Why I Hate Running

Over the coming months we will be speaking to the people who don’t like running. Perhaps it’s not for them, maybe they’ve had bad experiences in the past or they’re the type of person that gets a thrill endangering a runner whilst driving.

ARC: Who are you and what do you do?

Tom: My name is Tom and I am a primary school teacher, currently in self-isolation due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak. 

ARC: In one sentence, can you tell me why you hate running?

Tom: I hate running because I just find the whole experience so boring.

ARC: What are your thoughts when running?

Tom: It’s stressful. I’m thinking have I got the right shorts? I don’t want to be chafing to point where I can’t walk again. Have I warmed up enough and… OH SHIT, I’ve forgotten my inhaler? This is awful, why am I doing this? This is not fun at all. I’m just going to end up in the same spot I started. Am I running fast enough? Oh look, there's another runner, I must speed up to look athletic. Is it too late to walk back? I reckon I deserve a small break, then I will start again. Bored again. What’s the actual point? There is no ball or goal to achieve. Ooh a pub! It smells delicious.

ARC: When was the last time you ran? How far? How fast? How did it feel?

Tom: A few weeks back, I ran around 8 – 9km in about 55 mins. Felt dreadful afterwards.

ARC: Do you wish you liked running?

Tom: Yes, I really wish I felt the buzz from running as It would be fantastic for wellbeing. I'd love to be running marathons and getting involved with the running community. It's also a great free way to exercise.

ARC: Do you think running has an image issue?

Tom: I don’t think so. Yeah people run in lycra, I personally wouldn’t (I'd look like a badly packed sausage). I normally wear the same clothes I wear for football training, which isn’t always the best option for comfort. 

ARC: Instead of running, what do you do to keep well, both physically and mentally? 

Tom: I have a gym membership, which is used sporadically in fits and starts. I occasionally play 5-aside-football, which I love. Used to play football and golf a lot but since moving to the north this has all but stopped. I like the sauna, steam room and jacuzzi in the health club across the road too. Otherwise, I love watching any sport on TV and any movie or series that catches my fancy. Oh and I love going out and spending time with my lovely wife. Just in case she’s reading!

ARC: Last question. Are you going to run at all after this?

Tom: Yes, occasionally once we’re allowed to go outside again.