Why can't I do this :(

[weg60]

All posts I read seem to all manage with epic results so why can't i can run for 20 minutes on treadmill but not outside gave it up 2 years ago but have decided not gonna let it defeat me so have now done day 3 week 1 on c25k . Any tips gratefully accepted xxx

[the_tea_fairy Graduate]

I think avoid the treadmill and see that as a different thing: it is. Running outside is harder, but infinitely more rewarding (views, fresh air, people watching, you can bring friends and dogs with you etc etc). And start SLOW!

[weg60 in reply to the_tea_fairy]

Haha I did run with my dog but he used to stop dead in his tracks to sniff x but I will take it slow ty

[the_tea_fairy Graduate in reply to weg60]

If he's obedient ditch the lead and keep away from roads and you'll soon get used to each other's running style.

I did 7 miles with my parents' dog yesterday And we both had a lovely time. I plodded, he sprinted and stopped to sniff and sprinted and stopped to sniff. We kept in eyesight/shouting distance of each other and it was great.

[Megzig Graduate]

I used to run on the treadmill as I found it easier - your speed & gradient are regulated for you. The difficulty with running outside is that you have to regulate yourself. The best advice would be to take it slowly and gradually build up your stamina. Don't worry about repeating runs or indeed weeks until you feel you are managing the run. Although the programme lasts for 9 weeks it doesn't matter how long it takes, the aim is to get you running comfortably.

[weg60 in reply to Megzig]

Probably will take me longer than 9 weeks but hey ho

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to Megzig]

Isn't learning to run all about learning to regulate yourself?

[jules50 Graduate]

I seem to be stuck on week 6 so dont beat yourself up! I had to repeat week 6 run 2 and managed it but did run 3 today and couldn't do the 25 mins none stop so felt a bit defeated but i will just keep repeating it until i do it. Keep going and dont give up!

[weg60 in reply to jules50]

Well that's encouraging I will just keep plodding on thanks for replies x

[Tryrun Graduate]

After getting to week 7 on the treadmill last year, I tried to run outside and couldn't. After an injury lay off of some weeks I then went back to week 3..outside. It was so , so tough, but I graduated (outside) . Slow down, maybe go back a week or several, you WILL do it !

[Anniemurph Graduate]

What is it about running outside that you can't do? I find running on treadmills very difficult (I don't feel safe) so I might not be able to translate from one to t'other, but I'm guessing that the treadmill is very regular and that outside isn't? So to start with, can you find as flat and as regular a place to run as you can? Even pavements are uneven, so if there's a nice long footpath in a park for example, that might help. Then, as others have said, take it nice and slowly. Use a watch (any watch if you don't have one with a stopwatch function) and run for three minutes, then walk for a little while. Then another three etc. Next time out, do a bit more - run for four minute intervals. And build it up that way. Distract yourself by looking at the scenery. You can do it, and when you can your options are much greater than being limited to the gym. Happy running!

[Agentmay Graduate]

Another tip is when I do have to use the treadmill rather than outside I make sure it's set at an incline, even if it's just the first one as long as it's not running flat.

[ktsok Graduate]

I haven’t been a treadmill much at all, so can’t comment on the difference, but one of the hardest things I have found about running is pacing myself. I have a tendency to go too fast at the beginning, even when I think I am going slowly, then running out of steam. Not only that, but the wind, inclines, different terrains mean that the same ‘pace’ requires vastly different effort levels. Or, the same effort on a hill as a flat might result in a vastly different pace. Plus your body position changes a little as you hit cambers and hills. I have a visual of a golfer hitting shots at a driving range compared to the same golfer hitting the ball well below his feet, or above them. If you aren’t a golfer that probably won’t work for you! Anyway. Slowing right down and taking it really easy is probably the way forward, build up your ‘outside’ endurance just the way you did the other runs. It really helped me to let my breathing dictate my pace, slowing down, and down, and down, as required, until I could relax and breathe easily. It will come quickly to you I am sure, and it is so worth it - imagine running by the side of a lake, through woods, out your front door... 🙂