# 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:** 9
**Author:** ![monstro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba9def/32.png) [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2013, 11:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/161 "2013-06-12T11:24:52Z")
> [@panaccione](#): > > Because having useful skills is a good thing. So is being able to walk without being in pain. I live for walking. I would be very very upset if I ever got a sprained ankle, torn ligament, or jacked-up knees because then I wouldn’t be able to engage in the one form of exercise that I do enjoy, that also serves as my primary mode of transportation. I also live alone and can’t afford being immobilized. Running constitutes too much unnecessary risk for little gain. I’m going to keep doing what I’ve been doing, thankyouverymuch. ---
**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 12, 2013, 11:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/162 "2013-06-12T11:27:35Z")
> [@panaccione](#): > > Because having useful skills is a good thing. OK, so you haven’t explained why the ability to repeatedly run a 5K is a useful skill for most people beyond what most folks can already do in today’s society. Hint: it really isn’t. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2013, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/163 "2013-06-12T11:37:32Z")
Are spelunking or matchstick castle making actually _useful_, though? ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2013, 11:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/164 "2013-06-12T11:44:01Z")
> [@Anonymous User](#): > > While I agree with what others have said, I have a feeling that the OP’s opinions may be coming from what people used to believe in Sparta (ancient Greece). Basically, man and toughen the fuck up. Back in those days, if you exposed any weakness or anything you didn’t like, your parents or your military guy (boys were forced into the military at age 7) would make you do that exact thing _a lot_. Hate broccoli? Guess what you are getting for dinner every day for the whole week? Afraid of the dark? Guess where you will be put? I know someone whose father did that on the day he turned 18. “Now that you’re a man, you can eat peppers! None of that mollycoddling your mother does!” When he woke up in the hospital, his mother wasn’t on speaking terms with the father, having kicked him temporarily out of the house “until I can see you without seeing red for trying to kill our allergic-to-peppers son”. How were the Spartans with epi-pens? ---
**Author:** ![colander](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e8c25b/32.png) [@colander](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/colander)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2013, 11:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/165 "2013-06-12T11:53:03Z")
> [@Anonymous User](#): > > Is that why you responded to me in a [snarky manner](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=16241138&postcount=8) when I suggested that running in the morning could be a really good way to keep your weight in control? No, it’s because running first thing in the morning is a really good way of ensuring that you shit yourself. ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2013, 12:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/166 "2013-06-12T12:00:15Z")
> [@clairobscur](#): > > No need to be overweight. One of my coworkers, about 55, who is in perfect shape and for all I know always has been, has cartilage issues and will soon be on his second surgery as a result of a lifetime of running (not in a competitive way…just as a hobby). He’s still running every day, though. So basically this guy you are talking about is stupid. He knows what is damaging his body but keeps on doing it; sounds just like a junkie to me. I work with a girl who used to run all the time. Before work, during lunch and then really run after work. She developed a pain in her hip and her answer was to just run it off, running cures everything. She has since had a double hip replacement and barely walked with two canes for a year. She is just now able to waddle her way through the work place without them. The look on her face is one of total sadness because she invested so much of her enjoyment of life into running; much like a junkie after the crash. I’d love to be able to run but I am smart enough and know my body enough to know that it would be counter productive; not just lazy, I know because I have spoken with my doctor about it. I want to be able to dance at my grand daughters weeding, not stand on the sidelines with a walker. ---
**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 12, 2013, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/167 "2013-06-12T12:30:24Z")
> [@colander](#): > > No, it’s because running first thing in the morning is a really good way of ensuring that you shit yourself. 😕…whatever you say, **colander** , whatever you say…- ---
**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 12, 2013, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/168 "2013-06-12T13:11:32Z")
> [@Si\_Amigo](#): > > I’d love to be able to run but I am smart enough and know my body enough to know that it would be counter productive; not just lazy, I know because I have spoken with my doctor about it. I want to be able to dance at my grand daughters weeding, not stand on the sidelines with a walker. Running is not recommended for some people, that’s not in dispute. But I regularly get beaten by runners in their 60’s and even 70’s so it’s not causing them the problems that you are seeing in your coworkers. For the successful runners, running seems to be a fountain of youth. Different squids for different kids, I think that applies here. Find out what works for you and pursue it with passion. ---
**Author:** ![Agent\_Foxtrot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9fc29f/32.png) [@Agent\_Foxtrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agent_Foxtrot)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2013, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/169 "2013-06-12T14:58:10Z")
I hate running since I only really enjoy exercise that is competitive, such as soccer or handball. ---
**Author:** ![Rhodes](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhodes/32/273_2.png) [@Rhodes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhodes)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2013, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/170 "2013-06-12T15:06:41Z")
I enjoyed running when I was a kid with endless energy. I lived at sea level, and ran around 4 miles most days before school. Then in high school, I lived at a much higher altitude. I loved hiking, but could not run. Running made everything hurt, and made my lungs burn for days. The gym teacher said I had exertion asthma, and my doctor agreed. So I didn’t run for a couple decades, and got out of shape. A couple years ago, back at low altitude, the wife signed us up for a 5K obstacle course. I was surprised that I was able to run again after a month of training via a couch-to-5K iPhone app. Now the problem is that treadmill running is boring as hell, and it’s rare that I can get away from the kids for an hour to run outdoors. Yes, I know I’m making weak excuses. I disagree that I’d be a “better person” if I ran more, but I’d probably be a healthier, skinnier person. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2013, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/171 "2013-06-12T15:43:57Z")
> [@panaccione](#): > > Because having useful skills is a good thing. And how is being able to competently construct mansions with matchsticks a “useful skill”? ---
**Author:** ![panaccione](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/94ad74/32.png) [@panaccione](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panaccione)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2013, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/172 "2013-06-12T15:50:25Z")
> [@Telemark](#): > > OK, so you haven’t explained why the ability to repeatedly run a 5K is a useful skill for most people beyond what most folks can already do in today’s society. Hint: it really isn’t. It can help you stay healthy. However, I must say, I’m beginning to think that maybe running is not such a good idea after all. ---
**Author:** ![panaccione](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/94ad74/32.png) [@panaccione](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panaccione)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2013, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/173 "2013-06-12T15:52:42Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#): > > And how is being able to competently construct mansions with matchsticks a “useful skill”? It’s a learning experience. Learning is a good thing. ---
**Author:** ![Jimbabweosu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/85f322/32.png) [@Jimbabweosu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jimbabweosu)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2013, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/174 "2013-06-12T16:05:12Z")
panaccione, don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. I am seeing that the problem is that you conflated two ideas: One: Exercise is good, and everyone should do it, and it will make them better people. (True) Two: You love to Run as your favorite exercise (True) Conflation: Running is something everyone should do, and it will make them a better person. (False) If you love to run, have no health problems doing so, then do it, but don’t judge others who do not share your love of your chosen exercise. I love to Bike, but I understand others do not like it. I love to Roller-Blade (my wife would rather be drawn and quartered) I hate playing soccer (too much running, and I have an asthma attack- not breathing is no fun). I do get my heart rate up, do have excellent cardio workouts (bike for an hour at 3/4 top speed- you’ll get the workout your heart needs). Swimming is excellent all-around exercise, if you enjoy it. Different isn’t bad- it’s just different. I do what works for me- you do what works for you, we’ll both be happy, healthy, and relaxed. Life ain’t a competition. You run, I’ll bike, and we’ll enjoy a tall glass of beer at the end! The surest way to sabotage an exercise routine is to do something you don’t like. ---
**Author:** ![GargoyleWB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gargoylewb/32/199_2.png) [@GargoyleWB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GargoyleWB)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2013, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/175 "2013-06-12T18:44:04Z")
> [@Ambivalid](#): > > No, it’s really nothing like that at all. When people say they hate running, they are talking about running as exercise. Running is notoriously hard on your connective tissue, not to mention monotonous as hell. They aren’t saying they hate the _ability_ to run. They hate the _idea_ of it. This is me. General running/jogging is boring as hell for me. Introduce a round ball of some sort (soccer, basketball, tennis) into the mix and I’ll do it for hours happily. But running as the primary exercise? Napping in a hammock is more exciting. ---
**Author:** ![babygoat666](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/2acd7d/32.png) [@babygoat666](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/babygoat666)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2013, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/176 "2013-06-12T19:37:53Z")
> [@runner pat](#): > > Are you sure you’re pedaling fast? Most cyclists pedal in the 55-65 rpm range unless they specifically work on developing a fast cadence. > Perceived effort is different on a bike compared to running. Borrow a heart rate monitor to verify. Not as a matter of habit, but I’ve tried to for this purpose. I’m sure my heart rate increases, but it’s nowhere near strenuous enough to run out of breath if I tried. ---
**Author:** ![Cryptic\_C62](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/3e96dc/32.png) [@Cryptic\_C62](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cryptic_C62)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2013, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/177 "2013-06-12T20:13:04Z")
Walking, like riding the bus or sailing (according to George Carlin), is a way to get somewhere. Running, on the other hand, is a form of exercise that I find utter uninteresting, more so than any other workout I’ve ever tried. Jiu-jitsu fills me with the indescribable thrill of combat, the satisfaction of a good match regardless of the outcome. Bouldering problems can be so consuming that I don’t notice how many hours have gone by. Even lifting weights makes me feel like I am powerful. On the rare occasions that I run, I just find myself wishing I were doing something else. ---
**Author:** ![perfectparanoia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a5b964/32.png) [@perfectparanoia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/perfectparanoia)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2013, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/178 "2013-06-12T20:38:51Z")
I have an attention span of approximately zero seconds. I did a couch to 5K and could run the whole distance. And hated every second of it. But I have been known to walk to the mall which is more than 5K away and back happily. I love doing high-octane cleaning (I wear a heart rate monitor, I assure you, aerobic exercise is happening). I love hiking and working outdoors. Weight lifting is a zen experience for me. Running is like the world’s worst torture for someone who doesn’t get a high and doesn’t have an attention span. ETA: My daughter is training for her track meet and I am still in good enough shape to continuously run 2 or 3 k without getting really out of puff. I doubt I could outrun a bear with my short legs but I could give him a run for his money. ---
**Author:** ![panaccione](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/94ad74/32.png) [@panaccione](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panaccione)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2013, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/179 "2013-06-12T20:50:49Z")
Nobody here is outrunning a bear. I don’t care if your Usain Bolt. It ain’t happening. ---
**Author:** ![perfectparanoia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a5b964/32.png) [@perfectparanoia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/perfectparanoia)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2013, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600/180 "2013-06-12T20:59:20Z")
Then what’s the point of learning to run? I thought it was a useful skill… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600.md?page=8) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-who-say-they-hate-running/660600.md?page=10)