Treadmill to outdoors

[Morven-]

I've just signed up to do Race for Life in a couple of weeks, but so far I've only ever run on the treadmill. Any suggestions for moving to more outdoor running prior to the event or do you think it would be okay to run outdoors for the first time on the day of the race? I'm on W5R2.

Thanks

[harveyemm Graduate]

Hi there, Good luck with your race.

I run on both the treadmill and outdoors. I think it is best you try a few runs outdoors before you do the race.  The main difference I find is that I run faster outdoors which might be a bit tiring if you are not used to the pace.

I think a couple of easy slow runs outdoors are the way to go--just to get a feel of things. Keep the runs short and see how you find it.

[Morven- in reply to harveyemm]

Thanks! I think I might do W5R3 outdoors on Friday to see how it feels.

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I did some of my running around weeks 3 and 4 on the treadmill and thought it was really easy...then I went outdoors again and found that so much tougher. I have since stuck to outdoor running as, for me, I think I had more hang-ups about running outside. I remember doing a run that I found easy on the treadmill and repeating it outside and thinking wow that was so hard! I think it's different for everyone though but would definitely recommend doing at least some of your training outside so you get a feel for running the distance. Best wishes

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Running outdoors does a very different feel to that if a treadmill, from what others have said a difficult transition 

Difinitely worth doing a few very gentle runs out doors before  your race for life to get the feel.

Good luck with all your runs ☺

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Gentle runs as everyone says.. steady and slowly.

It's a big wide world out there and it is wonderful! 

" if you want an adventure... step outside"