Took it outside this morning....

[Shiane]

Having completed the programme on my treadmill already and having treated myself to a pair of running shoes this week, I decided last night to get up early and run/jog/walk outside. Up at 6.30am and out at 7. Working on the basis that I was planning to move down the road for 15 mins and then turn round and head for home. I live in the countryside and started down the road as planned. Down the road not too bad, had to do a bit of walking and every step was mild torture. Coming back it's all up hill and I walked the majority. Consequently can feel it in my hips and knees. It was really hard work and completely different to my treadmill. Not to be deterred I am going to try again in the park which has a loop of 6km and is all flat so should be a little easier.

Was definitely as bad as I thought and as scarey but I did it. Got to work on the plan again and when I get to the park I will see how much running I can do and work on a walk and run set until I can build it up to my treadmill achievements. Once again this could take a while......

[Hidden]

You've all the time in the world to get your outdoor running where you want it. Outdoors is good but treadmills do have their place for many reasons. Good luck with your outdoor runs and best wishes.

[danzargo Graduate]

I've never run a treadmill - except to do my gait analysis and that was only a few mins. I LOVE running outside, smelling, seeing and hearing nature all around me. It's so clean and fresh and delicious and if you can find a flat area, all the better. Do keep running outside cos it's getting warmer and more alluring as the leaves start to bud and the birds sing louder!

[Hidden]

Well done on giving it a go! I've done all my programme so far outside and I love it. I go to gym as well as doing C25K and use treadmill for short interval training and can go faster for short bursts. But anything over ten mins you can't beat being outside. Fresh air, lots of distractions, lovely weather at the minute, even the rain makes it refreshing. Go for it. Admittedly, flatter the better

[poppypug Graduate]

Hi Shiane, Well done ! There will be no stopping you now I do all my running outside, I did feel a bit self conscious at first to be honest, but now I don't give a rats bum Enjoy the rest of your running ! xx

[bestthingsinlife]

I run outside but I try to do runs where I don't have to cross roads (luckily we have some nice parts) and Norfolk is very flat!

[Shiane Graduate]

Thanks for the encouragement. I am beyond sore this morning my legs are aching all over and it's not a pretty sight.

Don't get this on the treadmill so am assuming its because of the change in surface etc.?

[Tintin501 Graduate]

I did all of C25k on treadmill too and only moved outside once I graduated. The advice I received on this forum was to go back to week 5 or 6 when I moved it outside and so I went back to week 6 - it was good advice and I am now up to week 9 again without too much difficulty so maybe you could carry on outside but go back to an earlier stage in the programme that suits you? I also ached after runs but this week for the first time it was ok so I think my body is adjusting to the different surface. Good luck!

[Shiane Graduate in reply to Tintin501]

Thanks. I was thinking of going back to a point in the weeks and starting and building back up. Although right now week one seems like a plan. Hoping the aching stops soon.

[mossy1 Graduate]

Hi Shiane. Just read your post and your story sounds very similar to my own. I did the programme on the treadmill mainly because it's not safe to run round here with earphones due to narrow roads and cars going too fast so you need to hear them to get out of the way. I also have a steep hill on the way out in both directions. Part of this adjustment, I think, is because the treadmill paces us once we set the speed but this is different once you are out there finding your own speed and there is a tendency to go off too fast.

I found my first run out very hard and walked for a couple of minutes on the way out uphill and the same on the way back uphill. For my next run I did the C25k stamina on the treadmill then the next time went out again and although it was hard I managed to run just over 5k out and back. I think it takes time to adjust and your idea of running on the flat is good. I have also tried some of the earlier weeks eg wk 6 programmes again but doing them faster. Good luck with your runs.

[Shiane Graduate in reply to mossy1]

I am almost recovered in the leg department. Did some light walking on the tmill on sat and today. Finding pace is difficult and I think I was trying to be too quick. I need to go back to the waddle pace and take it from there.

That will be around week 3 then....