4 Reasons Why I Hate Running

So although I am PTing (pseudo-training) for a half marathon, I have never loved and probably will never love running. My animosity probably stems from the fact that I am horrible at it (insight in my psyche #1: I don't like doing things I'm not good at). And when I say horrible, I mean entirely and utterly, laughably and horrendously bad. I've had people tell me that it looks like I'm shuffling my feet or that I move my legs but don't go any where.

But running technique aside there are some more reasons why I dislike running:

Reason #1: Everyone else running has 1% body fat.

I've yet to see another perfectly plump runner on any of my runs outside or trips to the gym. I know they have to be out there (I can't be the only one in Kettering with the desire to get healthier) but I don't know what hidden path they use to stay away from the judging eyes of the long-legged bean poles outdistancing me by miles with every stride.

Reason #2: Things jiggle and chafe when you run.

When you have to choose workout clothes keeping in mind more than 2 body parts (if female) that need to be suppressed and separated there's something wrong with that picture.

Reason #3: Spring pollen.

This doesn't have much to do with running itself other than making it near impossible to breathe on a Saturday run when every other home owner is out mowing and spring blooms are floating down from the tree limbs to clog up my nose and create a syrupy phlegm in my lungs.

Reason #4: It gives you too much time to think about how much you hate doing it.

Even with the amazing invention of the ipod, it still gives me way to much time to think about every labored breath and aching muscle. If I was strength training or taking an aerobics class the constant change of pace wouldn't allow for 30 minute long mental tirades on why I should turn around and take a nap.

However, as much as I dislike it there some reasons why I continue with my masochistic torture:

1) It gives me realistic and attainable goals. Run to the stop sign. Run to the corner past the stop sign. Run to the stop light past the corner then run around the block and up the hill. When I'm out on the road, I can go at my own pace without feeling pressure to keep up with anyone else.

2) I may hate running, but I hate being overweight even more; so when making a choice it's a no-brainer. And running works on my cardio and endurance which are two things that were desperately lacking when I started.

3) It's free. I don't have to pay hundreds of dollars a year to put on a pair of sneakers and hit the road. I can do it anytime anywhere. If I was relying on a gym or exercise classes to get in shape I'd use that as an excuse for not doing anything every time I traveled or worked late and missed a class. I can fit into any structure, no matter what life throws at me.

4) It symbolizes a new me. Losing the weight I've put on in the last 5 years (all that beer, liquor, and late night snacking in college did me in) is a lot harder than putting it on. The new and improved, healthier me can BE A RUNNER. Crappy technique or not, if I put my mind to it, train properly, and set realistic goals I can morph into someone I only wished I was 6 months ago.