Do You Hate Running But Want To Be a Runner?
Stephen Hands
Photo by Brian Erickson on Unsplash
You hate running! I get it.
I have tried other fitness activities, including weights, aerobics, and cycling. However, I always came back to running. I love running, but I do not love the other activities.
Some I found OK, but not enough to keep me interested for long. Others, like weights and aerobics, I do hate. (Add foam rolling here, too!) I know I need to include them to make me a stronger runner, but, boy, it’s a push to get me to do them.
Learning to love running (or at least slightly enjoy running!) can take time. Yet, it is time worth taking in my more than biased opinion.
Perhaps you see runners who seem to effortlessly breeze along. Do your emotions flit between envy, admiration, and loathing? They seem to enjoy running, yet you hate it. You can’t run like that.
Yet here is the thing — you don’t need to run like that. Every runner is an individual who has to find what works best for them and see what makes running enjoyable for them.
Another good thing to remember is that those runners breezing along in a seemingly effortless manner had to start somewhere, too. It was not always that effortless, and it is possible they did not always like running.
Consider what you like and don’t like about running
It is easy to contemplate what you don’t like about an activity such as running, particularly when you have just finished a run and fatigue-induced emotions are running high. However, taking a little time to consider what you like and dislike can bring balance and clarity to the debate.
Having a list of pros and cons provides a base from which you can create a running plan that emphasizes the pros while addressing and reducing the cons.
For example, the pros of running may include:
Health benefits
Feeling energized
Better mood
Provides time to yourself
Reduces stress
The time when creative ideas come to you
Great running community
Some of the cons may include:
Fatigue
Running is hard
Getting easily out of breath
Injuries
Sweating
Boring
Self-conscious
Do not feel like a runner when compared to others you see
Time constraints
When we focus solely on the cons, dislike is the only winner. Setting the pros and cons side-by-side allows for a more nuanced and less emotional assessment. The aim is to flip the cons over to the pros side of the balance sheet.
All runners have days when they don’t feel like running. You will find that many experienced runners have a love/hate relationship with the sport. So what keeps them heading out for a run? And how can you start to love an activity you currently hate?
Eight tips to help you love running
1. Don’t fret over pace
Trying to run too fast, too soon, is a common mistake. One that the most experienced runners still make, particularly when returning from injury. (Yes. I am pointing the finger at myself here!)
Running at a pace beyond your current level is a guaranteed way to make you hate running. Run as slow as you want, it does not matter. The benefits of physical activity and movement will still be felt, and the run will be more comfortable and far more enjoyable.
Pace can be worked on over time, but if you are not enjoying your running, the likelihood is you will give up before you ever start to realize your potential.
When you run at a pace you enjoy, breathing becomes easier, you reduce the risk of injury, and you recover faster. All bonuses that help you start to love running more.
Running without a watch, even occasionally, removes the temptation to get wrapped up in how fast you’re running, freeing you to just enjoy your run.
2. Avoid comparing yourself to others
When you run, you are a runner. It does not matter how fast you run, how far you run, or whether you look the part in snazzy new gear. Comparing yourself to other runners serves no purpose whatsoever.
Do your own thing and be proud of it. Running is not a one-size-fits-all sport (I know, I use this expression a lot, but it is one of the truest sayings in running!). To each their own, and celebrate your uniqueness.
Yes, you may feel self-conscious when you first start running in public, but as you run more and your confidence builds, this will reduce.
3. Fit running around your lifestyle
Time constraints can often be an issue for consistent running. However, trying to force running into your day, or sacrificing family time to run, can soon turn you against participating.
Assess your week ahead and plan your running times. Be flexible. Run in the morning before work, or during your lunch break if possible. Work running around family time to prevent not just your begrudging running, but your family’s begrudging the time you spend running.
Some days you may have to cancel a planned run. Some days, a time slot suddenly opens up when you can head out for a run. Prepared to be flexible in your approach if you have a busy lifestyle.
Trying to shoehorn runs in between work and family commitments can soon sap the fun out of what should be a hobby. It can start to feel like a chore. Once you find the ideal running slot, then it can become part of your daily routine, one that sees you head out for a run without hesitation.
4. Put a little thought into your route
Running is boring is a phrase you often hear from detractors. Not if you pick the right routes would be my answer.
I appreciate that not everyone has instant access to nature trails and miles of rolling countryside. However, plotting routes that take in local parks, meadows, lakes, rivers, or canal towpaths can quickly turn a mundane run amid concrete into something far more rewarding.
Frequently changing routes can also remove the boredom of running the same course. As you progress and add miles, the chance to explore new areas adds a further dimension.
Driving or taking public transport to new locations for a run can also stymie any boredom associated with running.
5. Walk/Run
I will let you in on a little secret. There are days when even those runners you see running so effortlessly look out the window and go, ‘Nope, don’t fancy it today.’
Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a run. It’s not the end of the world. All runners skip a run from time to time, whether through fatigue, to allow extra recovery time for muscles and joints, through bad weather, or because they just don’t fancy running today.
If you don’t feel like running but want to get some fresh air still, go for a walk or perhaps a walk/run instead. You will still be exercising and gaining the benefits of movement.
6. Me time
Even the busiest lifestyle requires some me time. It is not selfish, but practical and necessary.
Running can become your me time. A time to look forward to, a time to wind down and de-stress, a time to let the mind wander and be creative.
Running at your own pace, alone in the natural world, seeing, listening, and smelling its various splendors will soon have you loving running.
7. Run with others
Having touted the benefits of me time, I also need to point out the advantages of running with others, too. Combined, they offer the best of both worlds for overall running enjoyment.
Running with friends or joining a club and running with like-minded runners can quickly distract you from negative thoughts about running that can build up when running alone.
Running in a group where you aim to chat as you go along ensures you run at a comfortable pace, too. It adds a social side that many people do not associate with running. This couldn’t be further from the truth, as the running community is huge and incredibly supportive regardless of ability.
8. Get that playlist going
I hold my hand up and admit that I am not one for music when running. I love music, but not when pounding the miles. However, I can see how it can make running more pleasurable for many people. Therefore, think about those tracks that will get you pumped and motivated.
A well-put-together playlist can help you maintain focus and remove negative thoughts of fatigue and the miles still to run.
Final thoughts
Running is not easy, but that should not make you hate running. Finding your own pace is the first step to loving running. This, in turn, encourages consistency.
Take time to appreciate each completed run. Keeping a running diary can be beneficial to reflect on what you have achieved and how far you have come.
Ultimately, we tend to measure success through performance results. Are we running faster? Are we running further? Do we feel stronger?
However, if you do not enjoy the process, then the likelihood of positive outcomes is reduced. The chance of giving up completely is high.
Using these tips will hopefully help you love running as much as I do and set you on the path to achieving your personal running goals.
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Posted Nov 18, 2025
Tips to help you love running and improve your running experience.
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