Exercise tips for weight loss: Can one learn to enjoy running?

Tip: Is it possible to learn to enjoy running?

Running is a fantastic way to lose some extra weight while on a diet, and it's a pretty sure-fire way to get fit. Being fit to run is a wonderful feeling - knowing that you can move with the abandon of a child at play again, or run away from a dangerous situation is awesome.

Most people fail to run because they say they don't enjoy it. And I get that.

Especially at first, running can be tough. Every step requires effort and you feel like you're never going to get fitter. What I've come to realise though, is that with the help of a couple of distraction mechanisms you can learn to enjoy running enough to get you over the hump and into running enough to really enjoy it. Soon a day without a run feels wrong.

So what are these distractions?

Well, the first and best is music (or an audio book). Grab your phone or iPod and a set of earphones and pop on your favourite tunes while you run. Another good one is to run in a beautiful or interesting environment.

I like to run with my dogs too, as their joy (and high level of fitness) keeps me going. Lastly, distract yourself with facts and figures if you're so inclined - track where you are on your route and the time stamp on your watch and compare your progress each run. It can keep your mind well occupied.

With one, or a few, of these mechanisms in place you'll actually begin to enjoy running. I use it as a 'time-out' from the rest of the world and I feel like I NEED it in my day. Give it a try.

To learn to run five kilometres in just eight weeks, try this app on your iPhone. You can also get similar apps for Android phones.

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