Week 2 Run 2, outdoors versus indoors! - Couch to 5K

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Week 2 Run 2, outdoors versus indoors!

Assumpta888 profile image
Assumpta888Graduate
16 Replies

I've been running indoors on home treadmill until today. I thought it'd be a good idea to see what running outdoors was like in comparison.

Wrestling with the idea in my head as it looked like serious rain, I wondered whether or not to go for it. What should I wear being the first problem. Waterproof or no waterproof? I didn't know if I would sweat with a waterproof. How many layers should I wear under said waterproof? Should I wear a vest top and a long sleeve top, or just a short sleeve top? What about a hat? It would be so much easier to just run indoors!

I stopped procrastinating and went for it. My goodness! I found it so much harder than indoors. The pavements are so uneven, the gradient of the road differs from street to street. My shins started to hurt. I thought I should just turn back. I continued on hoping it would get better, and it did. Not remarkably, but a bit. Unfortunately it started to drizzle, heavily and I didn't wear a hat. I also lost the podcast after teenager rang me so I had to switch some of the walking/running bits, not being able to get it back on track, but I did find it easier by the time I got to the second last run.

I will try outdoors again, and I have learned to wear a hat, and to wear a vest top and tee shirt top with a waterproof as I was quite cold in my bones when I got home. For me to say I'll try again is a result for me.

Keep up the good work everyone.

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Assumpta888 profile image
Assumpta888
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16 Replies
Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Very well done you! It is great to try different things.. I love the outdoors:)

There have been loads of posts on indoors and outdoor running.. and many folk have little choice than to run inside... but as you say, outside is different!

This is quite an interesting piece...

womensrunning.competitor.co...

in reply to Oldfloss

Before long, you’ll be running up inclines with ease...yeah, right...

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to

Yes.. right:) Positive thought...:) x

in reply to Oldfloss

Im an optimist but also a realist 😉 However, I will say walking up the beasts no longer has me out of breath.

Isnt it funny, I find the treadmill much more difficult. The only thing with it is I dont get out of breath at all because there are no slopes to tackle, but the only time I have ever had vague shin splints is after treadmill runs. I think it may be because mine is a bit cramped and I only use it if it’s icy outside.

You may come to love outdoor running. The aecret is thin layers in winter, that can be peeled off as you warm up.

Anyway, well done for getting out there and giving it a go.

in reply to

PS: thin windproof and water resistant running jackets can be had very cheaply. Mine has a place to put a little flashing light, which is useful on dark mornings or evenings, so that you are visible to traffic.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to

I flash too :) Got the jacket in a sale last year :)

rolysmate profile image
rolysmateGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

I too am a flasher hehe

in reply to rolysmate

A Christmasflasher what’s more 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

Razouski profile image
Razouski

Well done for trying out the great outdoors. It’s very different and it sound like you also got to experience the dreaded Faff. If you do a search you will see that some of us have turned faffing into an art form.: all that time spent dithering about what to wear, how cold it is, how wet it is, not to mention running round the house trying to find essential accessories such as phone, headphones etc. The Faff can become a sport in itself!

It sounds as if you didn’t totally hate it so it might be good to give it another go. It’s worth having your phone on do not disturb. It’s only for 30 mins. My fam have learned to wait for a response until I’ve finished running.

Look forward to hearing about your next outdoor adventure. 🤓

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate

Outdoors is so good but different.... go slow and perhaps find some green or a little trail? You will find that its really good fun splashing in puddles and getting wet too.... enjoy it :)

One of the things that I love about running is exposure to the elements. I usually underdress as I hate overheating, soon warm up as the runs progress; sometimes even makes me speed up to get warm. Also love the rain and the feeling of my body powering through. The changing seasons are constantly entertaining. I hear the treadmill is nice too....Enjoy whatever works for you👍🏃🏾‍♀️👍

Assumpta888 profile image
Assumpta888Graduate

Thank you everyone. Interesting reading. It will be nice to reach the ‘I can’t wait to go for a run’ scenario; if I ever do! I will go every now and then I just think the state of our footpaths leave a lot up be desired!!!!

Assumpta888 profile image
Assumpta888Graduate in reply to Assumpta888

‘To’ be desired!

Anthie profile image
AnthieGraduate

So well done! I think you'll soon be hooked to running outdoors: you managed to get to the end despite all the trouble and even enjoyed it in the last minutes :-) Nothing can stop you now! Clothing is still a problem for me lol: I use the "onion" technique because I warm down very quickly after each run and I'm always afraid to catch a cold. So layers upon layers and I take them off ending up looking like nothing: cap in one hand, fleece around the waist, windproof jacket wide open... Good luck with that! Enjoy your next runs in any case!

rolysmate profile image
rolysmateGraduate

Well done for completing, I love the outdoors and really couldn't imagine running on a treadmill

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