Did it! From treadmill to the big outdoors.

[Irishprincess]

So, On Boxing Day I decided to take the plunge. I felt so jealous that many of you were running, I didn't think I had the time, but I just got up out of bed and did it!

Apart from the first 3 weeks I've done all of the programme on the treadmill. So, what did I discover?

1. Running outside is more sociable. I saw so many people, including 2 other runners, and everyone was in a Christmasy mood and said hello. In the gym I'm a bit of a ice maiden and just focus on the exercise. I don't go to chat!

2. I didn't sweat so much as I do in the gym. In fact it was pretty nippy when I first got out but I soon warmed up! Much nicer.

3. I am quite noisy! I wear ear plugs in the gym but ran "naked" outside and couldn't believe it was only little me making all that noise. But who cares?

4. I didn't find outside running harder or easier, just different. I took the pace very slowly and just enjoyed it.

5. I discovered a road that I didn't know existed (we've been in the area for 16 years!) and a very nice road too.

6. It was so great to measure my increased fitness. I ran the same road I did on the first run when I was so out of breath after 60 seconds. Yesterday I just glided down it and onto the next one... and the next one..! Loved it.

7. The air is much nicer than the gym. Not altogether fresh as there is quite a bit of traffic where I live, but definitely nicer than other people's sweat!

8. We use different muscles running outside than on a treadmill. Today my shins are a little sore but I'm sure this is to be expected. Nothing else hurts, including my knees, which are the reason I took to the treadmill in the first place. Whey hey!

So, all in all I really enjoyed the outside run. I didn't track how far (must drive it to measure) but did about 25 minutes. Could have gone further but need to ease my joints into it so will take it easy at first.

I plan to do 1 outside run a week, and the other 2 on the treadmill and then slowly increase the time outside. That's the plan!

I am so chuffed. Thanks to everyone who gave me advice. Here's to 2014!

[Jenwrenarm Graduate]

Well done princess! Sounds like you may be a convert! It's so different and you DO use different muscles etc on a treadmill (I think mine may be responsible for my hip injury actually) so be mindful of that. Happy outside running!

[Irishprincess Graduate in reply to Jenwrenarm]

Thank you. Yes I'm taking it very slowly, but at least I'm outside!

[Natalie01 Graduate]

Hi, try gp.mapometer.com to work out how far you went,it's really easy. Well done for tryi something new, running outside is great!

[Irishprincess Graduate in reply to Natalie01]

Oh thank you. I will check this. Don't think I got anywhere near my 5k but for now I don't care.

[Mummysaurus Graduate]

Well done it's always good to try something new and I am sure as the weather improves you will love being outside even more

[Hidden in reply to Mummysaurus]

Well done! I usually run on treadmill but as gym was shut boxing day (how dare they! lol), I decided to run outside - and really enjoyed it. Plan on doing more outdoor runs (as long as its not icy). Thing is, going to have buy outside running gear now.

[Irishprincess Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. Well done you too! How far did you go? I agree about the gear. Will have to invest in proper outside tops.

[Irishprincess Graduate in reply to Mummysaurus]

Thank you. Yes Really looking forward to the warmer weather.

[Irishprincess Graduate in reply to Mummysaurus]

Thank you. Yes Really looking forward to the warmer weather.

[lizziebeth57 Graduate]

Well done, and great to read your discoveries! I think they will be really helpful for other folk who are considering making the shift from gym to outdoors. Mixing it up sounds like a good plan for the moment, especially if you can choose a day when the weather is fine for the outside run. I've done all my running outside, partly because it's easier but mostly because I just love being outside. I feel more 'alive'.

[Irishprincess Graduate in reply to lizziebeth57]

Thank you. I'll still use the treadmill for intervals and icy weather! But I know what you mean about being outside.

[norun Graduate]

Fantastic! Well done. Here's to 2014.

[Irishprincess Graduate in reply to norun]

Thank you so much.

[Hidden]

Irishprinces - I ran 2.7 miles in 29 mins which is slower than my treadmill runs but its very hilly where I live

[Irishprincess Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Vonnyliz, my time was about the same but we'll build on the speed. It's hard to pace yourself after the treadmill, isn't it?

[Turtle525 Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

Yes its very hard to pace yourself...Today was my 1st day outside and it really discouraged me it was much harder than the tread but i got off the couch!

[AnnieF Graduate]

Well done, I agree with all your plus points about running outside. I am sometimes embarrassed about making a noise and so I try to quieten my breathing near people but really, who cares if they think you are peculiar, unfit, whatever. Here's to a good 2014 and outside runs!

[Irishprincess Graduate in reply to AnnieF]

Thank you AnnieF. My breathing wasn't too bad, it was my feet! Couldn't believe it was only me. I sounded like a baby elephant!

[lemondoodle]

I love running outside and am very luck to be able to run where I live rather than have to travel anywhere - I love the free convenience of it. So glad you have had such a positive experience of outside. A treadmill clearly has a positive place for many, particularly in winter,which is great, but I know it would send me bananas with boredom.

[Irishprincess Graduate in reply to lemondoodle]

I think my challenge will be finding runs without driving as it's just boring roads outside, but I guess that is the same for many people. I know what you mean about the boredom factor on the treadmill but I use it to test my mental stamina too!

[Hidden in reply to Irishprincess]

Irishprincess - I run a lot slower outside anyway. Recently had piriformis which hampered running and the various classes I do in the gym. Fortunately, sports physio sorted it for me.