Yet to move on from treadmill

[4945]

Hi I am 68 years old and have completed C25K and have moved onto 10K programme just completed 3x17 min runs with 1 min walk in between each run plus of course 5min warm up and cool down. I have done all this on my treadmill as I am finding it really difficult to pluck up the courage to be seen out in public because of being a mature lady and living in a small town where I know a lot of people. Unfortunately we do not have a park so it would mean pounding the pavements, although my son is going to pick me up and take me to my first park run after Christmas. I also wonder how different it will feel being outdoors after only training on a treadmill. Thank you for reading and any advice would be much appreciated.

[pinkaardvark Graduate]

It's definately very different running on the road/ground to a treadmill. I find on a treadmill if I want to go faster I can just jump a bit higher so i stay in the air longer.. which is totally artifical. I'd try and find some opportunity to run outside prior to the park run so you can get a feel for it, as road running can be a lot harder on your legs(treadmills tend to have a lot of bounce). To simulate road running a lot of people will set the incline to 5% to try and level up the difficulty.

[4945 Graduate in reply to pinkaardvark]

Thanks for that I did think I might find it a lot harder running on the ground, I have treadmill on slight incline maybe I will put it higher. I know I need to bite the bullet and run outdoors and I know I shouldn’t care what people think or say, I should just be proud that I am doing something I enjoy.

[pinkaardvark Graduate in reply to 4945]

I'm sure you will be fine. Most people are so wrapped up in their own bubble they don't even see you. I did get honked once by a car.. must have thought I was a lass lol. Though not sure what that says about my pert bottom 🤣

[4945 Graduate in reply to pinkaardvark]

Yes you are probably right I just need to go for it

[VictoriaRuns Graduate in reply to 4945]

I have to say, 5% seems quite high to me. From what I've read, the best thing to mimic wind resistance and altering terrain is more like 1-3%? I have it on 5% and maybe higher for my warm ups and warm downs but no higher than 3 (normally around 2.5?) for my actual runs. But nothing will really mimic it entirely, so best advice is just to get out there and see how your body reacts! And to remember to pace yourself of course

[4945 Graduate in reply to VictoriaRuns]

Thanks for the advice

[Hidden]

Im nearly 71 so I dont think age matters at all.

I did my last run on a treadmill and hated it. Give me the outdoors every time. I bought the treadmill because the snow made our streets in Chipping Norton too dangerous to walk on without care, let alone run. Because Chippy is so up and down hill, I did find I didnt get out of breath on the treadmill the way I do outside, but otherwise I found it really hard. My bad knee really suffered in a way it doesnt outside. Also running in the open lets you stretch your legs more, at least compared with my small treadmill.

I still feel a little self conscious when I go out, but people dont seem to take much notice of runners...we seem like ghosts who pass by. No park here either, so it’s the roads for me. If you are bothered about being seen, go after dark. I wouldnt run along country roads after dark, but the pavements are well lit here and people are about. I mostly run after dark to avoid having to run into a busy road to navigate round pedestrians, and because my energy levels seem better in the evening. I look forward to the long summer evenings though.

Running outside is lovely, though it does present its own problems like weather, though I’ve happily run in sub zero temperatures and rain; the only things that really bother me are snow and ice, because of the danger of slipping and falling.. But you have the sky and changing surroundings to look at, the wind in your hair, stars at night, clouds, trees, the changing seasons. There is something inherently right about running, a visceral connection to nature and the land, even when coverd by pavements.

As to knowing people, I think they would probably just note you were running, feel admiration, then forget all about it. You can always pretend youve done it for years and just not coincided with them before 😉

[4945 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

What a lovely message thank you just what I needed and what a good idea to say I have been doing it for years, made me smile reading that.

[HeleneCorsa Graduate]

I haven't really any advice as I haven't used a treadmill for years. Yes, you will probably find the Parkrun more demanding than running indoors but it's my guess that you will have a wonderful time, if you take things slowly and enjoy the moment.

Whenever I see people significantly older than me out running, my typical reaction is to think, "I hope that is how I will be one day". I feel a lot of respect and admiration, and it is great for everyone to see that being young inside doesn't stop once you hit a certain age.

Running outside isn't just for the young, the fit, the fast, the trim, the fully kitted-out, the confident... it's truly for everyone, and as Hidden says, that connection with the world around you and under your feet is very special. I hope that when the time is right you will feel able to enjoy that too.

[Hidden in reply to HeleneCorsa]

Exactly how I feel when I see people older than myself doing the things I love.. “hope I’m like them when I’m a bit older”

[4945 Graduate in reply to HeleneCorsa]

You are such love my people on here you are making me feel much more positive about taking the next step.

[Hidden]

I had only run on a treadmill before and it took quite a lot of courage to go out in the ‘real world’. I started going out in the dark (on well lit roads) at first to build some confidence and came to realisation that actually no one really notices you! Besides you potter along and before you know it you’ve overtaken someone or they’re far behind you and out of sight. So my advice would be, if you’ve got some well lit pavements around you, then to perhaps go out once it goes dark and see how it goes. Im also planning on doing a parkrun after Christmas, I’m not up to 5k yet but will walk and run it if need be

[Hidden]

Ps, forgot to say, running outside is so enjoyable! I struggle to go back to the treadmill now as I find I’m clock watching, I’m sure you will enjoy being outside and watching your surroundings, the time seems to go quicker!

[4945 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I must admit treadmill running is very tedious sometimes I have to force myself to get on it especially as its in the garage so just four walls to look at. I listen to music and plod on but its so boring but its done its job and got me moving but after reading your message I definitely need to get outside.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Hi 4945, you have done brilliantly to graduate the c25k program and worked up to 3x17min intervals... thats a lot of running...😊

I should think you would manage a 5k Parkrun as you can go steady and walk bits if you want/need to. Just go at your own pace and don't be tempted to rush the start.

Lots of great advice has already been given about moving on to outdoor runs and I agree with everyone, you really wouls enjoy the freedom...

Try a time of day to suit you when you feel comfortable and give it a go, just for 20 mins to get the feel of the ground will do...Good luck 😊xx

[4945 Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you I am at my best first thing in a morning so I am gearing myself up to doing a very early one in the very near future when there is no frost. I am so glad I joined this forum it’s lovely how you all support one another.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

It would be lovely to have you posting on here too! Plus you can have a Graduate badge next to your name, you have earned it.

Click here to ask for it...

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[4945 Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

People WILL watch you when you run outside -- because they will be in awe of you and they will be wondering what you have got that they don't!!!! What you have achieved (and dare I say it - at your age !! I am 71!! ) is worthy of pride - be proud and get out there!! You deserve the enjoyment of running outside . Don't be fearful of parkrun - it is the best thing I have ever discovered in my life and I will do my 113th this Saturday

[4945 Graduate in reply to Bazza1234]

Wow your 113th parkrun that’s quite an achievement what an inspiration you are, feeling much more positive about getting outside now.

[AnnieW55]

Running outside is just THE best thing. I'm sure once you have done it you won't look back to the treadmill, except when it is too icy to go out. As has been said other people are often too wrapped in their own world to give much notice to others and I have found those that do see you generally smile and say hello. The only thing I would say is go slooowly as that is the thing "transitioners" struggle with - pace as you have to find your own comfortable speed. And if you are running in the dark, for safety's make sure you wear something bright so that you can be seen.

[4945 Graduate in reply to AnnieW55]

Thank you, I will remember to wear something light, it won’t be yet a while having just listened to local weather looks like frost and ice this week.

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Be proud of yourself when you go outside and run, sounds like you are doing fantastic. Most people won't notice you running, or just might glance your way. If you do see anyone you know on your run just give them a quick wave. I've had people I know stop me a few minutes into a run to say hi and it's hard to get going again.

I'd try and squeeze in a couple outdoor runs before Parkrun so you know what to wear. Happy running and I look forward to hearing how your adventures go.

[4945 Graduate in reply to runswithdogs]

I will make sure to go slower than on the treadmill until I get used to outdoor running I fully expect to struggle at first.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Hi... very well done you!

You have had lots of replies all of which let you know, that out there, nobody really notices us Outdoor running is very different than indoor.. and it is wonderful!

Indoor runs are usually done in a controlled environment. Outdoors, there are a lot of variables— weather, wind, elevation, and surface type . Just start at a pace that is a bit slower than your treadmill runs, to get used to the outdoor differences. Once you adjust, you’ll be on your way!

[Cornet-Carolyn Graduate]

I don't think it matters who sees you, most people can't run at all.

I know that whenever I see a runner I admire everyone of them.

You will be fine and outside running is brilliant (although I've never run on a treadmill so have nothing to compare it with)! 👏