in my journey...accepting that I don't have to be like everyone else.
See... I hate walking. It bores me. Takes too long. Doesn't interest me. We are all different. What matters is you are getting exercise and you enjoy it. That is what will keep you going back. So keep on walking missy!! That is a great workout. For you AND pup!
ReplyDeleteAt least you have tried it and know it doesn't work for you :o) and you are still exercising, so that is great! Keep it up and enjoy your walks, that is the only hing that keeps you at it, the fact that you enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteWalking is a great way to exercise! The key to success is finding something you love to do and keep doing it. Forcing yourself to do something that hurts and that you hate to do is just silly! Glad you found something that works for you - and bonus points for having walking pup as a partner - you rock!
ReplyDeleteI think sometimes when we are overweight and out of shape we get the notion in our heads that certain activities epitomize being healthy and in shape like, say, running. I don't know about you but for me in my Pre-weight loss days I just assumed that I couldn't/didn't like running because I was just too fat to do it. Now I know that while I am perfectly capable of running --- I really just don't like it all that much. Not running is different when you can but choose not to as opposed to flatly being unable to do so. You gotta find things that you like --- the lifetime commitment to exercise is too long to be stuck doing something you hate.
ReplyDeleteWalking and hiking are fantastic forms of exercise. I had already decided that the Warrior Dash would be my last "run" because I just don't dig it that much. To each their own. We've all got to find what works for us and if you don't enjoy it, you won't do it. PERIOD. Good for you for not pushing yourself into something that just isn't for you. :)
ReplyDeleteI say getting in the movement is important and doing what you like is really important to make you want to keep doing it.....be the best darn walker you can!
ReplyDeleteI don;t dig running either...unless it's the "running man"...I am a lot about dancing :)
ReplyDeleteRunning sucks. I am not a runner either. And if you were a runner what would poor walking pup do? xx
ReplyDeleteI am not either!!! I want to so much, but C25K kills me. I'll just walk farther....
ReplyDeleteI'm not a runner either. My boobs don't need me to run either! lol
ReplyDeleteI say, do what you like and leave the rest!
Sandra
Walking, running, biking, swimming its all exercise and its more important to enjoy what you are doing, you will stick to it longer if you do!!!
ReplyDeleteCardio is cardio. Before I did my 5K in June, I did minimal running. I like going on hikes where the scenery is constantly changing. I would be so bored if I was on a track. I didn't like C25K either. I don't like people telling me what to do in general. Well lady, looks like you are doing just fine w/o running. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteI love walking too. They have great walking clubs in my area, don't know if you've looked into that in yours, or if that would interest you - but their are beautiful weekend walks, etc (In my area they actually have 10K walks virtually twice a day, but I can't do most of them due to scheduling. I just try to do a weekend one every now and then, because I like going to see new places.)
ReplyDeletei want to be a runner so bad... and got through 4 weeks of c25k before quitting... i feel the same way about it as you do... and it makes me so sad and upset. I WANT to love running... i am still holding out that maybe, someday....
ReplyDeletePower walking is much better on your knees/joints, etc. I like running, but while it is good cardio, it isn't really good for the rest of your body. Power walk more than guilt-free, power walk with pride!
ReplyDeletePower walking is much better on your knees/joints, etc. I like running, but while it is good cardio, it isn't really good for the rest of your body. Power walk more than guilt-free, power walk with pride!
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