Skip to main content

Why I'm Not a Runner

I hate running.


Besides sprinting, which I don't really consider "running", I don't run. Ever.

I've never seen a runner who has a body that I would want. Most people I see jogging on the side of the road are either overweight, skinny fat, or just plain skinny.

There is nothing wrong with running(well, okay, I do think there are some things), and if it is what you LOVE, what excites you, what motivates you to get up and train every day-then run your heart out! If you find something you are passionate about, that makes you feel amazing, then there is definitely nothing that should stop you from that!

What I don't like about running is that people who do it think it's the best way to be in shape, or the best and only way to lose weight, and I highly disagree. In my opinion, there are much more effective forms of cardio to get lean and stay in shape-things like jumping rope, sprinting, bodyweight circuits, and kettlebell swings, just to name a few.
Sprints do a body good!

Just because you don't run, doesn't mean you have to be a fat slob, or a big muscle head who can hardly move, much less run around the block!

For those whose main goal is to be strong and muscular (ME!), long distance running or any long distance steady state cardio is counterproductive. There are other more effective forms of "cardio" for those who want to stay in shape, but also want to be as strong as possible and not waste away any of our precious, hard-earned muscle!

For me, there is no benefit to running that I couldn't get from other methods of conditioning, such as sprints. Running won't make me faster, it won't help me gain muscle, and it won't make me stronger.

I love jumping rope!
With weight training combined with high intensity, short burst cardio, you get way more bang for your buck than just going out and jogging for 20 minutes. You'll build muscle, burn calories, train your heart AND increase your metabolism for hours afterwards. Nothing will shape and tone your body better!

Comments

  1. totally agree that HIIT cardio is the best way to go in regards to maintaining muscle and burning fat---def more bang for the buck!!!

    i do think cardio can be mis-interpreted as the be all for weight loss.but imho there needs to be more..cardio is just one part of a 3 piece puzzle to help build optimum fitness..the other pieces are progressive resistance training and nutrition.
    put all 3 together to get the full benefit!

    oh and even though you dont love running as much as i do (yeah 80-100 miles per week during prep)i still love you!!!

    you rock!

    ReplyDelete
  2. You are 100% right-it's just one piece of the puzzle. I've learned that I don't have to do a lot of cardio, but for some women it helps to do a little more. But often, women rely too much on cardio alone. I think weights should be #1, but there is definitely nothing wrong with incorporating some short runs as one part of a complete training plan! Oh goodness, I can't even imagine 100 miles a week!!?? I ran a 5k twice and swore I'd never do it again!
    Thanks! :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. You inspired me. I was low on energy and was going to do a leisure jog. I started reading your blog and changed to sprint's during my first mile. Feel much better now that I am done!! Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay, that's awesome! :) Nice job. Glad I could help.

      Delete
  4. Every time I post a blog like this, the haters come out ;) Some people are psycho obsessed about steady state cardio. I used to love being a runner, but now I couldn't think of anything worse! It's sad that so many people assume they have to run themselves into the ground to get the physique they want.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha, I know! I'm a little scared every time I get a new comment! But it's okay- this is my stance on running, and it will never change!

      Delete
  5. I took up long distance running 5 years ago for the first time. Everyone told me I had a runner's body because I was so skinny. The running group provided excellent training, but a month after a 10 mile road race I became more & more tired & sick feeling. Four months later I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Now I know it's hereditary and who knows how long I had Celiac disease before I found out. But I still feel that all the crazy long distance running led to my body being completely depleted until I was barely functioning. Would never do that ever again to my body. Plus, look at the faces of most marathon runners, they look older than their years!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow! I'm sure that the long distance running was a big part of the reason you felt so bad. :( And you're so right about the marathon runner's faces! They just don't look healthy to me. I'm glad you figured out that that type of training was not best for you!

      Delete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

People always said That time would heal the pain But how can that be When mine still remains? The tears still fall At just the thought of you So I know that what they say Just can't be true As the years go by I miss you so much still  No matter how much time passes I know I always will How are you not here To ease my hurting heart? Never could I have imagined We would ever be apart My world has been shattered A piece of me is gone And all I can do is pray For strength to live on I know that one day soon I will see you again I just have to try to suffer through And make it until then

Putting My Heart Out There

Hey guys. Here's where we're at right now: Matt finished his radiation treatments last week. Did they help? I don't know. He's sleeping a lot more. Having trouble chewing and swallowing. Not eating much. Not talking much, at least not in full sentences. It's just been a slow, steady decline for the last few months. I think it was really too late for radiation....But who knows, maybe it is delaying things. We went in last Tuesday for his infusion and talked with his neuro-oncologist about everything that we've been seeing with Matt, and he decided that we're at the point now where we should discontinue treatments...I feel like it's the right decision, even though it breaks my heart knowing that there is nothing else we can do. But I feel like we've done everything. All the supplements, the diet, the chemo, the radiation... Matt has fought hard. He never gave up hope. He kept the faith. He never complained through any of this. Not once did I hea...

Why?

Why? Why do I care so much?  Why do I make sure they brush their teeth at night so that they don't get cavities? Why do I spend my own money to buy them clothes, toys and decorate their rooms, among other things?  Why do I do 5,000 loads of laundry a week to make sure they have clothes to wear to school? Why do I make sure they go to church on Sundays so that they'll be raised to know about Jesus? Why do I try to give them chores and responsibilities so that they will turn out to be decent human beings? Why do I read them a bedtime story at night, even when I'm exhausted? Why do I clean up after them constantly and cook for them and try to always have healthy snacks and food on hand? Why do I go to their sports games and practices, just to feel like the odd man out standing there awkwardly with their bio mom? Why do I give 100% of myself and make so many sacrifices for children I didn't birth? Only to be insulted and told hurtful things? To be made to feel like I'm ...