Treadmill v. Outside: I've only ever run on a... - Couch to 5K

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Treadmill v. Outside

Sarah1703 profile image
10 Replies

I've only ever run on a treadmill in the gym so far, mainly because it's warm, dry and lit during the winter months. But I fancy venturing outside and maybe over the Christmas break will be a good time to experiment a bit.

For me, one good feature of the treadmill is that it very easy to set my pace and not end up going too fast or too slow. How do you manage that outside? I guess it comes with experience, but any tips for keeping a regular pace going?

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Sarah1703 profile image
Sarah1703
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10 Replies
roseabi profile image
roseabi

It does come with experience, but all the running apps for smartphones will show you your pace, so you can use the info to speed up or slow down as necessary. The data will help you learn to sense your pace, particularly if you keep a record of how you felt during each run (the apps have this facility).

If you get one of those fancy running watches it's particularly easy to keep checking as you go :)

Qscout profile image
QscoutGraduate

When outside I run to what is comfortable, if I start struggling I slow done, feel comfortable may speed up. I do track my runs using a tracking app, however, tend not to look at it until the end. Though I have to admit I do listen to the pacings in events so I can see how I am doing.

After a few runs outside you will soon get a feel as to what is your comfortable pace. Anyone I have spoken to soon find a pace for them. Often getting out of this pace is a bigger problem than keeping a regular pace.

My advice, go for a run outside, see how you get on, enjoy having the wind in your face, the sound of birds and wildlife as you run past. Don't worry at all about your pace just enjoy the freedom.

Ullyrunner profile image
UllyrunnerGraduate

Do it! Running outside is the best. The temptation is to go off too fast, so have that in mind. You actually do need to vary your pace to cope with obstacles and inclines and need to watch where you are treading. Just take it nice and slow and enjoy the scenery!

Tomas profile image
TomasGraduate

As others have said, you'll find the "right" pace very quickly. Don't worry about it. And you'll probably find that it's far more interesting to run outdoors, and the time tends to pass far more quickly.

That said, a treadmill also has its uses when the weather is really horrible.

Razouski profile image
Razouski

I started my C25K in the gym on a treadmill, and thought I would hate running outside. First run outside was to accompany one of my daughters and then I was hooked. Even in the cold I'd rather be outside, but I've been lucky and have only scheduled one run which coincided with rainy weather. If it's too wet I shall probably resort to the treadmill again.

It's certainly much more interesting and no two runs are ever the same. Give it a go and see how you feel.

The very best thing to do is to find someone to run with. If you can run and chat at the same time your pace is perfect. (.....and its good fun !)

Sarah1703 profile image
Sarah1703 in reply to

That's a great idea, although I think running at the same time as holding a conversation might be a bit beyond me right now :-)

in reply to Sarah1703

That's the whole point, you need to be going at a speed you CAN talk at. If you can't you're going too fast (unless you're actually racing...) It's nice outside, honestly !

tortoisegirl profile image
tortoisegirlGraduate

Running outside is great. Sometimes it is good to just enjoy the running, and not worry about the pace.

Flossie22 profile image
Flossie22Graduate

I don't know whether keeping a regular pace is so important. Funnily enough running outside is much easier, in my opinion. If you feel the need to go a little slower you do, and if you feel the urge to speed up, you do. There's no dashboard to tell you your speed or lack thereof. But there are a myriad of things to see, hear, experience. Birds, beasts, flora and fauna, changes in temperature, weather, colours of the sky, clouds, running through puddles or dodging them, you are going to love it! 😀🏃🏻🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏻🏃🏼‍♀️

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