# People who say they "hate" running **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 10, 2013, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600 "2013-06-10T02:12:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![AnaMen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dfb087/32.png) [@AnaMen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AnaMen)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2013, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/61 "2013-06-10T16:14:07Z")
We humans evolved to run, but if we stopped running at a young age, it may take a bit of effort to pick it back up. A lot of people decide to give running a try, then overdo it and decide they don’t like it. They don’t breathe properly and get out of breath easily, they push themselves to go as fast as they can and suffer from impact injuries from poor form, and they get painful side stitches, muscle cramps, etc. and decide that perhaps running is just an unpleasant thing that is not for them. I used to hate running, but every few years I would give it another try for one reason or another. Finally I figured out what I was doing wrong, and now I love it. ---
**Author:** ![panaccione](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/94ad74/32.png) [@panaccione](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panaccione)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2013, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/62 "2013-06-10T16:25:36Z")
> [@AnaMen](#): > > We humans evolved to run, but if we stopped running at a young age, it may take a bit of effort to pick it back up. This is what I was getting at. I think I read somewhere before that humans are the best long distance running animals on the planet. ---
**Author:** ![HoneyBadgerDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/honeybadgerdc/32/1033_2.png) [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2013, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/63 "2013-06-10T16:35:34Z")
I hate running now because of bad knees and out of shape but I commonly have wonderful dreams about running. I used to love running but have not done it since I was about 40. ( 25 years ago) ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2013, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/64 "2013-06-10T16:51:43Z")
> [@panaccione](#): > > This is what I was getting at. I think I read somewhere before that humans are the best long distance running animals on the planet. I’m still failing to grasp how it would make me a “better person.” I cycle pretty extensively, am I a lesser person than someone who runs? ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2013, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/65 "2013-06-10T17:16:40Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > And what’s up with people who don’t participate in blueberry pie or hotdog eating contests? It’s like saying they hate eating. No, not exactly. It’s like saying they hate _being able_ to eat. ---
**Author:** ![babygoat666](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/2acd7d/32.png) [@babygoat666](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/babygoat666)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2013, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/66 "2013-06-10T17:17:41Z")
> [@jz78817](#): > > I’m still failing to grasp how it would make me a “better person.” I cycle pretty extensively, am I a lesser person than someone who runs? [This is a pretty good reason.](http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/jan/18/running-brain-memory-cell-growth) I don’t think this necessarily has to be limited to running, but when you cycle are you able to really tax your cardio system? I always try to, but no matter what gear I’m in my legs are the first thing to tire. Running allows me to keep my breathing and heart rate elevated for a long period of time without really any effort, which gives me lots of endorphins. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2013, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/67 "2013-06-10T17:24:57Z")
> [@Athena](#): > > I’m short torso-d and long-legged. I have trouble finding pants that aren’t highwaters. And I hate running too. I came up with my excuse first. Yours is just a moral failing! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![panaccione](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/94ad74/32.png) [@panaccione](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panaccione)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2013, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/68 "2013-06-10T17:52:04Z")
> [@jz78817](#): > > I’m still failing to grasp how it would make me a “better person.” I cycle pretty extensively, am I a lesser person than someone who runs? Running is a skill and a good one to have. IMO, it’s better to be able to run than not run. Don’t conflate the issues. It has a very insignificant bearing on your person as a whole. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2013, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/69 "2013-06-10T17:55:17Z")
> [@panaccione](#): > > Running is a skill and a good one to have. IMO, it’s better to be able to run than not run. AKA [evading arrest on foot.](http://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/crime-penalties/federal/Evading-Arrest-on-Foot.htm) ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2013, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/70 "2013-06-10T17:55:45Z")
> [@babygoat666](#): > > [This is a pretty good reason.](http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/jan/18/running-brain-memory-cell-growth) I don’t think this necessarily has to be limited to running, but when you cycle are you able to really tax your cardio system? I always try to, but no matter what gear I’m in my legs are the first thing to tire. Running allows me to keep my breathing and heart rate elevated for a long period of time without really any effort, which gives me lots of endorphins. You want to use lower gears and faster pedaling(AKA spinning). 90rpm+ I’ve had no problem reaching my max HR on a bike. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2013, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/71 "2013-06-10T17:58:00Z")
> [@panaccione](#): > > Running is a skill and a good one to have. Not for most people in the western world, it isn’t. ---
**Author:** ![panaccione](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/94ad74/32.png) [@panaccione](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panaccione)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2013, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/72 "2013-06-10T18:17:11Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > Not for most people in the western world, it isn’t. As far as staying in good health, it is. There are not too many factors in life more important than that. Yes, I’m aware that there are other forms of exercis and diet is still most important. However, I find it quite convenient to simply step outside my door, go for a 30 min run and be satisfied with my exercise for the day. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2013, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/73 "2013-06-10T18:18:46Z")
The OP is bullshit. Runners are just eager to make other people run so they don’t feel so stupid. 😛 Flat feet, no left ACL and some serious gut. I wouldn’t run even if being chased by a bear. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2013, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/74 "2013-06-10T18:32:55Z")
> [@panaccione](#): > > As far as staying in good health, it is. There are not too many factors in life more important than that. Yes, I’m aware that there are other forms of exercis and diet is still most important. However, I find it quite convenient to simply step outside my door, go for a 30 min run and be satisfied with my exercise for the day. good for you. more power to you. quit acting like the rest of us have to see the same value in the things you like to do. ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2013, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/75 "2013-06-10T18:41:41Z")
> [@panaccione](#): > > I know what I’m saying is a bunch of baloney. Agreed. > [@](#): > > Perhaps, a better substitute would be “exercise” in general. Saying you hate exercising is like saying you don’t like being able to move your body. I don’t like being able to move my body. ---
**Author:** ![rivulus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/839c29/32.png) [@rivulus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rivulus)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2013, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/76 "2013-06-10T18:48:40Z")
I think I would be psychologically well-suited to running, but I have terrible knees with no spring left in them whatsoever. So running is never going to happen. But I love to hike, walk, and cycle. ---
**Author:** ![R3d\_Anonymous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/aeb1de/32.png) [@R3d\_Anonymous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R3d_Anonymous)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2013, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/77 "2013-06-10T18:52:03Z")
> [@Drunky\_Smurf](#): > > I don’t like being able to move my body. :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2013, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/78 "2013-06-10T18:59:17Z")
> [@panaccione](#): > > It’s like saying I hate being able to walk. Yes, at first it is a challenge and a bit difficult. Then, you get better at it and **you’re a better person for it**. > [@jz78817](#): > > I’m still failing to grasp how it would make me a **“better person.”** I cycle pretty extensively, am I a lesser person than someone who runs? > [@panaccione](#): > > Running is a skill and a good one to have. IMO, it’s better to be able to run than not run. **Don’t conflate the issues. It has a very insignificant bearing on your person as a whole**. How about you don’t run away from your previously held positions? 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2013, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/79 "2013-06-10T19:18:03Z")
> [@AnaMen](#): > > I used to hate running, but every few years I would give it another try for one reason or another. Finally I figured out what I was doing wrong, and now I love it. Me too. I figured out that what I was doing wrong was running. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2013, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/80 "2013-06-10T19:24:21Z")
> [@panaccione](#): > > As far as staying in good health, it is. There are not too many factors in life more important than that. Yes, I’m aware that there are other forms of exercis and diet is still most important. However, I find it quite convenient to simply step outside my door, go for a 30 min run and be satisfied with my exercise for the day. There is so much wrong in your reply that I don’t know where to start. Running isn’t required for good health, not in the least. Plenty of folks stay in tip top shape without running a single step. The fact that you and I find running to be convenient and enjoyable doesn’t mean others will or should. Frankly, no one cares what works for you; what’s important is will it work for them? And it won’t work if they don’t enjoy it enough to keep doing it. I like running. It’s part of my daily life. But I’d never push it on others and I have no assumptions about it’s universal appeal or desirability. It’s one form of exercise, that’s all. Stop trying to make it something that it isn’t. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600.md?page=5)