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How long until running stops sucking? (lemmy.world)

submitted 2 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I apologize for how negative that sounds! It's been 3 months. I unfortunately can't be as consistent as I'd like because of chronic utis. I currently go about 8-10 km/h for 20 mins at a time, 2-3 times a week when I'm healthy. I keep at it because I've noticed a boost in my general energy and mood, but I hate pretty much every second of actually running. I read that that's normal as you start out, especially if you start from zero like I did. But I've also read you eventually start to tolerate and then later enjoy it. How long did it take for you to get to that point?

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 months ago (1 children)

You mean during the run?

A "runners high" is when you run so long, that your body just stops fighting it figuring you have a good reason to be running. So it dumps endorphins and suddenly running is a blast.

Not everyone gets that though. And it may not be what you're asking about.

For other people, they never enjoy running, they enjoy the results of running.

20 minutes isn't going to get you a runners high. But it will have noticable health improvements during the rest of the time.

Don't expect running to become an enjoyable hobby, it's maintenance that you're putting in now, and you'll get the results later.

The people who actually do enjoy it, run ridiculous distance, you may get there some day if you want, and what you're doing is productive and worth the effort. But don't expect to start enjoying it unless you keep building up distance till you're talking about marathons. It takes a very long time before a runners high is possible.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago

Sounds like I had some unrealistic expectations. I didn't really think of a literal runners high, just reasonable enjoyment. But good to know it's worth it either way! Thanks!