Ultimate Fail.

[Bubbleguppie79]

Is it just me that cannot run outside? I've been following Laura on the treadmill, as the weather is nice and I live opposite a huge park I thought why not. W6 R1 will be done outside. But it wasn't to be half way through the second interval I had to give up. I could breathe properly my legs wouldn't take me where I wanted to go. It was like W1 all over again. Should I keep attempting it or complete the 9 weeks on the treadmill and start over outside?

[Nerdio Graduate]

How strange. If you have got to Week 6, you have achieved quite a lot.

I guess, and I have always run outside, that it must be a pace related thing. Are you running at the same pace do you know? Are you running a faster pace because you have a moving horizon? Does the treadmill set your pace for you? Just guessing.

I would stick with it, and just ease off on your next run. Don't get hung up about it, the answer will be simple enough Let us know when how you get on.

[Oldgirl Graduate]

Why not give it another try but tackle it slightly differently. Go out to your lovely park and just walk, when you are ready have a run, then a walk etc. You will soon feel more comfortable with the big outdoors, its such a wonderful way to run. Don't try and do week 6 straight off, just enjoy the freedom you will get, you will then be able to decide which to do, mixing your running at this stage is a very good idea. I didn't use a treadmill for the first 2 years and it still leaves me uneasy, to the extent I call them dreadmills

[Be11adonna Graduate]

I have read that running on a treadmill is easier than running outside because (a) the ground is moving for you, so you have to use less energy to propel yourself forward (b) there is less wind resistance (because you are inside). I began running on a treadmill and found it hell when I switched to outside running. They say that if you want to simulate running outside to running on a treadmill, you should run at incline of 1%.

I think you've done really well to come this far and my guess is it won't take you long until you can run outside with the same ease you run on the treadmill. Just stick with it.

[Maturelady Graduate]

I was the same as you. I did up to wk5 run2 on the treadmill but found it very difficult to gauge the speed outside when I started. Once I took my speed down I was running outside ok. Keep going but slow down. You will soon find a pace which is easier to do, but wk6 seems to have a lot of people stumped. We seem to think after running the 20 minutes it will be simple. Good luck and keep us posted.

[ktaylor217 Graduate]

I've read the same - that treadmills are easier than outdoor running but the article I read suggested an incline of 1.5...

I always run outdoors & love it so I'd encourage you to try again but maybe go slower or go back to a week 5 run to take account of the fact that so far you have been training on the treadmill...

Keep at it!

[Bubbleguppie79 Graduate]

Thanks all. I'm going to re do the run on the treadmill but up the incline. And do the run/walk intervals until I get used to running outside. Onwards and upwards. ??

[Healthybmi4me Graduate]

Hi, just wanted to let you know that I have only ever ran on the treadmill indoors. Just not brave enough to attempt it outside.

I'm now a graduate and don't want to feel like a "failure" if I can't complete my runs outside. Good advice about putting the treadmill on an incline to simulate the outdoors. I'm gonna do that and as my weight drops even more and my fitness levels increase then I'm definitely gonna brave the park as everyone on here says how much more enjoyable it is.

Good luck and as you can see your not alone on this.

[Hidden]

An interesting one. Could I suggest that you try and do two parallel sessions? One keeping to the treadmill; and one, moving back ~ to say week 2 or 3 ~ outside? If time is tight, why not alternate?

I only ever run outside, simply because I am an outdoors person (and I fell off a treadmill!).

I'm sure you would prefer to do a 5 or 10K outside, wouldn't you?

One more suggestion. When (not if) you go outdoors, try a different location ~ one away from your home environment, and see if that works. Fine a river or canal, a stretch of open and flatish countryside, and enjoy the birdsong, the smells, the feeling of the ground beneath your feet and the gentle breeze soothing your brow...

Above all ~ enjoy your running and congrats on getting this far. I'm impressed.

[PastyMan Graduate]

I'm a treadmill fan and do most of my runs indoors. If you can complete the sessions on the treadmill you can definitely do them outside too ... it's mostly a question of pacing so deliberately reign yourself back at the start till you find your natural pace and rhythm.

As much as I like the treadmill you are missing out if you don't venture outside .... the best outdoor run will always beat an indoor run. Good luck and enjoy!

[Bubbleguppie79 Graduate]

So last night I re done W6 R1 on the treadmill. I set the incline to 1.5 and boy was it harder than usual. But I plodded on and completed it so I'm happy again. My sister is also following the podcast and is starting week 3 so we've decided to run together for my 'outside' runs. Thanks for the tips and inspiration. Good Luck all.