Week8 run2 done - but back on the treadmill...

[caro8642]

I just don't seem able to keep going outside as well as I can on a treadmill! Running outside, I have been really struggling to get past 20 minutes, but managed the 28 minutes for week 8 without too much difficulty this morning. I varied the speed, doing short spells (30 - 60 seconds) where I pushed the speed up and managed to alternate that with a steady pace for similar periods of time. Would love to complete the final week outside, but have not reached the mark on 4 outside runs so far. Going away this weekend to Norfolk, am packing the running gear, so will see if a different route entirely will make the difference. I will get to graduate soon........

[forrestg Graduate]

Hi Caro, I also am on w8, just about to do r2 this morning, the last run was the hardest I've had to do, I haven't felt that the runs have been getting increasingly difficult, as you would expect, but after week 5 there was a jump in level of activity.

After my first post n here,it was suggested I change my route, which did help keep things going. Hopefully your weekend away will help - change of scene etc.

I must say though,I prefer running outside, didn't think I would after spendining so much time on the trend.ill in the past, but rain or shine, I'm there..keep up Tue good work- I will be stood on the stage next to you on graduation day- lol! Cheers!

[LMS2110 Graduate]

Don't worry unduly, at least you're nearly at the end of the program, so good going. I too, like forrestg, have always preferred outside, whatever the weather. Some folk have posted on here that treadmill running probably doesn't train you quite as rigorously as the outside - after all, when on a treadmill the 'rubber road' is moved for you, and there are no changes in running surface - so I guess certain parts of your body don't get the same kind of workout as they'd get if outside on pavement or park. Eventually, I expect your stamina will optimise wherever you run, it's just that outside running chucks everything at you from day 1!

Hang in there and do what you enjoy most, however, I would encourage you to give the outside a few more goes - especially as some beautiful weather and sunny scenes are now on offer. You may find that you'll need more cushioned shoes for the outside, but eventually you should be able to run there ... It'll just take a wee bit longer as a few more bits of your anatomy will need to be honed for the purpose.

Enjoy running in Norfolk - lots of flat areas there - and good luck in the lead up to your graduation x

[ju-ju- Graduate]

You will get there, running outside is different, but keep pushing with the outdoor runs giving yourself some more realistic targets, and graduate on the treadmill...there is plenty of time to increase your outdoor runs, and the treadmill is useful for winter...Norfolk is good as its so flat, but just be realistic and aim for 20 minutes or less just to get a sense of achievement...great progress, well done!!

[Tintin501 Graduate]

I did the whole programme on the treadmill and then moved outside after graduation. I find the treadmill much harder as you can't ease up when you need to and the pace is relentless. Am enjoying outside running now and won't go back to treadmill but am glad I did the programme on it. You have to go with whatever is right for you at the time. Good luck!