People using treadmills...I salute you!

[GingerBohemian]

So here is the thing.

I graduated about 5 or 6 weeks ago and was managing my 2-3 times a week 5km and was even pushing for 6km. All was good.

And then after lots of tiring business travel and being caught in a torrential downpour the old immune system decided it wanted some attention and so decided to hit me with bronchitis. Pills and more pills and penicillin and all sorts. My exercise routine was a hacking coughing fit every 20 minutes or so.

I managed to get out once and felt a lot better even though it was just a short trundle and this week, despite the cough being not a lot better I have been on business travel in the UK. I made sure that I had packed my running shoes and shorts and top but Monday it didnt happen, Tuesday by the time I finished work it was too late and today I had meetings then a flight down to London.

But there is a gym in teh hotel so I was determined and off I went.

And just reminded myself why I hate treadmills. My balance isnt always the greatest so what with concentrating on balance, people either side of me that are each running at different paces, a bloody huge clock in front of me reminding me it is only 30 seconds since I last looked at it and my beetroot sweating face in the mirror in front of me it was 3km at a steady pace and that was it.

How some of you people are doing the entire C25K on a treadmill I dont know. I salute you !!

Fly home late tomorrow night and I dont care if it is around -2C now in the mornings at home. I need to be back in the fields and forests.

[mrrun Graduate]

I know. It's one of those mysteries, I suppose. If l was faced with that option I'd probably stay and home and do planks, push-ups and squats. A lot of them.

[HeleneCorsa Graduate]

Hello! I was wondering what had become of you and feared the man 'flu had carried you away. Sorry to hear about the bronchitis - that really knocks the stuffing out of you - but glad you're on the mend. I am in agreement about treadmills - I doubt I would have got very far with only that option. For me it's all about being outdoors.

[GingerBohemian Graduate in reply to HeleneCorsa]

You don't get rid of my mild mannered mutterings so easy. Also mad crazy with work which doesn't help in getting out for a shuffle. 5 flights, 4 countries in 3 days this week. My own bed tomorrow...woo hoo

[HeleneCorsa Graduate in reply to GingerBohemian]

That work/travel schedule sounds very tough indeed. Enjoy your return home.

[ejvcruns Graduate]

You and me both, I used to think treadmills were OK but since I’ve been running outside I just can’t abide them. In many hotels, I have learned, the concierge has maps of local running routes. Perhaps something to try your next day. I salute you for the effort.

[GingerBohemian Graduate in reply to ejvcruns]

Yeah, I clocked onto that with the running map when I was in California in August but after nearly getting arrested after running around Munich airport the other month I decided that as I am at Heathrow tonight I would stick to the gym. But I agree,,,,,one of the questions I ask now when checking in is if they have a running map.

[wez70 Graduate in reply to GingerBohemian]

Sorry ... visions of you being chased through an airport a la 80s movie style by hordes of security guards did raise a smile ... probably nothing like that but permit me the giggle

[GingerBohemian Graduate in reply to wez70]

Wasnt too far off. Its one of my posts on here a few weeks back that describes it

[GraGeal in reply to GingerBohemian]

Was just thinking a couple of days ago that airports would be great places to run in. They should provide outdoor exercise areas. That would be awesome.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to GingerBohemian]

I remember that. ...like something from a movie!! Made me smile at the time 😉

[HeadInTheClouds Graduate]

It defies the laws of everything for the ground to be running away uncontrollably beneath you. No... just no..!! 😳

I hope life settles down and you're soon fighting fit again 😊

[raquelscatt Graduate]

treadmills are not that bad. I'm current on week 2 of the c25k and am using a tradmill at home. I am extremely overweight and the treadmill is a great way to get me started as no way will I be seen jogging outside yet until I'm further oñ with the plan!!

[EmmaSheila52 in reply to raquelscatt]

Well done. I started on treadmill too, wanted basic level of fitness & be less wobbly before going out in public!

[GingerBohemian Graduate in reply to raquelscatt]

Great that you are at week 2! Keep it nice and slow and steady.

And be out there and proud. Show the world you are making a difference with your life and health.

Most people that see you will be amazed at your confidence if you are out there doing it and it may spur them on as well.

The rest are runners that inside are cheering you on every step and wishing they were out there running as well!

Stick with it.

Enjoy the journey.

[HeleneCorsa Graduate in reply to raquelscatt]

Well done! I hope you'll be able to make the transition to outdoor running though, when you feel the time is right. It does add another dimension and I think helps you gain the mental health benefits more fully. The important thing is that you're doing it though

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to raquelscatt]

Good for you raquelscatt ...hat is off to you 😉

[Cornet-Carolyn Graduate]

I did a gait analysis on a treadmill for about 30 seconds when in week 6 and it was tough 😬

[gillebro Graduate]

I use a treadmill, and it's interesting to hear how much nicer an experience running outside seems to be! I'm not a very outdoors-person most of the time, but it sounds like I should give it a go.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to gillebro]

Oooo, definitely gillebro ...you won’t look back!!!

[Razouski]

I started C25K on a treadmill and wouldn't have dreamed of running outside. I felt I'd never be able to pace myself, or know where to go. However, I was dragged out one morning by my daughter round about week 4, who refused to run in the gym, and never looked back. I know the treadmill is great for some people, but I really enjoy the whole outdoor experience, topping up the Vitamin D from the sun, and being able to choose different routes to engage my interest. Seeing the seasons change, and giving a hello nod to passing walkers, runners and cyclists is all part of the joy too. And then of course there are the beauties of tourist runs (although I do not include airport running in my repertoire... yet!)

Hope you're feeling better and able to get back out their running. Wrap up warm.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Hope you’re feeling much better GingerBohemian ? I have never run on a treadmill, I have power walked with people running at either side of me, their feet absolutely pounding down on the belt...it looks like too much hard work for me...& besides, the treadmills at my gym overlook the park where I run most...I would feel like a wasp in a jar!!! Give me the outdoors any day!!!

[Gaspode1 Graduate]

I am 2 runs off graduating and have done all my running on my treadmill at home. I’m hoping to start running outside in a few months time (when the weather is a little better) and just hope the transition will be relatively easy. I think the hardest part will be learning to pace myself properly without the help of the treadmill belt.

I look forward to seeing the sights described by lots of forum members 👀

[Mummarunna Graduate in reply to Gaspode1]

I’m the same ... Ive run my whole couch to 5k on a treadmill at home don’t know why (probably self conscious not helped) but I’ve always felt treadmill running would be easier and easier to get into a rhythm but I really want to run outside and after I hopefully graduate next run that will be my next challenge 👍🏻

[Gaspode1 Graduate in reply to Mummarunna]

I’d be really interested to know how you get on with the challenge of running outside. I look forward to hearing about your progress. 😊

[Mummarunna Graduate in reply to Gaspode1]

I’ll keep you posted 👍🏻

[Gaspode1 Graduate in reply to Mummarunna]

Cheers 👍😊

[Sarakc Graduate]

My husband’s excuse for not doing this is that he’s always travelling and spends most of his time at airports!!! I’ll show him this!! 😂😂

[GingerBohemian Graduate in reply to Sarakc]

I average 130 flights a year. Hotels have treadmills and a lot of them are in nice places so just go running outside. Tell him 'no excuses'

[VictoriaRuns Graduate]

I would caution all this demonic talk of treadmills. Not everyone has the option of running outside due to the areas they live in. I'm certainly one of them and am on Week 7 of the program.

So to anyone out there who is running on a treadmill, or who cannot or does not want to run outside, I run on a treadmill and I find it completely fine. Very meditative actually. Please don't be put off!

[GingerBohemian Graduate in reply to VictoriaRuns]

Wasn't about putting people off. It was praising them for being able to do it!

[VictoriaRuns Graduate in reply to GingerBohemian]

Oh I know you weren't trying to do that! Just a lot of the comments v negative

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Well done you to be honest you're better off indoors at Heathrow, just think of the lovely particulates that you are avoiding. Back in good old grimy London, I can taste the dirt when I run - seriously. So sorry you've been under the weather, hopefully clean air and hoem will sort you out