Exercise Routine

[Texas Aggie]

I hate running and it's boring

I'm the poster boy for hating running. I never liked it growing up. I hated doing it in all sports, and I've resisted getting into a solid running program my entire adult life even though I've started one perhaps 15-20 times. Each time I quit, probably due to either starting too fast or not seeing results fast enough -- usually a combination of both. 3 years ago in June, I decided to not only research running programs but do a critical self analysis: why did I quit in the past and what can I do to not quit now? While I've gone on and off that program since 2005, I can say the program itself works for me and when I return, I stay with it. Now, I actually LIKE running. In some ways, my morning run is now the highlight of my day -- its certainly a big priority. As far as seeing results fast enough, well, how fast am I going to see results by sitting on the couch?

The bottom line is that if you do it right (and right for you may be different than it is for me), I think in the long run (no pun intended) you will enjoy running. That thing called runner's high really does exist -- even for those that do a walk/run with light running.

Boredom? No problem. Go get a $79 Apple iPod shuffle and load it up. Rap, classical, metal, whatever. I'm fixing to load mine up with audio Bible chapters. However, I've gotten to where I don't even take it with me, as running in the morning is so peaceful, even in the city. I often find myself thinking about officiating. Play situations, handling coaches and players, etc. I think back on past situations that went wrong and replay them in my mind with me doing the right thing. Before I know it, I'm done.