Do you actually enjoy running?

I enjoy trail running. I don't like running pavement very much, however. I do enjoy being done with a hard workout. Don't care very much about being fast.

I hate running while I'm out of shape... when I am in decent enough shape to run without feeling like crap every time I finish a run, then I enjoy running. So, I guess you could say I just like being fast.

Love it. Nothing beats exploring a new city or countryside by running through it. The sheer exhilaration of being in good shape and being able to run across any terrain in any weather, of being able to leave the front door anywhere you happen to be and knowing that that no matter how far you go or how lost you get, you'll be able to get home, the thrill of picking a point on a map that most people would only ever drive to get to and then running there, the simple and inexpressible feeling of communion with the elements (which sounds terribly corny, but whatever) - all of it makes me indescribably happy.

So yes. I enjoy running. And that's why it sucks to be injured right now as spring comes to my little town...

swatter wrote:

I enjoy trail running. I don't like running pavement very much, however. I do enjoy being done with a hard workout. Don't care very much about being fast.

Same for me, though on days when I feel particularly good, going fast on pavement is a great feeling.

Trail running is legitimately fun for me just about every time.

I'm 48. If the weather's cool and I'm feeling good, then yes, I enjoy running a lot. But a rough day in the heat is sheer drudgery.

Used to in my youth. Now, at 57, due to weight gain, no.

Extra weight is crippling but I don't want to walk around hungry so I accept my athletic decline.

I enjoy all three of your options.

I always enjoy running, but it only approaches the level of fun when I am in good shape and can land near my midfoot and push off...that floating feel when muscles are working really well.

And no matter the level of fitness, running in a new place is always enjoyable.

That is a sad question. How can people spend so much time doing something they don't enjoy?

I enjoy all aspects of running except the actual running part of racing (although I enjoy the beginning I never enjoy the latter part of a race)

The Ganesh wrote:

That is a sad question. How can people spend so much time doing something they don't enjoy?

You'd be surprised. Running is by far my favorite thing to do ever, and I was pretty surprised to find out a lot of my teammates just sort of do it because they've been doing it for so long. Injuries really got them down. I was out forever with injuries and if I didn't still want to run i just straight up wouldn't

I'm looking forward to the day where I can throw on the shoes and run super slow for an hour or so, just trotting along and checking out the scenery. No watch. I had one of these runs last fall with two friends (both non-runners) who wanted to run this 8 mile loop around a lake with me. It took us a long ass time at 9:30 pace, but it was the most fun I've had in many years.

Unfortunately, being a 800/miler guy, I can't afford to do that. I do feel obligated to race on my training, because one day it will go away. It's important to capitalize on what you have worked for.

Rasputin wrote:

Title says it. Do you actually enjoy the act of running, or do you love to be done? Or do you just like being fast?

Are you really talking about running or something else? Dang, I need to stop visiting this site...

I love running fast for a long period of time. I hate being out of shape, and running my pace slow. I love trail running, but i also have a few routes in my town that i LOVE to run. But out of everything, I LOVE RACING THE MOST. The feeling is like no other.

Not any more. But I hope to one day.

I have to pretty much echo your comments exactly. Same boat, currenlty injured, and missing out on the great weather.

When visiting a new city, getting out and running is always invigorating and much better for getting a real vibe and feel for the city. Much better than just touring around in a car as well.

Just in general, in regards to the OP, I find that people who enjoy running the least are more often than not running too fast on their easy days. Sometimes even in one's own backyard they would probably benefit from just getting out and making that easy run a jog and just enjoy the scenery and nature. Sounds a bit kooky perhaps but it works for me.

I enjoy it very much. All the little bits and pieces. Including the stuff that makes me uncomfortable.

I enjoying running. I have a desk job that keeps me in a cubicle for 8 hours a day and running at lunch time is the perfect break for me. I also like the challenge of racing (mostly the clock) and setting PRs. Even when I am not in the best shape though I still enjoy getting out and clicking off 6 or 7 miles. Training can get tedious sometimes but just knowing that it will pay off in a big way makes it well worth it.

I like running, but I no longer enjoy trying to find a place to run. Given my running abilities of late, I worry constantly about wild animals, "tame" dogs, idiot drivers and various other conditions that I never worried about in my younger, quicker, more agile years.

i would have to break it down into types of runs. i love a nice relaxing long run on some sweet trails. i hate long runs on roads. i hate tempos. i love short intervals (20x400). i hate long intervals(5xmile). but i love races the most (when i am in shape anyway). overall, i do enjoy running, but like everyone else, i dont always feel like running everyday, but after i am done with the run, i am almost always glad i did it. also, after spending a year without running due to injury, i definitely did miss it a lot.