Worst thing about running is . . .

~ Chocolaterunsjudy

running worst

Last week I was talking about my number one reason I run (and keep on running).

Today I’m back with Tuesdays on the Run linkup and the worst thing about running is _______:

How much time running takes

Much as I love running, there are many downsides:

  • Injuries
  • Laundry
  • Expense
  • Sun exposure (as in too much sun)

It’s all true, too.

For me, though, the very worst thing about running is the time involved. That goes for every runner, but when you’re a slow runner, a simple 3 mile run takes longer. A simple 3 mile run is not 30 minutes for me.

But it’s never a simple 3 mile run, is it?

There’s warming up. Cooling down. Prehab exercises. Foam rolling. All that laundry (sometimes just finding clean running clothes in and of itself can be a herculean effort). Taping up. Driving to a race early enough to get a good parking spot and use the portapotties. The list just goes on and on and on.

I love the people who “just run”, but for me, it’s just not that simple. Just running without warming up, cooling down, stretching, foam rolling, taping, etc. etc. — that’s my route to injury when I skip all that stuff.

But it all comes back to my number one reason I run: to change my mood.

I don’t run to lose weight, to eat more, to get outside, to improve my bone strength, to improve my cardiovascular system, to earn bling. All those things are really nice side benefits from running, but they’re not really why I run.

I run to be happier, and that’s why I’m happy to put in the time.

I wonder, too, if I am getting more time, in the end, then I’m giving up? That I’ll live longer and happier because of running. I think it’s true.

As they say:

You don’t stop running because you get old. You get old because you stop running!
— Jack Kirk, still running at 96 (quoted in Born to Run)

Tuesdays on the Run

I’m linking up today with MCM Mama Runs, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and My No Guilt Life for the Tuesdays on the Run linkup.

Can you think of something negative about running or do you love everything about it?

41 thoughts on “Worst thing about running is . . .”

    1. I started off using KT Tape Pro; I’ve since switched to Rocktape, because it adheres better. I guess I need to write a post about it!

      It’s a total game changer for me — without it, I doubt I’d still be running. I taped my IT & knees for Sunday’s race, for instance, despite the fact they weren’t bothering me — and I always do for a half.

      I did it this time because I knew it was a very hilly race and hills can aggravated my IT.

      In fact, for the first time last night I taped my elbow! I’ve had tennis elbow for decades, and I have a brace, but you can tape that, too. It feels much better today!

      No one showed me how; there are videos & the tape often comes with instructions for the more common problems.

      Of course you still need to work on strengthening your weak areas, but it’s immensely helpful.

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      2. It just all depends on what’s going on with me, how whatever area that’s bothering me feels, or how long the run will be, or how hard.

        When my IT isn’t bothering me, I don’t tape until I get up to about 9 miles or maybe double digits. But then I always tape as a precaution, whether or not it’s bothering me. Because there’s nothing worse than the feeling of your knee tightening up & you know you can’t do anything about it.

        If it’s very hilly, than I’ll tape because hills bother my IT band.

        It is a band aid, literally and figuratively, and the goal is to not have to tape. But I’m glad it’s there when I need it.

        I did try a knee brace, and it worked, but taping is actually more comfortable for me (although a lot more expensive in the long run!).

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  2. I enjoyed this post and you raise some valid points – warming up, cooling down….it all adds to the time of the actual run. I also run to change my mood but would like it to help with losing weight – but that just doesn’t seem to happen! I enjoy it once I get out there and into it but sometimes the thinking about it and preparing puts me off, if I let it!

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    1. It *can* help with weight loss, but it’s really easy to give yourself permission to eat too much, too! Been there, done that.

      Usually things like hill repeats and speedwork are the most helpful for weight loss. Long runs, not so much.

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  3. Injury is the worst thing about running…..but when you finally heal the feeling of a pain free run is just magical, which to me is the best part about running 🙂

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  5. This crazy gal actually enjoys the dynamic warm-ups and cool down stretches. Injured only once (so far, hope it’s an only), so I’m not going to include that in order not to jinx myself.
    I have only one thing I don’t like about running: cross-training. I love the yoga but despise the weight/stability ball work. I need to get stronger, though, and tone. Everything I gained when working at the fitness center was lost over the two months I took off while recovering. Even worse, I can no longer go to the center but do it by myself at home. Heinous.

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    1. I’m going to recommend this program: http://finalfatmeltdown.com/

      It’s only $15. Not aimed at runners specifically but much of the exercises are good for runners. It’s quick (workouts are 30 minutes or less). It’s inexpensive.

      The only negative for you is that they don’t show a lot of modifications. But because I’ve been babying my ankle, I modified a lot of things. I modified all the jumping stuff, for instance; usually I do that sort of thing, but right now just running is enough pounding for my ankle.

      Maybe it would make it less boring for you (there’s a lot of variety in the workouts, too).

      They’re downloadable videos (or online) so you either need a tablet or space around your desktop. They don’t require any weights, although I add weights because I find bodyweight exercises alone don’t give me the body I want.

      Not an affiliate, but it’s what I’m using at present.

      Of course, there are all sorts of programs out there for free, too!

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  6. I have to do all the stupid stuff too lol but I still miss it! It does wonders for my mood apparently, this past month in particular I started to really feel a huge change…I think i need antidepressants is this continues.

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  7. I have to do some yoga stretches before a run, then do a post-run yoga routine to help recover. It’s definitely adding on more time to my running days, and I have to plan accordingly. If I run in the afternoon, I’m already loose from walking around all day, but the mornings are a different story.

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    1. I’m always doing my pre run routine, doesn’t matter what time of day it is!

      Course I’m older so I tend to be a bit stiff when I wake up in the mornings. I don’t really feel that I am, but one of the first things I do is either yoga or stretching — and I’m like man, I’m so stiff!

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  9. I don’t do any of the usual pre and post run stuff but running still takes up precious time especially when you work and family & friend obligations.

    The long runs are the worst. They can take up most of the day on the weekend. It’s hard for non-runners to understand it.

    For the time it takes away from your life is worth the rewards that you get from running.

    I didn’t write it in my post but the obvious worst thing is INJURIES!!

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  14. You aren’t lying about the time! Especially for us slower folk. It’s one reason I put off doing a marathon for a very long time- because I knew those training runs would be … VERY LONG. lol

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  16. Totally, lady. It’s so time consuming!! There are days I wish I could cheat and short change my miles or rehab stuff just so I can get done sooner, but I know I’m only hurting myself if I do that.

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  18. worse thing about running is how bad it makes you feel when you decide to skip a planned run…that and injuries that stop you from running.

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