confession time!

[Tiaralou]

So guys there I am on week 8 and I think I'd better get off this treadmill and venture outside especially as I want to start doing park runs in a few weeks...................... well it was a disaster the wind was making my eyes and nose run the pavement was bumpy and I was really struggling, so much so I only managed 21 minutes then jumped in the car and came home to finish on the treadmill feeling very low

Over the weekend I decided to repeat week 8 on the (now beloved) treadmill but increase speed and therefore distance to get me better prepared for those park runs - this morning was week 8 run 1 the 2nd and I really enjoyed it I did increase my speed and managed 3km which is further than I've run before so I'm all happy again

[dagshar Graduate]

Yes, running outdoors is hard as you have to contend with the elements! I always need to take a couple of tissues with me and gave gotten quite good at blowing my nose without losing rythm too much. I guess you could finish the programme on the treadmill first and then start doing slightly shorter runs outside and slowly build it up again. If you want to do park runs, the you'll need some outdoor training first, but the treadmill running should have got you well prepared.

[mfamilias Graduate]

You've never left the treadmill? Ever? I got thrown off it after five minutes and never tried again Well done for getting stuck in and doing it again. 3km is brilliant!

Looks like you picked the wrong day for running outside - try again when it's sunny, or at least there's no wind, but don't give up on the great outdoors because of one failed attempt! Find yourself a place to run where you're in the country, on the flat, where your eyes and nose can run to their delight without bumping into pedestrians (The ideal track also has George Clooney handing out bottles of water and encouraging you along the way too, but I guess we have to be realistic).

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

There is only one way to get used to running outdoors - and that is to run outdoors! Sure you have to learn to cope with the elements and other distractions but that makes it so much more interesting and varied.

Try wrap around sunglasses to give your eyes some protection from the wind. Choose a nice day and a flat route. You'll need to practice on different surfaces before going for parkrun - check out the course beforehand.

[AllieG Graduate]

Using a towelling wristband is a good idea, it's sounds a bit disgusting but I suffer from facial dribbles (eyes, nose) when I run. I cannot for the life of me co-ordinate getting out a tissue, sorting out my nose and put the tissue away again without losing my stride or bumping into someone/a tree/running into a dog (run without specs too, can JUST about see enough not to cause any major accidents/spot traffic!). They're good too if you get a bit sweaty! And they get chucked in the tub on a hot wash ready for next time

[Jase44 Graduate in reply to AllieG]

Lol your right there's nothing like snot and dribble to make a good run good and my sleeves are usually covered in both lol.

[runswithdogs Graduate]

21 minutes is great for a first outside run. Just consider it a run that requires different training and take the pressure off yourself. You could do two days of Laura on the treadmill to one day outside at whatever you can manage until they both are equally comfortable. You're doing great!

[Vixchile Graduate]

I agree with running with dogs, 21minutes is great for your first run outside. It is completely different than running on a treadmill, you have lots of great tips. With the treadmill try putting it on a setting where the incline changes automatically, this will help you when running outside. Secondly, just build up slowly running outside and don't be too hard on yourself, try 1km, 1.5km etc. going from treadmill to outside and as I found outside to treadmill is hard, it takes time to adjust. I still can't run more than 5km on the treadmill as I feel time stops, as others have said be prepared, go slow and enjoy the changing scenery!!

[Steve_L Graduate]

Apart from a couple of minutes when I had a gait analysis for running shoes before I started this lark, I've never run on a treadmill. I honestly couldn't imagine it now - I feel so incredibly alive when I run outside.

You may not have had a good experience with your first outdoor run, but honestly, you must persist with it or you'll miss out on so much. Be tough with yourself and brave it again. Be more careful about where you choose to run. Is there a park nearby with decent hard paths? That would be much easier for you - fewer obstructions, no traffic to worry about and easier footing.

I'd like to see a post in a couple of days telling us you had a good run outdoors!

[pinkangel16 Graduate]

Hey, the weather the past few days hasn't been great and running in the wind is a challenge for all of us.

I began just over a year ago and have only ever run outside - so that's 3 runs per week for about 45 weeks (take off a few weeks for holidays and sickness), so that's WOW = 135 runs all outdoors.

I would honestly recommend it - once you get used to it you'll never look back.

Good luck with the rest of your runs - you've done great so far - keep up the good work xx

[Hidden]

I started off on a treadmill and struggled to run outside At first, I even had to repeat a run several times before moving on now I rarely go on the treadmill. I love running outside but struggle when the wind is coming at you. Keep up the good running

[rmnsuk Graduate]

I did the whole of c25k on the treadmill, but long runs are BORING. I found running outside was great and parkrun is brilliant. The main thing is to watch your pace and don't run too hard especially during the first half. I haven't run in the rain yet, and the paths at my parkrun are perfect - so no bumps. The only time I had a problem was negotiating a couple of curbs at speed. Give it another go - choose a nice day, keep it slow, and you'll love it.

[Jase44 Graduate]

Running outdoors is hard as you have to run. where as a running machine just makes you lift your legs up and down. You don't have to physically move your body weight either. I hope your setting the incline to at least +1 to give you a semi realistic feel to running. Machine are ok for winter but they don't really give you the proper run feeling. There's nothing like snot wind rain sun and snow in your hair. Or the occasional throwing up at the side of the road lol. But well done anyway for getting this far so far J

[Tiaralou Graduate]

Thank you all for your supportive tips and comments I tried again last night and it was a slight improvement but it is so very different and difficult I'm going to start over and build up properly, Jase 44 is right on a treadmill you're just lifting your legs up and down so I'm back to week 1 tomorrow 😃👍😜😎

[Tiaralou Graduate]

Thank you all for your supportive comments and tips I did try again and still found it to be a struggle, not being a quitter I have decided to start from week 1 and do it all outside I'm sure Laura can get me to where I want to be which is someone who can do it and enjoys it 😃