From the dreadmill to the great outdoors

[Krupskaya]

I've been following the programme on the treadmill at the gym because of my dodgy joints. But this morning the weather was so beautiful - a clear blue sky and cold but crisp - so I set off for w7r3 along the seafront. The view around Swansea bay was wonderful and I absolutely loved my run. It was just SO different to the treadmill - instead of stressful, relaxing and exhilarating by turns. I'm won over - I can't go back to the treadmill now I've seen the light! There were a few other runners out and we smiled and acknowledged each other as we passed - it made me feel like a proper runner lol. My joints aren't complaining at all and I've got good shoes so fingers crossed if I take my rest days as I'm supposed to I can keep going outside. Keep everything crossed for me lovely people!

[MarkyD Graduate]

I'm sure that your post will inspire everyone to go and run outside. Sounds like you had a wonderful experience. Now you know why we all love it too and so pleased that you now feel like a proper runner.

And now that you've run 25 minutes four times (I think W6r3 is 25 minutes too) you'll be feeling confident about graduating. Good luck!

[Krupskaya Graduate in reply to MarkyD]

Thanks Marky. I can't get over how different it was - I felt positively serene afterwards! I suppose it helped that it was such a beautiful morning. The way I'm feeling about it now though I'd be prepared to run in the rain rather than go back to the stinky old treadmill.

[GettingFitter Graduate]

Everything crossed for you. Sounds like a beautiful run.

[Irishprincess Graduate]

That sounds like a beautiful run. And a perfect day for making the transition. Happy days!

[Krupskaya Graduate]

Thnk you Irish Princess and Gettingfitter - it was indeed lovely out there today. I can't be stuck in the gym when there are beautiful views like that to enjoy.

[Coddfish Graduate]

I started off doing a mixture of outdoor and treadmill runs, generally 2 outdoor and 1 at the gym each week. I don't have any particular joint problems, but I felt I would get a sense of progress by tracking distance and speed on the treadmill - plus there has been the odd day when the weather was so foul it made sense anyway. I have generally enjoyed outdoor runs so much more, so different to enjoy the light, the views and even a bit of sun. Like you I am by the sea (Southsea in my case), and it's amazing how lovely it can be first thing in the morning even if the day turns foul. I run on tarmac paths and paved promenades, it's all quite flat and easy. Apart from planning around the wind, I think the only thing to be careful of is going off too fast at the beginning. I use run keeper to track distance and pace, I start it after the warm up and stretches, so I am measuring only the running part and therefore seeing real progress. I am now on W9 and probably won't use the gym now other than for weather reasons. Good luck.

[Zev1963 Graduate]

I'm glad you found outdoor running enjoyable, and that your joints havnt suffered. Running outside can be so enjoyable and uplifting. I run early in the morning 5h00 when it's still dark here during the week, then at the weekend I run during daytime. But I'd rather run outside in the dark than on a treadmill. looking forward to spring arriving though so my morning runs will be in daylight

Happy Running