Similar boat here. I used to hate running and joked that it was playing sports without the fun game part. Why would anyone want to do that?? But then somewhere

Similar boat here. I used to hate running and joked that it was playing sports without the fun game part. Why would anyone want to do that?? But then somewhere in my mid-30s something clicked, and now I love it. Like you said got to get over that initial hump of it hurting, doesn't take long, and then it's just soooooo good. I'm not running any races or training for anything in particular. I just run for me and my physical and mental health several days a week. It's my "me" time. I definitely get it now. Also a great way to explore all the nooks and crannies of my city, and find how to link up all the parks and trails and cut-throughs.