I started this programme several weeks ago then got the flu which knocked me out, I'm now back to full recovery.
I have started the programme again but decided to use the treadmill -I find it much more convenient. Anyone else use a treadmill? How was the transition from treadmill to road cos it seems easier?
hi ladylovesmilktray
I did the whole C25K programme outside but now winter is coming and bringing the dark nights, I have joined a gym and doing my runs on a treadmill.
I must say I am struggling a bit running on a treadmill due to the boredom factor (running outside there is always something to look at). The treadmill does seem easier to run on (no wind resistance, level ground) so I tend to run on an incline between 1.5 and 2 which is supposed to simulate running outside.
Its only my first week of running on a treadmill so maybe it will get better but I think as long as you are doing the programme and moving about that's the main thing!
Good luck!
Hi ladywholovesmilktray - me too ! I have done all but one run on the treadmill as its just been more convenient and I put the TV on just to make it a bit more interesting. Once I have completed the program I will run with my sister outside (she's much fitter !) So I think however you do it its a fantastic achievement !
Hi there Ladylovesmilktray (teehee, only mentioned this old ad campaign a few days ago and hardly anyone remembered it! 
It's such a shame that all the old tab links have been lost with the redesign of this web page, as there were so many postings about road v treadmill ... and some called it the 'dreadmill'. 
Treadmill pluses: no weather probs, the running surface moves for you*, choice of inclines and programs - sometimes, air-conditioned environment
Treadmill minuses: sweaty smells, unchanging scenery, no real sense of going anywhere, boredom.
Road pluses: all weathers experienced, every possible surface to challenge one, real air with all that entails, ever-changing scenery, continued interest.
Road minuses: traffic/animal hazards, allergens to trigger hay fever and asthma, you have to master forward progress as the road stays where it is and you need to move on, all weathers experienced (it works both ways!)
There are undoubtedly more arguments for and against both - I'm sure you'll get loads of comments. *What I most recall from older postings is that folk who start on the treadmill have found it harder to move outside ... than vice versa - probably because of the non-moving feature of most pavements, fields, towpaths etc.
If your change is following illness, then I am sure you are doing the best thing for you! Perhaps you will consider running outside every so often when we get one of those lovely 'Indian summer' days anywhere between September and April? Anyway, glad that you are keeping the running going. All the best and stay well.
Cheers, Linda 
I started first time round on treadmill and then moved outside, and did not have any problems. Had to stop though to keen injury and am now back on the treadmill, as fearful that I don't want to be away from home in case my knee goes again. There are pros and cons to it, but I doubt I would be doing anything at all if I did not have the convenience of the treadmill at home. The biggest thing, is doing something instead of nothing. I do like the option that you can see how fast you are going, and keep setting myself small targets of knocking off a few seconds over a given distance, or going further in a given time - find treadmill data helps get me to the end. Keep gong however you feel best for you.
I used to run 5k three times a week on the treadmill and its no where near as challenging as running outside in my opinion. I think there are two main reasons for this. First, running outside means you navigate potholes, puddles, rough terrain and all those dodges and small movements work additional muscles whereas you have a smooth, homogenous run on a treadmill. Second, and probably most importantly, the treadmill does half the work for you. You put your foot down and the treadmill moves it back. In outdoor running you are physically propelling yourself forward, pushing the ground behind you. Therefore using far more energy. Obviously both are good for you, but outdoor running is a far better workout.
I started on the treadmill in February of this year. I ran almost exclusively on the treadmill throughout the entire program. My first actual 5k was scheduled for about 5 weeks after I completed C25K. To transition to the outside, I jumped back to week 5 in the program and began running a couple of times a week outside, supplemented with full runs on the treadmill once or twice a week. It took a few weeks until I was able to run the entire thing outside without stopping. I was most concerned about avoiding injury, because I really wanted to be ready for the 5K.
I still prefer running on the treadmill. I've found that I can avoid injury on the treadmill. I developed runner's knee running outside, which set me back a bit this summer. I also don't like running wet, or when it's too hot and humid, or when it's too cold. All those things become excuses for me.
A few weeks ago I started the C25K over again at week 3, this time picking up my pace quite a bit to improve my overall speed. I find the treadmill forces me to run more consistent, and I can really monitor my speed much more closely.
I like the treadmill. I have mine in the garage but it looks out to the garden so I get a view too. The garage is just a couple of degrees warmer than outside when it's cold and just a little cooler when it's warm ... and it hardly ever rains inside too
Having run regularly indoors and only occasionally outside I do think that the best outdoor run ALWAYS beats any indoor run. I can't do 5k as fast outdoors but I think it's as much to do with the fact that the treadmill sets the pace so you can target a time more easily.
I do think the treadmill is kinder to joints though ... last weekend one morning I looked out to a sunrise with a cloudless sky and an autumnal nip in the air so decided to head out rather than the garage. I really enjoyed it and ran a good pace, felt comfortable and completed 10k. Next day though my ankle was really complaining and I have been struggling to run/walk this week ... I'm putting it down to the roads rather than treadmill but could be something else I guess.
Personally I love the treadmill and find it alot easier to control my speed i run much faster and i am more likely to finish my run on a treadmill because i can see what i have done and keep saying to myself towards the end oh look you only have 5 mins left which keeps me going! Yes it gets rather tedious but i actually enjoy it also you dont get the burn in the back of your throat from the air which often stops me in my tracks and sends me back into the walmth and comfot of my treadmill.
Hiya I'm on week 7and use the treadmill all the time.im 62and not ventured outside yet.i feel that the treadmill is softer on joints.im finding the programme hard but get immense satisfaction out of it.I feel so much fitter.keep going and good luck.Bye the way I'm very slow.What speed do you go.
I walk at 3.5 miles and run at 4.5. Probably too fast but I seem to go with the music.
I've always run outside but I was at the gym the other day on the cross-trainer and thought I'd have a go at treadmill running... I'm not a fan to be honest. After 2 minutes I was bored and literally I wasn't getting anywhere. I find that if I'm out running and I want to stop, I spur myself to keep running so I can get home quicker; at the gym, I found it was just too easy for me to hop off and move along Well done thou !
Having done the whole 5k on the treadmill, I'm a fan for all the positives already mentioned. I vary things by putting on the tv loud so I can still listen to Laura in one ear! I will venture out on the road one day ( probably with a sack over me), but for now the treadmill spurs me on. I'm quite overweight and I'm sure thread soft treadmill has helped me to avoid injury
Hiya.I did have a laugh out Loud moment thinking of you running with a sack over your head.Good for you that you are running.I am a normal weight but feel self conscious myself and I also watch tell whilst running on treadmill.My doctor said it was a bit softer on the joints,and I broke my ankle falling on a dodgy pavement just over a year ago,so keep going x
I much prefer running outside, I do have a treadmill but would choose outside running to treadmill running every time, i only use the treadmill if the weather is terrible, i recently bought myself some thermal running gear for those crisp winter mornings, I am now doing the couch to 10k and think I would get bored stiff on a treadmill as I need more stimulation to keep me going.
Mixed bag it seems. Thanks everybody for your responses, I think I'll carry on using the treadmill for a while then try a short run out soon. Keep on running...... x
Without wanting to restate everything above, I do both treadmill and fresh air. Essentially, I go outside most of the year but there's no substitute for the comfort of running (or walking) indoors when it's cold and wet. Cold and wet seems to be refreshing for a lot of runners but it holds no attraction for me! So I agree with Linda - mix outdoors and 'mill as the conditions as the mood takes you.
Unlike most, I find themill harder than outdoors - 10km/hr on the mill feels unreasonably fast, yet I can comfortably run 11/12 outside. For the heat, I have mine next to a window, and for boredom, I have a widescreen TV at eye level right in front of the deck, plus recorder & DVD player for variety.
Ultimately, I just love the way I can fall out of bed, get into my T-shirt & shorts, nip downstairs and do a run on the 'mill. Then a quick shower before heading to work. Sure, I can (and do) do that outside when the weather is good. But on a dark, frosty January morning? Nah!
Running on a treadmill 
Week One Run Two done on a treadmill!!
Running on a treadmill
Treadmill running only
Running on a treadmill? 
