I am planning to try running barefoot or sticking to a paved path
I do not enjoy running. I never have and no matter how much I run, I don’t think I ever will. Running just isn’t natural for me. I am a physical, naturally athletic person. I think I am not built for running. I often get side cramps and am forced to slow to a walk. I also use my legs from the knee down rather than extend my stride and utilize my whole leg. My short strides mean I am not very fast. It takes me a lot longer than 10 minutes to run a mile. I am embarrassed by my slow pace. I do not like running without access to drinking water, a bathroom and shelter from the weather. I prefer not to wear shoes while I run. I hate being forced to wear a coat or getting rained on. At one point, I signed up at a gym that included personal training. I asked the fitness expert to correct my breathing, posture plus strides. Running became easier and I became faster. I still don’t like it though. After I moved further away from the gym and gave up my private fitness training, I only rarely run now. I usually do a yoga or gymnastic based work out. For cardio, I sometimes jump rope, swim in the pool or take a bike ride. Since I am in peak physical shape, a lot of people expect me to have impressive run times. I also have friends asking me to train and participate in marathons or triathlons. I would rather go long distances than a short run. When I run just a few miles, I feel compelled to run faster. I am always disappointed by the times and feel slightly pathetic. Maybe someday I can figure out a running style that works for me. I am planning to try running barefoot or sticking to a paved path. Perhaps there are better shoes I can buy for running. I just don’t think running is ever going to be fun for me.