Running on a treadmill

[fiorobbo]

Hi I am a new to running 56 years old and at the moment happier to run on a treadmill at home rather than venture out on my own. Anyone else do this? I may go out once I have more confidence have just completed wk2run2 and enjoying it.

[lynnepaul Graduate]

I am just about to complete week 9 and have done it all on a treadmill. I am finding it a bit boring and intend to road run next week although I suspect that, as a 68 year old with arthritis, I may find the impact a bit much. I am also a little nervous of making an idiot of myself. I still intend to keep up using the treadmill as I have lost half a stone since I started. Keep going, it's well worth it.

[fiorobbo in reply to lynnepaul]

Thank you for your reply lynnepaul. Well done on your running to week 9 and losing a half stone. I like the treadmill and think it is helping me to focus on achieving my runs without the anxiety of running on my own. Will hopefully get to road running at some point!

[no-excuse Graduate]

Well done for starting! I did a bit on the treadmill at the beginning when the weather was bad but much prefer to get outside. I actually find it easier outside too. Maybe because there is bit more going onand it can distract me when the gremlins want me to stop running. Whatever way you do it just carry on enjoying yourself and stick with it. You can always mix things up a bit when you feel more confident x

[Keep_on_going Graduate]

I like using the treadmill. I have one at home. It's convenient for me at the moment.

[hopelessCause]

Quite a number of people do this. It seems to have pros and cons. But something to consider is that, if you later want to switch to running outdoors, and that would be great!, you will probably struggle as it's harder to run when the ground beneath you isn't being moved by a machine.

I'm amazed that anyone can run on a treadmill - I could barely walk on one!

But hey - getting your fitness and strength up indoors is fine if you're scared to venture out although this programme increases your confidence really quickly and loads of people were petrified of getting out there and doing this weird thing.

I'm 51, I have arthritis and agoraphobia and I have been extremely sedentary for some months, never ran, always hated it and I struggle with the runs but I already feel better about going out there and doing it and the massive high I get when I nail a run is worth every second of discomfort. So, if you want to give it a try, there will be tons of support for you - both here and, especially on the Facebook group.

Well done for starting to run!

[misswobble Graduate]

I never understand a machine to run on. I just don't get it. 😊

Running outdoors is just the best and has more positives than a little ☺ i would deffo hit the trail

[jenman1 Graduate]

Hi am am the same age, and will be doing my final C25K in the morning, I hated running outside at first, but took the bull by the horns and did it. I found a local field for the first couple of weeks,( the cows looked at me) and had to watch out for the cowpats! My daughter told me about a cycle track just a mile from my house, due to being no pavements and very rural I drive to the near the trail, use the 5 minute warm up with laura to walk from my car over a couple of fields and over a turnstile to the trail.

Running along the cycle trail has been really enjoyable, I see a few cyclists, runners and lots of dog walkers, but I got over my awkwardness about being seen in public running. Thinking of giving it all in the morning and running along the sea front, where I will be on show for all. Just hope I dint make a tit of myself!

[hopelessCause in reply to jenman1]

Wow - where there's a will, there's usually a way. Cows think everybody's weird. I love cows - they're such under-appreciated animals. I actually started this running lark in Holland a couple of months ago by walking every second day looking for cows! The cows I normally visit when I'm over there have been moved to another field and I never did manage to find it.

[rmnsuk Graduate]

I did c25k on the treadmill. The main problem is boredom on the long runs, but made up for by the control you have on the walk/run sessions. Recently I've tried outside and it's far less boring, but dogs (and bikes) make it annoying. Apparentluy it's harder on the joints too.

Running outside is slightly harder due to wind resistance, so set an incline to 0.5 - 1% to compensate.

[fiorobbo]

Thank you so much for all your responses, really helpful.

[Toonlou24 Graduate]

Hi. I did whole of c25k on the treadmill then when I felt brave enough went outside. Was hard at first to pace myself but once I got it and slowed right down I loved it. Try out doors. You'll be amazed!!!!