Ok ladies I need help

JMike · 08-Mar-08, 11:37 AM

I'm trying to convince my girlfriend to coming running with me. She says she hates it, and isn't good at it. I'm pretty sure that one follows from the other, and that if I could show her that she can do it, she'd enjoy herself.

But still, she's not keen. Any ideas?

Mike

EagleRider · 08-Mar-08, 08:32 PM

Hey Mike,
You might be able to coax her into taking a "walk" with you. Let her walk at a pace that's comfortable to her and gradually, as she becomes more comfortable, speed it up. Who knows, she may want to start running on her own. Then again, she may not. It's worth a shot but don't get upset if she never does it. Some people will never run - ever.

sweetdream · 08-Mar-08, 09:07 PM

Honestly,
I always hated running and no one would convince me otherwise

it's just not for everyone

I have started running recently though and have noticed my stamina is increasing and it's also great for your abs- so i hear

you could bribe her with those things, you know outcomes from running, maybe?

sooner_ed · 09-Mar-08, 08:44 AM

The age old question of how do I get my girlfriend to come running with me.

Some good responses so far, coaxing and bribing. I like that! And one was right on: Some people will never run - ever.

If she is a goal oriented person, show her how running can help her meet certain fitness goals she has.

Is there anything she likes to do that you don't? If you do an activity with her that she enjoys that maybe you don't, she may be inclined to participate in an activity (running) with you that she doesn't enjoy. The point in that is just to spend time together. And as you said, once she does it, she may enjoy it.

Another option is run races in your local area. I personally joined the Oklahoma City Running Club and Norman Running Club here in Oklahoma. You meet a lot of great people. When you run the races, everyone has fun and they usually have a really good spread afterwards...bagels, fruit, sometimes burgers and dogs. Some serve a pretty decent breakfast. Some give door prizes. What I'm saying is you can have a lot of fun at these races. So what you do is go run a race and have her go to support you. When she sees how much fun you're having, she may be inclined to join you. Not to mention, not everyone races. Many people walk a 5K race. You can race and maybe she can walk it and meet new friends. Or you both can walk it the first time so she will feel more comfortable about being a part of it. My wife is definitely not a runner but she will walk as will her mother. So I've gotten both of them to walk a race while I ran it.

I would recommend the latter. Join a running club if there is one in your area, find races to run, and just go have fun. Having fun together is the key.

My running club has a race series for those who are competitive. Many are not. They just go out to have fun and see their friends. It's always a great way to start your weekend.

JMike · 09-Mar-08, 01:49 PM

Thanks for the advice. I hope you're not true about some people never running. Part of my faith comes from friends who've recently ran marathons, whom I remember as being over weight and super-lazy. If they can do it...

I know it's ridiculous, but my brain can't seem to compute that someone could hate running. I know it's crazy. But there are no sports I hate. Some I'm more inclined to, but none that I'd say no to if someone invited me along. I'll be sure and try all the suggestions, and report back.

**maverick** · 09-Mar-08, 02:16 PM

Most here know I like to work hard and love fitness activities, but I have found over time that I just am not a big fan of long distance running. Some people can't get into it. My shins start to hurt long before I hit any type of "zone" or "relaxation" that I hear so many people talk about. And to me, it's too boring.

Honestly, I would think you would have a good chance of getting her to at least try running with you if you got involved in some athletic activities that she finds interesting. Or try to get her interested in physical activities that havea fun element.

My wife isn't the fitness type, nor does she need to be since she effortlessly maintains a fit 100 pound physique. But, as I'm a fitness oriented person, I like to involve her with my fitness activities whenever possible. To get her to do the less fun-for-her ones with me (weight lifting mostly), we do a lot that she likes to do or are just plain fun. We go for hikes with the dogs (anything with the pets is a plus for her), kayaking on the river, paddle tennis (I don't really like but she does), swimming, and we are even thinking about yoga and rock climbing soon.

Basically, try to get her to develop a taste for fitness activities and you may find it easier to convince her to partake in the ones you may like more than her.

**LiftGirl** · 10-Mar-08, 12:37 PM

If she hates running, why not try another activity together, like riding bikes or tennis or swimming or whatever she likes. Compromise!

Maxgain · 10-Mar-08, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMike

I know it's ridiculous, but my brain can't seem to compute that someone could hate running.

My brain cant commute how people actually like running I swear ye are from another planet.
Short distance is one thing but the option to get my cardio from a funfilled social event such as football, tennis, basketball or just to run with no other reason seems like a no brainer to me.

I agree with Liftgirl

JMike · 19-Mar-08, 10:51 PM

Com--pro-mise??? What is this...com-promise?

Seriously thanks for all the advice. I'll let you know how it works out...or doesn't

lsuguy1 · 29-Mar-08, 12:50 PM

i love running, but in my experience, some people just dont have the drive or will to even think about running, even very fit people that i know.

wilsonk92 · 08-Apr-08, 09:37 AM

Yeah I agree. Everyone is different and likes different things. Try to find something else you guys could do together if she doesn't like running. Research actually shows that running is not the best activity for females anyway. 6 out of 10 women who run end up with injury from doing so. So don't push her. See what else she likes to do and encourage her to do that :-)

**LiftGirl** · 09-Apr-08, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilsonk92

Research actually shows that running is not the best activity for females anyway. 6 out of 10 women who run end up with injury from doing so.

Do you have a source or something to back this up? It sounds a little fishy to me. I think women can run just fine (if they want to). Male or female, you won't get injured as long as you get proper shoes, and don't increase intensity too fast.

ajarvis · 10-Apr-08, 09:21 PM

I also don't agree with that. If you run and end up with an injury chances are you pushed yourself too hard and didn't listen to your body when it told you to slow down, or take it easy, or your shoes are not proper for you.

wilsonk92 · 13-Apr-08, 04:37 PM

This comes from Michael Boyle (www.strengthcoach.com). A hugely respected strength and conditioning coach. Attended one of his lectures and this is information he passed on...

I'm not saying that women shouldn't run. I'm just saying that there are many other forms of exercise women can do if they don't like to run. That's all...

**LiftGirl** · 16-Apr-08, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilsonk92

I'm not saying that women shouldn't run. I'm just saying that there are many other forms of exercise women can do if they don't like to run. That's all...

I agree that there are many activities women can choose besides running if they don't care for running. But neither should women be discouraged from running because they're somehow more fragile.

How many men get injured running?