Treadmill v outside.

Well yesterday I completed my W5R3. However as the weather was Windy! Wet! and Wild! I decided to go on my treadmill which I do use for such weather. I ran for twenty minutes at speeds of 6.3 6.5 and the last 5minutes at 6.9 . I did have an incline of 0.5 percent. I shall try this again next week outside and I see how I do! and I very much doubt it will be as easy. Advice from anyone will be gratefully received! 😀😀

[Now-runner_NeedsAttn Graduate]

That sounds like quite a quick pace (I don't run on a treadmill) but if you were able to crank it up for the last 5 minutes then it must be OK for you and you're well set for Week 6 - and beyond

[Hidden in reply to Now-runner_NeedsAttn]

well big mistake ! Husband and I have just realised that the speeds are in km so not mph . Big embarrassment !!!!!!! 🤔☺️I was wondering about that.

[Hidden]

If that's in mph then that's a really quick pace. I think they say to use an incline of 1% to simulate outdoors, but I'm running completely on the flat as I haven't figured out how to adjust my treadmill yet! I run at 4.8mph (again, haven't changed the units yet), which is 7.7km/h according to Mr Google. Sounds like a fab run!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

well ! Embarrassment big style!!!!! Husband and I have now been able to work out after some time that the speeds that I am running are in fact km which would after reading your reply is more realistic. I too hadn't known how to adjust treadmill!!!

We live and learn. So at least now I know that running 6.9 km is in fact 4.28miles . So that's still not bad for a 59 year old ha! 😄😄

Big thanks for encouragement

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Still a great run! Well done 😀 I will get around to reading the manual for ours and figuring out how to change things instead of having to keep doing the maths eventually!

[Hidden]

Well thank you! But Woops! Husband and I have just worked out that the speeds that I have done on tread was actually in km.So embarrassed!!!!!

However it still feels fast ha!😀😀

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Well done.. the treadmill and outside.. just so different! But it counts..

Km or miles.. you ran and did brilliantly!

[Hidden]

Thanks old floss that means a lot.. .Will let you know how I get on when I go running outside and run W5R3 again.😀😀

[Matt12345]

It's funny, I started c25k on the treadmill and most of what I read suggested it was easier than outside. However, my personal experience is the complete opposite. I completed the whole course on the treadmill before I ventured outside and on my first run I completed 5k a full 5 minutes quicker than on the treadmill. I have since stepped my outdoor training up so don't use the treadmill much anymore. A couple of weeks ago I tried it again and guess what......it was still tougher than outside!

I am tall at 6.3" so maybe it's a stride length thing....or maybe greater control over pace.....not sure?

Anyway, I think at this stage you should just do whatever you are comfortable with and persevere whether that's inside or outside.

Good luck with your c25k journey, you are nearly there!!!

[Carolinemcd Graduate in reply to Matt12345]

I've also heard that treadmill is harder. I'm using a treadmill right now cause I'm quite frankly terrified of running outside. The roads around our village are not safe for runners in the dark and the off road footpaths are like a death trap for me who could fall over while lying down! I'm looking forward to making the comparrison

[Hidden in reply to Carolinemcd]

Hi Carolinemcd. 😀 I have to say for myself the treadmill seems to be easier as where I live is farm tracks inclines potholes etc as well as some traffic (not much though .small village) If I time it right I can judge when the school run's

over and the dustbin men have gone etc,although for me that's not a problem. However I never run in the dark as I agree with you I think that it may get too dangerous.Have you any spare time where you could run during daylight at all?

Anyways as so many have mentioned treadmill or outside you are still achieving you goal! Good for you and keep up the good work😀😀

[Carolinemcd Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I work full time but could go for a run at lunch time as we have shower facilities at work.

Rush hour through the village even in summer is just too busy for running but weekends will be doable.

We also have a rec across the road from our house which we will start running on when it's lighter. It's full of bunnies who dig these little foot size holes and running in the dark, for a clutz like me, is just too risky.

I think I'm just a little scared of running outside, I'm managing on the treadmill and it's working and I really don't want to risk falling over. But i'll get outside eventually

[Hidden in reply to Carolinemcd]

I'm sure you will and there are a few other options there as well .Dont worry about anything just enjoy your achievements 😀😀

[Hidden in reply to Carolinemcd]

Just a thought! If you decide to run at lunch time perhaps you could rope in a few of your colleagues tor run with you ha! 😀😀

[Matt12345 in reply to Carolinemcd]

Hi Carolinemcd, great that you are running, treadmill or otherwise! My advice to you would be to keep doing what you feel comfortable with. My own experience was that when I got to around week 8 of c25k I was chomping at the bit to get outside.........and now loving it!😀

Good luck with your running!

[Hidden]

Hello Matt12345. Thank you so much for encouragement. That's interesting about it being easier outside than treadmill. I shall keep persevering and I shall get there soon. I have to admit I do love running and at 59 I think I'm doing ok so far ha!

Do you live in an area that's flat? The reason I ask is because where I live is in the sticks ,with inclines, potholes etc and for me it's just a wee bit harder outside although I prefer to run outside. So perhaps if it's a flat area to run your time will be faster? 😀😀

[Matt12345]

Hi Peggy59, I am running mainly on the flat so it is a fair comparison to the treadmill. If you are running on trails and uneven surfaces then I suspect it will likely be harder for you outside - but you will be fitter as a result!😀

At the end of the day I think it is horses for courses so to speak....and important to be enjoying it, which you seem to be.

[Hidden in reply to Matt12345]

Exactly! Thanks for your input Matt12345. 😀😀