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.
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 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)
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?
No, not exactly. It’s like saying they hate being able to eat.
This is a pretty good reason. 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.
I came up with my excuse first. Yours is just a moral failing! 
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.
You want to use lower gears and faster pedaling(AKA spinning). 90rpm+
I’ve had no problem reaching my max HR on a bike.
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.
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.
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.
Agreed.
I don’t like being able to move my body.
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.
:dubious:
How about you don’t run away from your previously held positions? 
Me too. I figured out that what I was doing wrong was running.
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.