As I confessed here some time ago, even though I’ve done the Great Aloha Run (twice), the Ford Island Bridge 10K, and hobbled badly through but finished the Honolulu Marathon, I hate running. But that said, there’s still some positives to this exercise I don’t like but participate in nonetheless:

Low cost: Running doesn’t cost much; equipment can be minimal. Yes, I run with cycling shorts and triathlon tops, headbands and an iPod, but really, aside from shoes and socks, there isn’t much else that’s essential for running.

Time efficient: Running is far more efficient in terms of time than other forms of aerobic exercise, such as swimming or cycling (on the other hand, I believe jumping rope might be the most efficient). Running for an hour–about five miles at the pace I go–is far more of a challenge for me than cycling for an hour. In fact, I think I have to cycle about three times as long to get what I consider an “equivalent” workout. In any case, in terms of time, it’s a lot easier for me to run for a couple of miles in the morning than it is to ride for 15 miles–and that means a lot less chance of being late for work!

Events galore: While this may not be true everywhere, there are lots of different running events–while many are technically races, they are more than welcoming to novices running or walking for recreation and exercise–local to me. These include 10Ks, 15Ks, half marathons, full marathons, clinics–you name it. There are definitely also cycling events, but they seem to be fewer in number.

More opportunity for social interaction: I have more friends who are runners than who are cyclists (and the ones who are cyclists are usually triathletes, so they ride a bit differently than I do). This year I’ve had a lot of fun running organized events and feeling like I’m part of a large community with my buddies on Twitter reporting their times and how they felt–what I call Team Twitter–even though, as you all know (repeat after me), I hate running.

For a sport I don’t like, I sure run a lot (including a couple of miles this morning). Just as there’s a good side to everyone, there’s a lot of positives to running that make it worthwhile to do–even though I hate it. I’ll see you out running tomorrow too.

1. tadasauce Says:
   May 14th, 2009 at 2:23 pm

   I like this! Keep running and see you on the streets 🙂