The Great Outdoors

[Davo123]

Did my first run outside today, at the crack of dawn. Didn’t realise it could be so different to running on a treadmill. I found it slightly more difficult although very stimulating and not so monotonous. Was planning on doing 5k but had a little problem with Strava and managed just over 4K but did run for the full 30 minutes, although I was feeling a slight pull in both calves and right thigh, probably due to the gradient? I’d love to run more outside but due to work hours i can only manage 1 outdoor run on a Friday alongside 2 on the treadmill during the week. Also not available on Saturday to do PR. I think I need a few more weeks consolidation but am keen to start Ju Ju’s 10k plan which starts soon. Maybe do it but run the increasing distance run on the treadmill??

[TailChaser Graduate10]

I find a huge difference now when I go back to the treadmill. I did a lot of C25k on one when I was getting niggles as the pavement camber irritated my hip as I got further into it. But it’s good for you to run outside as your body strengthens due to the differences in the surface. Also, as the runs get longer the treadmill gets more and more monotonous. Outside there are far more distractions. I did 10k on a treadmill once, just to see what it was like - never again!!

As your runs get longer, if you can get outside early or late do it, your brain and body will thank you.

[backintime Graduate10]

I did 90 % of my running on a treadmill. You need a good imagination or some good mental maths problems : )

I have done 10k twice on a treadmill, today I am doing some running tourism and running along the river Thames. Reasonably flat so not too bad. I am finding all this "stuff" to look at veey distracting and keep pausing to take photos : )

[Irishprincess Graduate10 in reply to backintime]

You've run 10K on a treadmill!!! Hats off to you, not sure I could now . The most I did was 8K during the winter but I found it so hard. You're right though, you need a vivid imagination and great music or something stimulating. Well done to you 💪

[Davo123 60minGraduate]

I also ran beside a river - The River Taff in Cardiff. I found it very enjoyable and will defo do it again next Friday. I will have to use treadmill on Monday and Wednesday though. Hopefully, Ju Ju's plan will start soon after but as I said, I think I'll have to run the longer runs on the treadmill as (IMO) it is more difficult to run outside.

[Coddfish Graduate10]

If you have time on Fridays to make that your long run day, I would consider that. But that’s coming from someone who would generally choose outside over a treadmill and therefore can’t imagine spending an hour or more at a time on one!

[Davo123 60minGraduate in reply to Coddfish]

Good point. I do have more time on a Friday so makes sense that I do the longer runs then. My only concern is will I be able to do the long ones outside as, to me, it is quite a bit more difficult to run outside than in a treadmill.

[Coddfish Graduate10 in reply to Davo123]

Hi Dave, it’s technically more challenging as you have to deal with surface, terrain, wind, heat/cold etc, but it’s also a lot more stimulating and time passes more easily. The hardest thing at first will be judging your pace as I guess you just set a level on the treadmill. If you want to be able to run outdoors regularly, it might be worth trying a few shorter runs first.

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

I did most of the programme on the treadmill and found outside running different not easier or harder. I had good advice to make the effort to run much more slowly outside. On the treadmill you just hit a button and away you go but outside you really have to concentrate and pace yourself. Although this gets easier with time.

Treadmill running builds good mental stamina so you're working a lot inside and outside!

[UpTheStanley Graduate10]

That’ll be 80 minutes or so watching the numbers change, or if you paint the wall first, you can watch it dry ..... 😜

I do use treadmills if I’m playing around with pace, but wouldn’t contemplate the idea for a long run.

[CrimsonMama]

Running outside is wonderful! I do my runs outdoors and do walking on a treadmill at home. When I first used my treadmill I definitely noticed it used different leg muscles than my runs!

Getting out once a week will work out fine. Mixing it up! Just maybe take yourself back a bit for the outdoor session and build it up to where you are at treadmill wise.

Oh and for treadmill use.. I like to put a comedy vid or audio on to listen to sometimes to change it up from my usual music!