Week 9,run 1,and I'm nearly there.I did not enjoy running 30mins and I can't believe I actually completed it?Will it get any easier.

[A1nsworth]

Ouch my legs ache.The problem for me is not my breathing except I have found out what it is like for salty sweat dripping in ones eyes(sorry about that).It is the leaden legs that is the problem.I find the mid section of the run the hardest.Think the boredom on treadmill doesn't help,but I do have a tv to watch?After I complete the programme I am going to try to get out,although many people say it is much harder.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Oh, A1nsworth, you have such fortitude, to spend the entire C25k plan on a Dreadmill! You have done wonderfully to reach this point, considering that you have not enjoyed it. Whatever your reason for not running outdoors, I think you are at the stage where you should hold your head up and run through the fresh outdoor air and count yourself a runner. Get those next two runs out of the way and get a badge next to your name, then, please, try running in the open air. It will feel different and you will have to compensate for that, but the feeling of being alive can not be matched on a machine indoors. You can take the pressure off after graduation, if you wish, and run for pleasure. Read JuicyJu's latest post to get the idea. Ok, we all know that she is from planet panther, but she encapsulates the sheer joy of being at one with the elements and the environment, that is nothing to do with treadmills.

Good luck with those last two runs. We are all rooting for you!

[A1nsworth Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Oh Thankyou so much.love you're post.I do live in a fairly trafficky area,but we do have a park.Massive amount of work is being done there with all pavements up,but will def get out there.I will complete this on the dreadmill and it will be done on schedule!i will post again when I complete,but in the meantime will read jucyju. X

[MrsMozzer Graduate]

I've never tried running on a treadmill, so I can't comment on whether it's harder or not (although when it's really icy I might have to resort to the treadmill rather than the poorly maintained streets where I live). Certainly it's tougher on your joints running on roads/pavements, there's wind resistance which you don't get in a gym, you get soaked when it rains and sunburned when its hot. You get strange looks from pedestrians and car drivers, have to watch out for cyclists taking up the pavement when there's a perfectly good cycle lane to use, dodge doggy poo and keep an eye open for uneven surfaces that can make you trip or slip.

I know that might not sound too appealing, but Iannoda is right. Like Juicyju says in her blog, there is something deeply enjoyable about being outside, even in the murky weather we're having now, and whether it's a pavement, cross country or park run, being out in the open and feeling free is a real pleasure. But at the end of the day, my aim now is just to run - no matter where or how - just because I can.

[A1nsworth Graduate in reply to MrsMozzer]

Will give it a try after this week.Certainly would be good to get fresh air.I relate to the going for a run because I can.never thought I could do it especially at my age.

[Aftabs Graduate]

I much prefer running outside, it is more challenging but much more interesting. Whenever I have used the treadmill I have got bored very quickly even though I am listening to something. I plan my longer runs to be one big loop so even if I get a bit demotivated on a 10 mile run I am so far from home I will have to keep going!

As to whether it will get easier it really depends on how you train, if you want to run further or faster then you will have to keep pushing yourself. However by doing that when you then run slower or a shorter distance it will be much easier. For example 2 months ago I ran a 5km in 25 minutes and was exhausted. Since then I have trained a lot and can now run 5km in 25 minutes but with about 75% effort. However trying to get a PB will always mean you will have to push yourself.

[A1nsworth Graduate in reply to Aftabs]

Im not interested in PBs.Just want to be fit and stay alive x

[annasee Graduate]

I love running outside and can't imagine being inside on a treadmill. I've never tried it, and can see the advantages in the snowy weather, but my job is indoors and completely sedentary, so I'm usually desparate to get out and get fresh air. The pavements are hard, but you do get used to it, and I really enjoy the change of scenery and seeing people walking with their dogs, and other runners pounding past me.I can admire their level of fitness without wishing to emulate it

[Kingo]

Well done

Try a headband

My next run is w9 r1

Today my w8 r3 was really tough legs felt like lead very quickly

I think leaving two days rather than just one to recover might be better for me

Just 3 more to go then I can get back on a Bike and ride for miles

[A1nsworth Graduate]

hi Thankyou.On week 9 I left 2days between each run and it was much better so give it a try.I also felt very leaden for day 1 and 2,but day 3 was a lot better and I actually enjoyed it,even though it was on the treadmill.Enjoy your final runs and keep posting.You have done fantastic and will join me to celebrate. X