Treadmill running

[AH4567]

Does anyone doing the C25K only run on the treadmill? I do, I'm on week 8 run 2 which totals 4.5 k. I don't think I could run outside as I cant seem to pace myself like I can on the treadmill and therefore get puffed out too soon.

[Vixchile Graduate]

Many moons ago i loved the gym and could not run outside for toffee. Then i got out of shape etc and started c25k, i now love running outside. Give it a go you might change your mind, just start out slow and then slow it down some more and slow it down even more. Its tough on the body but i feel that is so much more rewarding, i like the changing view etc. When i ran in the UK what i didn't like was the wind but loved seeing the birds and other wildlife out.

[useitorloseit Graduate]

I think lots of people do the whole programme on the treadmill, then when they get outside it's like starting all over again. You've got to do what works best for you, but I would think 30 mins 3x per week on a treadmill would be really boring, unless they've got good movies to watch at your gym!

[LucyR62 Graduate]

I'm doing C25K on my treadmill. Tomorrow morning I will be doing week 7, run 3. At the moment, whilst it's raining and windy, this suits me fine. My plan is to start running outside when I've completed the programme. I'm sure it will completely different, but I'm looking forward to another challenge.

[Toonlou24 Graduate]

Hi. I did the whole of c25k on the treadmill and eventually ventured outdoors yesterday for first time ever! I posted about it. I found it really hard at first. Couldn't get my pace right at all but kris trying and eventually it clicked. I have some aches in places I didnt know could ache today mind!!

[Toonlou24 Graduate]

Ooops hadn't finished!!! That's supposed to say kept trying!! Anyway I did enjoy it and am hoping to do a mixture of both. Good luck with it. Do what you are happy with.

[LadyLaois]

Hi. I'm on week 7 and have completed the majority of my runs on the treadmill. I find it much easier than running outside. Surely running is running whether you do it inside or outside?

I love running on the treadmill as I try and better my pace each time. Sometimes I do have to take it a little easier as I suffer with sore ankles.

Do what's best for you. It's better than sitting on the sofa xxx

[Hidden]

Running is running...

They are very different things though and I now (due to work) do a combination of indoor and outdoor running... What I've found:

1) Treadmills are great for constant pacing - this is VERY different to being able to pace yourself outside.

2) Treadmills are a bit easier on the joints in my experience

3) I get REALLY hot and sweaty without the benefit of the wind in my face!

4) When it's dark and wet outside sometimes indoor running is just simply safer and more comfortable

5) I prefer to be outside... there's something about it I just feed off...

Importantly, running is running... it's all great for cardio fitness...

Indoors or outdoors - just enjoy it!

[AH4567]

Thank you for all your comments, I run on the treadmill for convenience, I have it at home as between working and 3 children and my husband works till late, I don't find I have the time so having it at home, I don't have to worry about childcare. My only concern was that if I decided to enter a 5k race, would I be able to cope with it?

[helingmic]

AH4567. You're doing very well. I've just started on the static bike at the gym. I suffer with bronchiectasis and coldn't run in the rain and wind without damaging my health. I think the gym offers a perfect alternative. YOu can push yourself gently. No need to force yourself, because that wasn't the point of the programme. The point was to set people who had never done any movement to start something that would benefit their health. Keept ot up. I also notice that you have graduated. Well done!

[Mamma_Mia Graduate]

Hi AH - I started C25k outside and ventured inside when it was too dark to be able to run safely outside. I started inside on week 4 and graduated a few weeks ago all on the treadmill.

Some of the replies you've already had mirror my thoughts so I won't repeat them but like Aussie says, running is running - it's still the set time/distance you're doing. The only thing I would suggest is that if you want to enter a 5km race you might want to add in some outside runs, or trying with adding incline on the treadmill. I think someone has mentioned on the forum before that 5% is like running on grass and 10% is like running on tarmac.

Hope this helps.

[Dolphin12 Graduate]

Hi there fellow runner. I have done my whole running on a treadmill and I still run on a treadmill. I bought a fancy one which I can choose where to run . For example yesterday I ran round the Colosseum and my treadmill changed gradients as if I were actually there! Sunday I rank 4.5k round Central Park and tomorrow I shall be running in New Zealand. I don't want to run outside because I want really enjoy my treadmill running. I am currently 35 minutes 2.8k @5.k per h. And Sundays I run for 50 minutes. Eventually I will get my 5k under 30 minutes but for now I am really enjoying pushing the clock, changing my speeds and seeing how I do. I have never run before until I found C25k and I got really emotional when I completed it. I never thought I would say this but I love my running no matter how fast, slow, long or short I do - and I don't have worry about being too hot, cold, traffic, other people staring. It's in my garage so I still have the temperatures when I step outside my front door at 5.30am but I'm safe and can focus on the exercise in hand.

Long winded of saying do what feels right - there is only running