Did my first 4.8k road run today, after completing Couch to 5k and a few of the Beyond Couch to 5k runs with Steve Cram on the treadmill at the local gym. What a change and a mental challenge!
Also, as it turns out, running on the road it is harder to keep a slow pace than in the gym. As a consequence I was jogging at my max Gym rate, rather than my normal or slowest gym rate. Add to this cracks in the pavements, people, traffic etc, the run was quite difficult and I was blowing before I was even halfway round.
However, the big thing for me was the mental challenge of being a long way from home at the half way stage and thinking how do I get home if I just can't jog all the way. I also didn't have much with me as I was running "lite" and going forward I will be buying an upper arm phone holder so that I can carry the phone comfortably.
Will be interested to hear of anyone else who has transitioned from Gym to Road, and their experiences.
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Kiwi_Colza
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Morning KC It sounds like your running is going really well.
I’m so happy for you !😁
Although treadmill running is brilliant on wet days the joy of being outside makes up for the tricky pavements etc. I’ve had a few late afternoon runs recently and watching the pink sunsets have really boosted my running. I always travel light… I have a v light phone holder harness and that’s it. I stuff a tissue down my sock!
I’m interested to hear if people carry water? My breathing is not very controlled and by 3km my throat is really dry? I’ve seen the water bladders but it’s something else to carry…
I don't usually carry water unless I expect to be out for upwards of 90 minutes, though in summer I'll often take a soft flask on shorter runs. I save a hydration backpack for longer runs in hotter weather.
If your breathing's not controlled and you're dry-mouthed by 3km, slowing down might help, as might increasing your hydration generally, see here: healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
Hi CmoiI like the idea of a hydration pack. I have cycling friends who use these on long rides. Perhaps a hydration pack with a phone holder would be the way forward.
I run in a fairly hilly, very rural area, and my longer runs are usually off-road. In those cases a hydration pack works well for me as it can hold snacks, spare clothes, first aid kit and foil blanket etc. as well as water and my phone. I have an older version of this Decathlon one, picked up in the sale four years ago for less than 12 euros: decathlon.co.uk/p/10l-blue-...
For shorter runs I find I can shove all that I need into pockets, maybe with a flipbelt, though I dislike the feel of the latter. I mostly wear trail clothing, more pockets!
PS If you can't run or jog all the way home, just walk! I know it sounds flippant but it's true. I used to do that all the time just after C25K because there are very few short cuts round here, and quite often my target run distance would leave me as much as 2km from home. So I just walked back.
Hi VonnieCatThe harness for your phone sounds like an excellent idea. Where did you get it? I was also wondering about carrying a drink, so thanks for raising that question.
Hopefully you found road running rewarding. When I occasionally return to the treadmill I'm reminded of what a grind it is. Yes, road's a bit harder but you'll quickly adapt I'm sure and the variety, fresh air and absence of drum n bass are their own reward😁.
Hi Pugwash, Thanks for your post. I think I found the run rewarding for just completing it! However, it has given me something to aim for, and that is to do it more comfortably. It is nice as you say to see the real world, and I'm looking forward to running with my son at a 5k Park Run so my local runs are really just another way for preparing for Park Runs as some of the other posters have suggested before. I am off to Spain on holiday in early April for a friend's 60th birthday so am trying to get to the stage of going out running while I am there in what should be nice warm weather.
I can't imagine running on a Treadmill, but each to their own. I love being outdoors, the sounds the wildlife the light, even the rain!
I tried the Arm thing at the start. I couldn't deal with it at all. I couldn't see the screen and couldn't easily get the controls. I'd recommend a Chest Harness or Small Sling Bag Cross Body.
Hi MrBassmanjazzLove jazz myself, an Oscar Peterson fan esp his classic LP "Night Train". Thanks very much for the two harness suggestions, and your useful comments on arm holders and the links. I think I'll get outside more as the weather improves, but my wife and I go to the gym together and it is a nice couplely thing to do.
I'm not familiar with "Night Train". I'll check it out. I've just got "Live". (I'm more drawn to the Trumpet players).
I started off with the Harness. I found it great, but have recently changed to the Sling bag hoping to make it Dual purpose for an up and coming holiday. It work inside my rain jacket, not sure without. You do get a harness with provision for water bottle.
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