h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Currently I am not at a level of fitness where running is a pleasant prospect (can't run). However, even if I was at that level of fitness I wouldn't run, for several reasons (won't run):

1. The man who started the jogging craze (can't remember his name, but he was the 'guru' of jogging) died of a heart-attack while out jogging, so it can't be that good for you. OK, I know that jogging isn't running, but the principle applies.

2. Even at my ideal weight I am well-endowed, and my breasts wobble uncomfortably while running.

3. Mile-for-mile, walking burns the same number of calories as running, it just burns them more slowly. Walking also has the advantages of being low-impact, not needing special clothes or shoes, can be done anywhere by anybody (well, almost).

There is a lot of stuff going on in this world that I don't understand.

At around #38297348 comes "Why would someone run for fun when they can participate in a team sport where they actually do something?" I can't fathom how people enjoy going to a gym and lifting stuff and putting it down again when they could be running about after some sort of ball.

#1 - Makes you think doesn't it.
#2 - (At the risk of sounding like a pig)There are pro's and con's to this that not everyone will appreciate, but others shall appreciate a great deal.
#3 - You're right there, but you can't always wait that long.

I think his name (in #1) was Jim Fix(x)...

Personally, I love to run - I was on my school's track team, so I have an excuse.
But I would much rather get my exercise by playing football, hockey or basketball!

yeah! that was the point I was trying to make.

Why run when you can run with a ball? Why run with a ball when you can walk? Why walk when you can sit? Why sit when you can lie down, why lie down when you can sleep?

Hmm.

Personally, my ideal form of exercise would be some kind of dancing, but not disco! Ballroom / old-time and Latin-American can be too slow. So that leaves Scottish dancing, barn-dancing, line-dancing, tap, or Irish.

If I had to participate in a sport it would be badminton. I've never been any good at team games (not a team player) and badminton was the only sport I felt comfortable with at school.

Running is a lot like a nicotine addiction.
The first time you do it, it causes shortness of breath and coughing fits.
If you decide to keep it up, it soon takes more and more distance to get the same effect.
Most of those who do run glamorize it, but those who do nothing BUT run are generalized as 'no-lifers'.

What's the point anyway? The purpose of running, apparently, is to get your body in better shape--so you can run more. And as stated before by several people, it is not a pleasant experience.

Do I sound like a bitter ex-high school cross-country runner?

Habitual runners continue their habit for one reason...endorphins. The same chemicals that are released in the brain after sex. When one runs long enough to gt that "second wind," what they are really getting is a dose of endorphins. I'm suprised they don't want a cigarette afterwards. But the more people run, the further they have to run to get that endorphin release. I'd rather have sex, myself.

Any form of exercise, if continued for long enough, will release endorphins. I go for a brisk (3.5+ mph) walk for half-an-hour every lunch time. At first it was tedious, now I enjoy it.

Dancing also releases endorphins. If you pick the right music (something with a good beat and a good tune) this will also make you feel good. Then there is the advantage of a social gathering with like-minded people, laughing and telling jokes and generally having a good time.

Running on my own or barn-dancing. Tough decision - I don't think!

I used to find that once my body had adjusted (usually after the first mile) running was similar to meditation. Other times I used to find myself sorting out problems whilst running. I should point out that I was fortunate enough to be able to run on country footpaths or lanes which were condusive to enjoying the experience but now I live in a suberban environment, I don't enjoy running outside at all and have resorted to the treadmill in my local leisure centre which is boring!

I used to walk between 6 and 8 miles every working day. I found that my mind would drift onto any subject except walking, because the route was so familiar. Of course, my brain switched back to the job in hand when I had to cross a road, otherwise we probably wouldn't be having this conversation.

I run (and walk) almost entirely when I'm going somewhere. While I do believe staying in shape is important, I just don't get around to leaving the house for no other reason at all than to run around the block. But for several months I worked about 1 1/2 mile from the train station, and I'd often run/jog the way. It helped me get in shape somewhat (not majorly, just a short run twice a day, but more than sitting on my butt ) and it'd also save a little time (about 5-10 mins each way, but that too adds up over time..) I'd push my speed a little so I was breathing faster but I wouldn't push myself so I'm really hurting, I don't believe in pushing any sport so far it is really unpleasant or painful, I don't have to win a race or anything.

I once read a magazine article on exercise where a doctor said: "Any one who believes the old adage 'No pain, no gain' needs their head examined.' I agree (but then a doctor should know what he's talking about). Pain is the body's way of telling you that something is wrong. Ignore it at your peril.