Well that answers that question then...

[Hennith]

I wanted to do a 'different' run today. It would be my first run since graduating and I just wanted to mix things up a bit to keep it fresh. I have been wondering lately what it's like running on a treadmill, so thought I'd repeat W9R3 at the gym and compare the two.

I didn't get on with it at all. In fact, I couldn't run! It was really odd, I didn't feel I had any control over what I was doing. I just couldn't tell how fast I was going. I think it was not having a reference point, nothing there to gauge if I was passing it quickly or slowly. Hard to explain, but suffice to say I ended up not running (apart from a few short bursts) but very briskly walking 5K instead.

So, now I know. It may be cold but if I'm going to carry on with this running lark I'll need to do it outside. It will be prettier, cheaper and probably better for me too. Better hope Santa brings me some extra layers for Christmas I think!

[NewlifeLil Graduate]

Funny, when I went into a sports shop to get my gait analyzed, the lady commented that some people couldn't run on treadmills - and i couldn't!

My sister says she only can if she holds on to the bars at the side (not all treadmills have them).

But outside is fresher, ever-changing, and cheap!

[Oldgirl Graduate]

Me neither, it took me a couple of weeks to get to grips with the 'Dreadmill' and we have wonderful super duper new style at my gym. I found it was easier to gain speed very gradually and only move up the speed slowly. I set it on a slight incline too. After having mastered the darn thing I still found it brain numbingly boring. Suffice to say I only use a dreadmill as a last resort. I have been know to put snow spikes on over old trainers to run outside in the snow as a preference to getting on the darn things. Other problem I found was getting back off, I felt as if I had been at sea for months on end and staggered about, I'm sure other gym members thought I had gin or vodka in my water bottle!! I have managed to solve this problem you'll be pleased to know and that is to slow down very gradually and walk for about 5 minutes getting slower in the last couple of minutes. There are many on this site who swear by them but I'm sorry to say I'm not one of those runners

[Rockette in reply to Oldgirl]

I've only ever walked on them , increasing the incline , & I was same as you when I got off , it's horrible

[misswobble Graduate]

I have only ever run outside and never done a gym in my life. I can't afford it! I love the great outdoors and you can find a new run every time you go outside. I've found places close to home that I never knew existed! I

[annasee Graduate]

I like outdoors too. Never been to a gym. When i went out yesterday morning, I looked up at the sky & saw a massive flock of birds wheeling around in the sky, just as it was getting light. It was wonderful and suddenly I was really glad I'd made the effort to get outside at that hour!

[Floe Graduate]

Thanks for the post.

Personally I'm fine with both. 'Horses for courses' But I feel dizzy for a minute or two when I stop running (outside)? Of course won't stop me but a strange sensation.

[Hidden]

I struggle to run on the treadmill too! Glad to hear that I'm not the only one who feels incompetent!!