Hmmmmmm.....

[KKThomas]

So last week I graduated but did all but 2 of my runs on the treadmill at the gym - the 2 I attempted outdoors were a disaster. I really want to be able to run outside, so tonight I went back to Week 4 run 1 and did it outside. It was actually pretty easy but I was glad of the intervals of walking. I even did an extra 5 minutes of running at the end. I can't decide if I should be pleased that I have found a way to move forward with running outside or sad that I have had to go so far back to achieve it. Oh well at least I am still running - although I didn't enjoy the addition of midges to my running experience

[Tricky2836]

I'm running on a treadmill at the moment as not confident outside and not many places to run. I want to run outside but will wait till I finish then like you will try outside, as long as we continue to run and hopefully enjoy it and build our strength and endurance to make the move to the great outdoors that's the important thing??? X

[KKThomas Graduate in reply to Tricky2836]

Thank you - and the midges are just adding protein x

[Tricky2836 in reply to KKThomas]

Lol that's one way of looking at it hope they taste nice 😝x

[rolysmate Graduate]

I'm sure that with the running experience you now have it wont take to long to find your outdoor legs and brave of you to go back a little rather than be silly and potentially injure yourself, then midges aside you can enjoy the pleasures of running outside

[KKThomas Graduate in reply to rolysmate]

Thank you. I hope to enjoy it one day! Although I am actually looking forward to my next run. I think going back a few weeks and making it easier for myself has made the whole thing more enjoyable.

[runner56 Graduate]

Have always found running outside completely different to treadmill running. Obviously the elements come into play but to me, outside running seems more difficult. Good luck with the experiment. It won't be long until you are a dedicated pavement pounder 👍

[KKThomas Graduate in reply to runner56]

Thank you. I'm not sure I'll ever be dedicated but I am determined to keep going until I can manage the full 5k outdoors. It is definitely much harder outdoors without the airconditioning and having to judge your own pace rather than have the treadmill do it for you.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Midges, as you say... extra protein Well done you... you are running and that is what it is all about

[KKThomas Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you. I definitely took your advice and went VERY slowly but to be fair I run very slowly on the treadmill anyway! Determined to keep going until I can manage a full 5k outdoors.

[Hidden]

Treadmill trail or tarmac, it's all running and it all counts. Outdoors is less predictable and can throw up obstacles, like midges. They seem to me to be a good reason to stay indoors! Seriously though, in any event a new surface really requires you to think about how you 'convert' i think people who have run outdoors and then decided treadmill would be in need of some adjustment time too. If you found it relatively easy, then maybe you can look at the W5 runs. I think you have been really sensible at finding a way to run outdoors. Well done you

[KKThomas Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. It wasn't as bad as I expected so I will keep going.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Good for you!

Your approach seems eminently sensible and who knows, you may be able to dispense with some runs as you get used to the great outdoors.

Did you have you treadmill set to a gradient, as is often recommended?

[KKThomas Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

No I did the whole thing on 0%. I knew nothing about running when I started so I had never heard that advice. To be honest it was so hard to start with that I am not sure I would have carried on if I had a gradient as well. Definitely a case of ignorance being bliss! I'll keep going, I want to work up to 30 minutes of running outdoors and then maybe brave a parkrun. Thanks for your support.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to KKThomas]

I am sure you will find running outside so much more motivating than being on the dreadmill.

Good luck.

[KKThomas Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you.

[Rowville]

Yes I had the same disaster, I was away and no access to a treadmill so tried outside, hoping to do maybe a small run not the 30 mins ! legs wouldn't run couldn't breathe really disappointed . I am due to graduate this week just done the first run on the treadmill and will do the rest on the treadmill, then I will follow your example and go back to wk 3/4 and work up but also carrying on in the gym on a couple of sessions

[KKThomas Graduate in reply to Rowville]

I can't believe how much harder it is to run outdoors! I want to be able to enjoy the scenery along the river but between the midges and not being able to breathe, I have my head down plodding along. Still I will keep at it, determined to make it to 5k and to do it outdoors. Good luck for your graduation. Thanks for the support.

[Indigogirl Graduate]

Great idea, well done for facing what might have seemed like a backward step, but to my mind, really wasn't, as you're training for something a little different. I too have done most of my runs on a treadmill (week 6 now) but I'm starting to mix it up a bit, as I find running outside hugely difficult, but ultimately that's where I want to be.

[KKThomas Graduate]

Thanks. Determined to keep going until I can do my 5k. Good luck.