Well that was interesting. Warmed up by walking down the hill to the railway line/cycle track/footpath to town and set off at what I thought was my normal pace BUT after less than a minute, it wasn't feeling right. Slowed right down to a walk and tried to analyse what was wrong: too fast, too slow, backpack bouncing and throwing me off balance, ground too hard? Finally came to the conclusion that it just wasn't to be.
Undaunted, continued to the leisure centre that was to be my ultimate destination anyway for some strength work and went straight to the treadmill and set out to prove I can still run. And run I did. 4km in just under 38 minutes!
Any ideas why the outdoor adventure was so disastrous?
Written by
stewieUK
Graduate
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Good thinking! I did think I'd make it from Howe Road to East Town Park and back so perhaps the expectation was too high. Might even try week 1 tomorrow since I'm on a high from completing 4km indoors.
Do you use any kind of tech to keep an eye on your pace ? If I don't I can absolutely guarantee I'll set out too fast (even though it feels like 'normal' pace) and then wonder why I can't manage to last very long. Happens every single time !
Was lovely weather for me at Parkrun this morning. So great to get outside in the good weather..however you didn't give it long on the road being only 1 minute, the first 5-10 mins are hard anyway. You have to build up a wee bit and take it easy when transferring from treadmill to road,the treadmill is flat and, even with an incline, doesn't give your muscles the same variability or challenge that you'd get outside.
Agree with Dave, Stewie the first 5 to 10 mins outside are hardwork, you HAVE to start very slowly, but push on slowly and once your body realises it needs to pump more oxygen into your bloodstream, it begins to get easier.
Running outside is great fun, your speed probably goes up and down as you tackle the terrain (curbs, holes, people) so its different to the treadmill so next time lower your expectations and give it another go...😊
Never a disastour Stewie - just one of those days that hover between a 'practice' run and a I-just-don't-want-to-run-any-further-so-THERE! episode. We are humans after all - not mechanised foot sloggers I'm about to change my runs drastically by taking in hills - for sure I am expecting it to be totally different and I'm not anticipating covering distance or time like I am used to on my almost-dead-flat Park laps.
Different environment, different results, different learning curve. You'll be fine
No, none at all. These things happen. Laura says so and that there is no rhyme or reason for it, so don't worry it happens to us all. What was the backpack for as a matter of interest?
Probably over confident but the great idea was to run to the gym (the long way ) and then do the weight work etc followed by a shower and change. The backpack had my towel and stuff. Won't be doing that again!
Try going for a run without the backpack and be prepared for the first 10 min to be a battle against the gremlins. Run slowly and focus on some thoughts to take your mind off the running. When your body has adjusted to meet your increased oxygen demands it should be straight forward. You can always speed up at the end if you want to but keep it slow to start with.
I've never run on a treadmill as I find the idea of it a bit intimidating. It is just a matter of what you're used to. I am sure the next run will be fine.
Running outside is the dogs wotsits ,make no mistake about that 😊 The variety is just unending, so don't write it off on the first attempt and head off back to the gym as there's not where it's at 😊
Outside is just exhilarating but you just have to put yourself out there. Dip your toe in as soon as poss. We'll go with you 😆
I suspect it's all about pace. The treadmill determines that for you and you get a smooth even steady run. With outside running you have to watch where your feet are going and find your own pace. As others have said, it often takes the first 5 minutes or so to settle down so I suggest you just give it another try and stick with it a bit longer. Just go for a short no pressure run first and build up from there - it's so worth it. Nothing beats running outside!
I do think it's about the treadmill "pace being set by the machine" and not my legs doing as they want. I've used the mirror in the gym to ensure my technique, footfall, no bounce etc. is OK but I've tried running outside a couple of times since this post and it all goes to ratsh1te! Legs go at their own pace, stride length is either too long or too short. Mostly though I think it's in my head - I will beat it!
Again, no failures I would probably get the same result if I tried to run on a Treadmill. It's just a whole other kind of thing Instead of fail - it's 'experiment and learn'
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I'm about to change my runs drastically by taking in hills - for sure I am expecting it to be totally different and I'm not anticipating covering distance or time like I am used to on my almost-dead-flat Park laps. 
Week 6 Day 2......anti-climax! 
7.2km fast asics run
The great outdoors! I did it!! 
Graduation run and a 5km under my belt - pinch me!!!
Failed Run
