Will making the transition from treamill to ou... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

132,406 members158,558 posts

Will making the transition from treamill to outside be harder?

elizmelone profile image
7 Replies

I've been doing C25K on my treadmill. My next session is Week8R3. I want to try to run outside but not sure if I will have to start the programme again. I wonder if anyone else has experienced this and wouldn't mind sharing how they felt and whether they started from Week 1 again. Thanks :)

Written by
elizmelone profile image
elizmelone
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
7 Replies
crox profile image
croxGraduate

I wouldn't start again, go out see how it goes then make a decision.

juju2208 profile image
juju2208

I'm using a treadmill too and yes it's meant to be harder outside but I don't think it's worth starting again for. I'd just see how it feels and adjust accordingly. My first outdoors run should be tomorrow, I'm both excited and scared!

J x

Scipio profile image
ScipioGraduate

I can relate to this & hope I can help.

I did C25K on my treadmill, using a 1% incline as it's supposed to mimic running outdoors. I wasn't at all sure whether that was true or not!

I graduated a couple of weeks ago on the treadmill, and then two days later decided to try running outdoors. I took myself off to the local park, which is fairly flat, and to my surprise managed to run 20 minutes without stopping, had a short walking break, and then ran for another 3 minutes.

Two days later I went out again, and this time managed the full 30 minutes without stopping!

So yes, I found that running on the treadmill prepared me perfectly well for running outdoors. Running outdoors is much nicer as well - you can feel the breeze in your hair, jump in the puddles if it's raining, and it keeps you nice & cool as well.

So I would say you don't need to start all over again, just give it a go & see how you get on.

Good luck & I hope you get on great.

Oldgirl profile image
OldgirlGraduate

I would just go out there and run. Be aware of trip hazards like paving slabs, tree roots and little children etc. If its windy you may find your breathing is slightly more labored, other than that just enjoy the freedom of the outdoors and all that lovely fresh air.

PastyMan profile image
PastyManGraduate

I (mostly) run on a treadmill and I think you will find the transition to outdoors just fine.

What I would recommend though is to force yourself to start slowly and build up to a comfortable pace. I find that without the treadmill controls I tend to start too quickly.

juju2208 profile image
juju2208

Well reporting back, I did my first run outside this morning. I ran a track at a local beauty spot which has quite a few gentle inclines and I managed to run the exact pace and time that I normally do on the treadmill and it didn't feel any worse. If anything it was bliss to have a bit of a breeze and something to look at.

Hope your first outdoors one goes well :-)

J x

elizmelone profile image
elizmelone

Thanks everyone. All really good advice. I feel better about giving it a go. im planning to start on Saturday. Will see how it goes..but feel confident it won't be as painful as i envisaged. thanks again :-)

You may also like...

Transitioning from Treadmill to outside.

running outside, while I could quite happily run on the treadmill I have in the conservatory I want...

Transition from treadmill to outside!

question I have to ask is that I tried to run outside for the first time last week and could not...

Transitioning from treadmill to outside

me. I'm on week 9 and enjoying running for 30 minutes on the treadmill. However, I want to be...

W6R2 - making it harder for myself

dog walk into a run. All my runs have been pre-breakfast but I didn’t want to miss a run today as...

Transition to Outside Running

need to start running outside. However, when I started I hadn't seen the recommendation to run on...