I used to think running was torture until I trained for six months and discovered what actually makes it enjoyable. Here’s how I turned it from something I dreaded into a challenge I now love.
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For most of my life, I believed running just wasn’t for me.
I’ve always been active cycling filled my childhood, then came swimming, football, and now I’m deep into volleyball.
But running? Absolutely not.
Then I decided to challenge myself. I committed to six months of consistent running training, and let me tell you it was rough in the beginning.
Every run felt like dragging a heavy load… except that load was me. But over time, I discovered a few powerful tricks that made running suck a lot less.
Whether you’re a gym lover wanting to mix things up or someone trying to break free from the couch, these tips are for you.
And to prove I’m serious, I set a personal challenge: to run a 5K in under 20 minutes.
Back in January, my personal best was over 26 minutes, so this goal honestly felt impossible.
But here’s what I learned along the way.
I used to underestimate the importance of pacing.
In the past, I’d lace up whatever shoes were lying around, sprint out like a maniac, and end up totally destroyed 20 minutes later unable to move for days.
That’s the fastest way to start hating running.
The secret? Find your conversational pace.
If you can’t hold a conversation while running, you’re going too fast.
Use a smartwatch if you have one, or just tune into your breathing. It might not feel exciting, but this easy pace is essential to build endurance and actually start enjoying your runs.
One of the best parts about running is its freedom you can do it anywhere, anytime.
Don’t stress about sticking to a strict schedule. Instead, aim for a few runs per week and experiment with different times of day.
Over the past six months, I’ve run early mornings, late nights, and even during lunch breaks.
Eventually, you’ll figure out when your body feels best. Most runs last 30–40 minutes, and even with stretching and showering, you’re done in under an hour.
That’s a pretty easy win, especially if you work from home.
After a few runs, you’ll quickly notice what you actually need.
For me, the first upgrade was a proper pair of running shoes. You don’t have to splurge good shoes under $100 are easy to find online.
Go for something versatile, like all-terrain shoes if you plan to mix road and trail runs.
Once you’ve built some consistency, you can start exploring training programs.
There are tons of apps (both free and paid) that create personalized plans based on your current fitness level.
If you don’t have a 5K time yet, just get out there and run one. Don’t push to the limit give about 85% effort so you can still walk the next day.
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I can’t stand running on a treadmill.
Seeing the same view on repeat makes me feel like a hamster in a wheel. Instead, I started running through different parks, trails, and neighborhoods.
Changing your scenery keeps things fresh and helps you stay motivated, especially at the beginning.
If you get the chance, try running in a new city or even a new country. My first 10K was in Spain, and it was incredible the energy, the people, the views.
It reminded me why runners like Casey Neistat stay committed no matter where they travel.
Elite runners often say you shouldn’t listen to music because it can mess up your pacing. And they’re right but we’re not elite runners. We’re just trying to enjoy running.
So crank up your tunes.
I made different playlists for different moods.
Calm tracks for morning jogs, high-energy house for those days when I need a push.
The right playlist can completely transform how a run feels.
After six months, it was time to see if my hard work paid off. I warmed up, hit the pavement, and pushed through every step of my 5K attempt. It hurt badly. But when I stopped my watch, the time read 19:17.
From nearly 26 minutes down to under 20. I couldn’t believe it.
Exhausted but proud, I realized something important: running doesn’t suck when you learn how to do it right.
Start your running journey today!
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