Run, Run, as fast as you can
My gym membership recently expired, and even though I like my gym, it does cost me an arm and a leg. C & I have set ourselves quite lofty savings goals for 2013, so I figured that almost 1000€ would be better off in my savings account than in Club Med's pocket. Especially given the fact that I will be traveling a ton over the next few months, and their resubscription offer included a higher price (which in their minds was sweetened by the "free gift make-up bag" I would get for signing up for another year). No thank you.
Normally when I'm not traveling, I try to work out 5-6 days per week. I'm very lucky to have a flexible work schedule, and I often work out during my lunch break. It's something I really enjoy doing, and it is necessary to somewhat counteract what I eat when on the road.
Some of you may remember back in the summer of 2011, I attempted to get into running as a pre-wedding present to C. I successfully completed the Couch to 5K program, but even after the end of that, I still didn't enjoy it. C & I tried running together a few times, but it made me so cranky, that we eventually went back to our old habit of him running and me rollerblading.
I know he still would like us to run together though, so between that and two inspiring blog friends, I decided to give running another try. The problem is - I still hate it. Every since I started running, I have been in a foul mood. Crank with my co-workers, cranky with my dear husband - just feeling generally down in the dumps.
It was raining today (and besides running, there isn't much more that I hate than rain), so I decided to stay home and do The 30 Minute Shred instead. And lo and behold, the cloud lifted and I am feeling much better. It was like a light-bulb going on - I used to think that the reason I didn't like running was because it was boring. But I now know that my brain needs the mid-day break that going to the gym gives me. I can spend an hour not thinking about anything and just focusing on my posture and following the instructor. Whereas when I run, I still have to concentrate - on where to go, on green/red lights, on French people who have no concept of what is going on around them and who randomly stop in the middle of the sidewalk, and on avoiding everyone's favorite - dog poop. So I just don't get anywhere near the brain break that I do from a class.
The question is - now what do I do? I had wanted to surprise C, but last night I finally confessed to him that I had started running again, and he was like "For Pete's sake woman, for the sake of our relationship, go and sign up for the gym". But I am stubborn person. So many people I know love running - so why can't I? I would love to be able to run a 5K or a 10K with C on a Saturday. It is the perfect sport - relatively low-cost and I could even do it while traveling (and burn off some of the calories from the 2x day 3 course meals). Plus there is the fact that I made a commitment to myself to run five days a week for the month of January....
I'm not a quitter, so I think I am going to still try to meet that goal and reevaluate at the end of the month.... 1/3 down, 2/3 to go! But apologies in advance if the irritability sticks around... :)
Labels: Running
posted by Ksam @ 3:06 PM
19 Comments:
I friggin' hate running, always have. I used to insist on doing all the exercises on the parcours de santé as a sweetener to the boring running bit, but now I'm not dragged there by my ex-h I'm as happy as Larry and do zumba instead. :)
I really like Zumba too! Just wish my gym membership wasn't so dang expensive....
I so hate running too. I want to like it but I just can't, and I've decided that's ok. I love yoga, and while it's not quite the same adrenaline boost, it will do for now. I also bought the 30 day shred and then did it maybe three times. I liked it, I just have a lot of problems motivating myself to do stuff like that. The class structure and a set starting time are necessary for me to get off my bum. :)
Bon courage!
I'm the same way as you. In high school, I did field hockey and swimming sports, but now as an adult I detest running, especially by myself. My solution is a barre group class called The Bar Method. They are becoming more popular in the US, but I have no idea if France has caught on yet.
Don't feel bad about not liking running! For people who love it, great, but it can really be bad for your joints. I know I'll never run because of my feet and I'm glad to have a good reason to avoid it entirely. I'm with you on the expensive gym memberships though---my cheaper French yoga class is just not the same (too much relaxing!). I miss my gym.
Wow 1000 euros??!!! I had heard gyms in France were expensive but... wow. My gym here in the US is 280 dollars a year. I do have to pay extra for any classes etc.
I've noticed 3 types of responses to run.
People who love running. They love every aspect of it and get a great high afterwards. I like to call them freaks :)
People like me. I hate the physical act of running. It's the worst must challenging exercise in my life. I feel like my chest is going to explode, I can't breath, and all my joints hurt. But I feel really good afterwards and get a strong sense of accomplishment.
And finally the people who just do like any aspect of running.
I totally agree with you and all the other commenters - I've tried, and even when I could run 10k, I still didn't like it. My exercise of choice would be zumba too, but i don't have classes in my area. I sometimes use the videos at home though. Would that work for you?
I HATE running!!! But give me an Olympic size pool & I can swim kms without a second thought, zoning out and everything. For lack of an Olympic sized pool out here my gym is pretty great, good classes and not hoity.toity. I guess for 400€ a year it's not too bad.
Did you ever try bikram yoga? It's the toughest workout I've ever done and I loved the body it gave me before a beach vacation. It's just really gross the sweating.
It would involve signing up for a gym, but maybe running on a treadmill would be less stressful..no rain, poop, or people to deal with. maybe you can find a cheaper gym that you could go to that just have limited equipment? Then you could run on the treadmill during the week and then just run with C on the weekends....or just run in a park? I used to run in France and we would go do a few loops at a park.
Sorry for all the typos!
I totally understand what you mean about wanting that mental break and how running doesn't necessarily mean you're brain gets to turn off. And as much as I've gotten into running, it's still not easy or always enjoyable. Those days when I can't get into that "magical mental groove" that so many hard core runners talk about, it's painful because I find myself just playing mind games the entire run. And that's when I decide I need to go take a class or do a video :) P.S. I love 30 day shred!
I agree with Linds that it can be hard for me to get into the 'runner's groove' - often my runs aren't all that enjoyable (esp if I haven't been running much), but I usually feel better afterwards. I try to plan out my route ahead of time (using mapmyrun.com), so I know exactly where I'm going, and then throw on a podcast to distract me so I'm not thinking about much. Also, running in a park or somewhere more relaxing than the street might be more pleasant too. Finally, I find that it takes me a few weeks of regular running to start feeling really good when I go out. But, if it's not for you, as long as you find something else that you like, I think that's just fine :)
I think running is a good goal but in the meantime, whatever works for you and motivates you, stick with it. Strive for feeling good - if running is something you truly want to do, you'll get there.
I really liked running but running didn't like me, as a sciactica attack after about 10 days showed me. Never been in so much pain in my life. I stick to swimming and biking. If you don't like running, don't sweat it (sorry).
Ugh I hate running and sympathise! I decided back in September I wanted to incorporate more exercise into my life. I never realised before that being a maitre de langue entitled me to all the student sports facilities. I have been making full use of my 15 euro a year membership and all the free classes it entails! For this semester I'm currently signed up to a step class, a zumba class, lindy hop, ballroom dancing and salsa. Would much rather become fit through dance!
Whew, I'm glad to see I'm not the only one!! I really do want to save the extra money, so I am going to *try* to stick it out, but if not, I guess I will be walking my butt back to the gym.
And Anne, luck you!! Dance classes are so much fun, and a great way to burn calories!
I hate those classes. They make me so grumpy and stressed out. I used to try them, but always gave up. It was agony and I would dread the class days before I had to go. Finally I made peace with the fact that I will never be able to do those classes. Who am I kidding? I can't even do yoga.
I am a runner. I love running outside, alone, for hours. I have abandoned it in the past but I always come back to it. Running is my single most effective tool for getting through rough spots in my life.
It is not cheap! I go through expensive shoes every three months. The clothing is pricey, especially the winter gear, and after a season you cannot wash the stink of your sweat out of some of those high-tech shirts. I easily spend €1000 per year (if not more, considering race fees and travel to and from races) on my running habit, only I spend it in increments.
Not everyone is a runner, and not everyone can do those classes. There is no sense in fighting your true nature!
When you travel, don't the hotels have exercise rooms? I would do a class in Paris if that is what you like and then when you are traveling, either find the time to take a long walk at a quick pace or work out at the hotel if possible.
And my thinking is that money spent on taking care of yourself is well spent.
How is the running going now the month is nearly up???
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home