Running is so fundamental to much of athletics. Just think of how many sports where running is part of training. Soccer, Football, boxing, wrestling, and so many other sports are involved in using running to stay in shape. The military both the regular soldiers and elite forces rely on running.
Most people who hate running are just out of shape. They try to run then their unconditioned body just gets injured due to being out of shape. It becomes a catch 22. I'm trying to run but I can't because my knees, back and ankles can't take it. They would be better off walking fast until they are conditioned to run.
I think for the overwhelming majority of athletes that sprint intervals and some type of distance will assist a lot of athletes become better.
One of the best ways to become a runner is actually a walking program that I came up with on the treadmill that I have used with success on myself and others. First see a doc to make sure you don't keel over from a heart attack or other problems. I walk at 3.8 MPH on a zero % grade for 400 meters. The standard lap distance in track and most treadmills. Every completed 400 meter lap I increase the grade by 1%. Keep going up until shot then finish off with a final lap of 0% grade cool down. If you can go from zero to around 12% grade and back down to 0% in this walking workout you should be in good cardio shape and ready to surprise yourself in how well you now can run.
