Treadmill running

[Mazzero]

I am going on holiday next month and will need to run on a treadmill due to very hot weather. I've never run on one before so I'm a little nervous about it. I'm currently on Wk 9 and have only ever ran on grass. Any tips???

[inmind Graduate]

The good news is that treadmills are easier to run on than road / pavement! A number of things help;

constant and steady pace allow you to get in a steady rhythm

the surface is consistent and free from camber and potholes which require extra exersion on the road

no twists, turns, corners and any variance in pitch is controlled by you

finally, and for me most important, is the spring effect of the treadmill which actually helps your momentum as well as softening the impact on your legs.

They are very easy to use, particularly if you want to maintain a constant speed and pitch. Usually just 1 button to start then a second to select the speed. (OK and one to stop!!!) Good luck.

[KateMac Graduate]

I'm planning to do the same thing next week, I'll be on holiday in Cornwall and there is a "mini gym" so I'm thinking of trying that instead of trying to find a route along coastal paths etc. When I first started running I was so self conscious about running outside but now I find I'm really nervous about using a treadmill (I really hope no-one fit or skinny is in there with me!!!) I have read on here that treadmill running is a bit easier but when I'm outside I can reassure myself that anyone that sees me sweating and puffing along the way doesn't actually know if I've run for 5 mins or 5 miles. As long as pasties and ice cream don't get in the way of all my good intentions I'll let you know how I get on.

[Oldgirl Graduate]

For me who doesn't like dreadmills (my name for them) they are sometimes a necessary evil and I will probably use one next month for the same reasons.

What I did find was that don't try and run before you are comfortable with the motion, build up the speed very gradually. If there are other machines next to each other I found it easier to use the end one instead of one in the middle. Also when run is finished slow down very gradually, don't try and get off too soon, it used to make me feel drunk, like someone who had been at sea for too long Treadmill running for me is harder than outside, I find it mind numbing and tedious but sometimes its the only way to keep running. Have a lovely holiday.

Ps sorry my reply sounds negative it is only my opinion and experiences of them.

[sofaqueen Graduate in reply to Oldgirl]

I've heard so many people say that running on treadmills is easier than outside, but when I tried a couple of weeks ago when I was away I found it just as hard and being short the fans were blowing cool air way above my head! The same happened when I stopped - I felt like I was drunk and floating along when I was walking, the most weird sensation. It was good to have the gym there to still run but I find the great outdoors is best.

[bunnydunford Graduate in reply to sofaqueen]

I was going to say the same thing about the drunken feeling when you get off! The other thing I find difficult is that if it's a narrow belt you have to make sure you don't catch the side of your feet...clearly what I really struggle with is running in a straight line, probably because I'm used to hurdling cow pats! Good luck

[eveshamgal Graduate]

I've been doing 1km runs at the end of my gym sessions lately and at first I found it really hard. I usually run on the road. My dad used to train a lot and said that I should run on a slight incline rather than just level because that is actually equivalent of running down hill all the time. I tried it and it feels better. Also start off slow, you can always go quicker if you feel ok.

[eveshamgal Graduate]

I've been doing 1km runs at the end of my gym sessions lately and at first I found it really hard. I usually run on the road. My dad used to train a lot and said that I should run on a slight incline rather than just level because that is actually equivalent of running down hill all the time. I tried it and it feels better. Also start off slow, you can always go quicker if you feel ok.

[Mazzero Graduate]

Thank you so much for your responses. I will try it out at my local health club next week. Just got week 9 to finish and then I can experiment a bit

[Jana83 Graduate]

I'm 100% a treadmill runner (well 99.99% if you count the ONE time I actually ran outside - only a mile!).

As a beginner I would definitely recommend that you attach the safety stop cord - this will stop the machine should you fall off. Take it slow at first, building up to a comfortable walking pace (maybe try increasing & decreasing the speed during the warm up walk, so you can get used to the controls). Then when you start running, do the same, building up speed slowly. ALWAYS try to run on at least a +1% incline as this helps your joints & replicates the "resistance" of running outdoors (so I've heard).

When you are slowing down for the cool down walk, reduce the speed slowly as you'll just trip over your feet. Then when you are finished, reduce the speed slowly again until you come to a complete stop. DON'T get off straight away as your legs will probably be a bit unsteady.

Once you get used to the sensation, you can up / down the speed much more quickly and you can also just stop the machine from walking pace.

Enjoy your holiday x

[Mazzero Graduate in reply to Jana83]

Thanks Jana. Very good tips especially about the safety cord. I'd hate to go flying off the machine

[Oldgirl Graduate]

I'm really pleased reading other peoples comments about dizziness and going slowly to start and finish on dreadmills, I thought it was just me for long enough. I think it just takes a while to get used to them. I found it off putting when someone was running next to me for a while, especially if it was a big guy and heavy footed, I kept expecting him to come charging past me any second

[LMS2110 Graduate in reply to Oldgirl]

Oh, Oldgirl, I'm so pleased you've just written that too! LOL .... My dr/tr eadmill experiences were disarming too - during the programme I had a short time away from home where I had access to a gym. I disliked the sweaty smells inside, the false 'wind' from loud cooling fans, skinny chicks all vying for twiggy proportions in their designer sports kits, and the heavy, grunting oafs, (had panics that I might sound like that as well - was a bit heavier when I started C25K!) And I did fall off too - that same 'getting-off-a-boat' feeling. I guess it filled in a temporary need while i was still getting through the course, but I'd avoid them in future!

Am off for my hols soon, no gym anywhere near, so will venture out alone onto the roads and tracks of rural, vineyard-full France, where my remaining weight can have its landing impact noise reduced by the earth, and nature's sounds and smells can accompany me.

Linda

[DeliaItaly Graduate in reply to LMS2110]

Linda, I'm off to the Italian alps on Saturday. There is a gym in the spa where I'll be staying but I'm going nowhere near it! Even if it means doing 10K round the spa, I'll run outside

[stevethefatjogger Graduate]

We are just back from holiday and as the temperatures were in the 40s we decided to try the treadmill at the hotel. I must admit for the first 4 days it was okay, a 30 minute run before lunch and afternoon by the pool! but I soon got bored of running inside so I went running outside later in the day and was surprised to find that I was okay with the heat and enjoyed the new sights and sounds. I think it was the combination of staring at myself in a mirror and watching the clock slowly ticking away in front of me that annoyed me the most, on the third day I put a towel over the display on the treadmill to hide the clock and this helped me a bit , but I must admit the running outside was a far more pleasurable experience for me, once I had acclimatised to the heat. Good luck and hope you have a good holiday.

[Mazzero Graduate in reply to stevethefatjogger]

Thank you for your helpful post I just want to keep my 3 runs per week going if possible. Im worried about losing the stamina that we have gained so far We will probably just need to check out our surroundings when we get there as to whether open air running is feasible. I know for sure that the hotel has a fitness room with a treadmill but not sure about conditions. I'm assuming that there will be air cconditioning.

[Oldgirl Graduate in reply to Mazzero]

If all else fails a good fast swim will keep your breathing going well and even improve it. Lots of walking too and even the odd exercise class like aqua gym will all help keep your new hard earned fitness levels. Enjoy your holiday.

[DeliaItaly Graduate]

I fell off the treadmill in Harrods last year while attempting a gait analysis. Hate those machines! I'm just not coordinated enough. Hats off to all who can run on them!

[Beth5]

So far all of my C25K running has been on a treadmill. It will take a short time for your body to realise you've stopped running so I tend to do a few calf stretches standing on the treadmill before getting down. I'm lucky that the treadmills at my gym aren't in front of mirrors and cover up the clock with a towel so I'm not clock-watching. Hope that you get on ok with the treadmill, I'm still way too self conscious to run outside so hide away in the gym but my objective is to be able to run well enough to get outdoors at some point...