Treadmill

[SunnyAnnie]

I'm running on the treadmill at the (air conditioned) gym at the moment because it's so hot. I'm repeating week 6 because I failed week 6 day 3 (sob!) so try, try again. Anyone got experience of going back to running outdoors after the treadmill? Will it feel harder? If I can do it on the treadmill, does that automatically mean I can do it outdoors too?

[GettingFitter Graduate]

Hi I did most of C25K on a treadmill and as expected found it hard going outdoors. Think if you have a nice flat course you will probably be about the same as on the treadmill but where I am the hills definitely make it harder. I also went over my ankle outdoors which I have never done on a treamill. Just take it easy when you venture out again.A lot of people finr w6r3 tough and repeat other weeks as well. Just chalk it up as a bad run and get back out there. A bad run still surpasses lots of people sitting on couches. Good Luck

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Well done in getting to this stage. You did not fail. You're not allowed to use that word here! Don't fret about repeating runs. Lots of people do and there's nothing wrong with it. We each have our own pace and we have to find it!

I did most of the programme on a treadmill and found the transition to outside different, not harder or easier. I took advice from people here and went very slowly outside until I felt more comfortable about pacing. I think many people go too fast when they venture outside because, of course, on the treadmill the pace is set and you don't have to think about it!

If you can, I would suggest mixing indoor and outside. That way your body can get used to running outside gradually and it won't be such a shock!

All the best. Keep us posted.

[BethC Graduate]

Hi. I did all of C25K in a gym on a treadmill. Then started running outside. I found the change hard. At first I couldn't run for very long outside (pacing problems) but now I am back up to 30 mins (actually 40 this week) but I am much slower outside. 5 more mins needed to run 5k. (I graduated about a month ago). This could just be me though!! I am a bit odd like that.

Well done on getting this far and don't worry about repeating a week. Lots of us did it.

Happy Running.

[GettingFitter Graduate in reply to BethC]

I find there is more to think about outside so I am a bit slower. Like how to avoid tree roots, dogs, bikes etc. My PBs for 1k, 1miles, 5k, 3 miles are also a little slower but that just gives me something to work at.

[paul2014 Graduate]

I did all my c25k on a treadmill and now run outside. I didn't find it 'harder' it's just 'different'. There really shouldn't be any reason why you'll find it harder except for hills and high winds. You can also use the incline facility on the treadmill to help prepare for that. Don't forget, running on a treadmill does have some advantages over running outdoors and you'll find a lot of top athletes combined using a treadmill and running outdoors. Good luck