I have no desire to run long distances further than 6 or 8 miles. There I said it. I might sound like a sourpuss and may not be considered a “true” runner but that’s just how I feel about it. I love running. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t dread it like some folks. I used to enjoy it more on the treadmill but once I took it outside on a regular basis last year – I have been hooked.
Running outdoors is definitely where it’s at. Doing it with friends is even better. BUT…that’s about where my love for it ends. I enjoy doing 3 miles roundtrip. I will even do 5 miles roundtrip. It’s all good to me. The furthest I have run is 6 miles. No particular reason – I have just never run a route further than that.
Now, I have several friends who are half marathoners, marathoners and everything in between. I admire them so much for their strength and discipline. I say discipline because you don’t just wake up one day and run a half marathon. You have to train for that bad boy and it takes weeks and weeks on end to train, even if no one wants to train with you – you still have to train for it.
I read an article recently that sort of backed me up on my lack of desire to run long distances. It can be found here: http://fitnessandhealth365.com/running-might-shorten-your-life-span/ but it talks about how too much of a good thing can shorten your life span even long distance running.
Excerpt: According to The Huffington Post, studies have shown that “people who run more than 20 miles a week or at an average pace of 7.5 mph or faster are more likely to have shorter lifespans than those who run slower over shorter distances.”
I believe where this post is going is this: running long distances is hard on the body. Running marathons is NOT a game – it is taxing. To run extreme distances day in and day out week after week is tearing down the body at a faster rate than running shorter distances more often so the end result could be a shorter lifespan.
With all of that said – that article isn’t even a driver for my lack of motivation to run long distances. I simply do not see the need.
1. I don’t want to run a distance that is uncomfortable on foot but very comfortable in a motorized vehicle
2. I am deathly afraid of some of the injuries I hear some distance runners encounter from time to time
3. I don’t have the motivation to train hardcore for those distance races
I know if I put my mind to it I could do it but I am not compelled. I want it for others who desire it but I don’t want it for myself. In this world of fitness too many times people measure their own success, tenacity, perseverance and strength against someone else’s measuring stick except their own. In this world it is really only YOU against YOU.
Be sure that whatever goal you set for yourself in fitness, you are doing so on your own terms, for your own purpose and to prove nothing to no one but yourself.
Peace!
19 Replies to "Why I Don't Want To Run Long Distances"
Tina Muir
Twitter: tinamuir
August 25, 2014 (7:08 am)
And there is nothing wrong with that Diatta! In fact I think that is very courageous of you to admit your true feelings. I bet a lot of people just run more than that because they feel like they should, and they think everyone else is.
Somedays I do not want to run 10 miles for my easy days, and somedays I wish I could run more, but for me, I am training as an elite, and I know I have to make the most of every single run to perform at my best, but at the end of the day, I run because I enjoy it, and that is exactly what you are doing….running until you stop enjoying! Keep it up 🙂
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
August 25, 2014 (10:02 am)
Thank you Tina – I appreciate your understanding.
Deborah
Twitter: deborahbrooks14
August 25, 2014 (10:00 am)
Nothing wrong with that at all! Running long distances is hard on your body. When you train for longer races you also have to give up other activities that you love bc of time like biking, weights etc. Do what you love!
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
August 25, 2014 (10:03 am)
Thank you Deborah. I appreciate your kind words.
Running Hutch
Twitter: CoachHenness
August 25, 2014 (1:20 pm)
I’ve seen a few posts like this. It’s almost as if there are so many people out there who talk about loving to run long that those who don’t want to run long feel the need to explain why. IMHO, no explanation necessary, although you did a great job of providing one. It’s not like you are admitting to some fault. You just like “shorter” runs (although there are many who would say 6 miles is a LONG run!). No big deal. You shouldn’t think you sound like a sourpuss or a wimp or anything like that. I don’t like PiYo. Found that out after doing it with Chalene Johnson even! I don’t like Zumba. I don’t like choreographed fitness of any kind really. Not a confession. Just a fact. There is no one way to fitness and self-discovery.
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
August 25, 2014 (1:23 pm)
Thanks for that Tiffany.
Markita
Twitter: sweshfit
August 25, 2014 (2:55 pm)
I agree with everything you said in this post! My hubby drives me insane because he’s a marathon runner and he’s always trying to get me to do it with him or to run longer distance races. After doing a 10K, I also decided that I don’t want to run any longer than that for all the reasons you said.
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
August 25, 2014 (3:49 pm)
Those pesky husbands!!
kathy
Twitter: realfoodfit
August 25, 2014 (4:06 pm)
I do understand where you are coming from, however, I have ran two full marathons. The training is brutal, but I wanted to complete 1 full marathon and check it off my bucket list, and then felt like doing another one the next year on the same course. I was so proud of myself I almost cried when I had 1 mile left to run both times. It was one of my proudest moments, but it is not for everyone. 🙂
You are right, it is so hard on the body and I did suffer from knee problems. I am not planning on another marathon anytime soon.
My favorite race is a local 10 mile race, it is a beautiful trail run!
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
August 25, 2014 (4:57 pm)
Congrats on finishing 2 marathons Kathy!! That is awesome. I love cheering folks on from the crowd.
o
Stephanie
Twitter: FitMomTraining
August 25, 2014 (4:34 pm)
I really think running is different for everyone. Finding what works best for you is key. I think if you get out for the love and enjoyment of it, you’re a runner. Distance and speed don’t define the sport.
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
August 25, 2014 (4:56 pm)
You are right Stephanie!
o
jill conyers
Twitter: jillconyers
August 25, 2014 (7:51 pm)
Distance running isn’t for everyone! Fortunately there are many alternatives for staying fit and active.
o
Heather
Twitter: divasrunbling
August 25, 2014 (8:45 pm)
There is nothing wrong with not wanting to run long distances. I have running friends who are always trying to convince me to do a marathon and my response is 13.1 miles is enough for me. It’s all about doing what you enjoy. If you are happy with the shorter distances, then stick to them. Just remember no matter how much you run, you are doing better than those still on the couch!
o
Brittany August 25, 2014 (9:39 pm)
If you run, and you enjoy it then you are a runner!! No matter your distance! I only run over 6 miles when I am training, and I try to keep longer races (half marathons) to only a couple or a few per year! Everything else is falls under the “easy miles” category!! I can’t imagine running a full marathon…maybe one day.
o
Lean Lena August 26, 2014 (12:15 pm)
I don’t see a problem with that at all.
If you’re running slow/short distance, you’re still lapping everybody on the couch 😉
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
August 26, 2014 (12:17 pm)
Thanks Lena.
Candy
Twitter: CandyOvercaffed
August 30, 2014 (11:17 am)
I get where you’re coming from. I am training for my first half right now, but I was just telling my friend that ultimately I’d like to keep a distance of 6-8 miles and make that my regular distance. I think it’s totally fine to not want to run long distances. You are still a runner. 🙂 (found you via SITS link up)
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
August 30, 2014 (3:40 pm)
Thanks for stopping by Candy.