Hi all, I have just done my 1st week 7, 25 minute run and feel quite chuffed ;)

[simon_i]

But is it time to venture outside? so far I have only run indoors on the running machine.

[simon_i]

Haha Kitty

[Alaiyo Graduate]

Running outside is great. Lots more interesting than being on the treadmill. If you are able to find a pretty area (a park perhaps?) so much the better. You'll be amazed at how the time goes when you have something to look at, when you can feel the breeze and the warm sun, smell the flowers, and generally get out and about.

Sometimes people find their pace a little slower outside. That's normal and nothing to worry about. It's extra work to navigate even small changes in pitch (slanting sidewalks, driveways, or even hills) so if your pace is any slower, it is just compensating for that. You will be getting even more benefit physically from running outside, whether your pace slows or not (because you are training more stabilizing muscles, teaching yourself pacing without the computer doing it for you, and getting the general health benefits associated with natural light, air and so on.)

You'll be great! I encourage you to go!

[simon_i in reply to Alaiyo]

Thank you Alaiyo, A very inspirational read x

[no-excuse Graduate]

Oh definitely, get out if you can. I do the treadmill when I really have to because of weather but I prefer being out. Its good to mix it up a bit I reckon. As Alaiyo says, to feel the breeze and smell the flowers is wonderful. I love the rain too, embrace it!

[Hidden]

As it now spring I can see no reason for not running outside. Good luck and best wishes.

[runner56 Graduate]

Yes. Get outside.

I was a dedicated treadmill runner and did over 10k at one time.

Running outside is soooooo much better!!!

I would caution you not to expect to replicate the time. It is more difficult outside but much more rewarding.

Go for it!!!

[Hennith Graduate]

Yes, get out there, especially as you now have eight similar runs ahead of you which could get very tedious on the treadmill. There's always something new to look at when you're outside...

[nextjenn Graduate]

Get out there!! Treadmills are boring, outside is much more fun, puddles, fresh air, bit of sun, people to nosey at etc etc. You will much prefer it