Outdoor running

[Queeny1969]

Hi guys

I know this sounds silly but I’ve got up to week 7 on a treadmill and have just signed myself and daughter up for a 5k race for life in July . I’m a bit daunted about running outside, I have a real fear of failing. I would be grateful of any hints and tips

[SuperMouse Graduate]

Not silly at all! I do most of my runs on the treadmill but I do go outside sometimes. I set the incline to 0.5 or 1% as apparently it mimics running outside.

I find both running machine and outside have positives. I get less bored running outside and so the mind is easier to occupy but because I can't wear my glasses when running there is always the risk of tripping so for me the treadmill is safer!

I'm doing a Race for Life in May so fingers crossed!

You will be fine, don't overthink it, just enjoy it!

[Queeny1969 Graduate in reply to SuperMouse]

Thanks ever so much

[Tbae]

You are doing great.🌟👏👏

Rely on your slow and steady posture and breathing that you have practised.👍👏👏

Presumably you have been using one degree.🤔No worries if you have not , just go even slower outside until you find your comfort level and get through the initial sticky patch.👍👏👏

Honestly running is running and you are going to get an amazing uplift when you move outside👍👏👏

Be kind to yourself and go to a park, Woodland or more forgiving surfaces for you first few run outs and relatively flat 🤔

Running on uneven surfaces actually builds your strength more efficiently🤔 and improves your balance.👍👏👏

You will love it. Both resources are to be used in either direction. indoors to out and vice versa.

Presumably your fear is of falling.🤔🙈

The other word is not used here

No fear only enjoy🌟👏👏

[Queeny1969 Graduate in reply to Tbae]

Thanks , I think we are going to drive to a quiet this afternoon as the weather is so lovely and give it a go x

[Tbae in reply to Queeny1969]

Way to go Queeny🌟👏👏

Enjoy🌟👏👏.Slow and steady until you find you settle into your comfort level.🌟👏👏

[Tinkerbella5]

I think you will find running outside much easier than the treadmill. Go on a nice sunny day and take it slowly. Run on an even surface like a path in a park. You will enjoy the scenery and distraction of the outside. You haven’t tripped on the treadmill and I think that’s much harder than outside.

[Not2old2 Graduate]

Hi, I’ve done most of my runs on,y treadmill and I can understand your intrepidation about running outside. Don’t worry you’ll be fine like others have said take it slow and steady it is different than on the treadmill but it’s a new experience just embrace it and enjoy the fresh air and freedom that running has given you. Why not sigh up for parkrun you will be running WITH other people not against them. The run is timed but how fast or slow you go is immaterial you just do your own thing. So, don’t be tempted to start running when everyone else does, start off as you would on your treadmill ie 5min warm up walk, then your wk7 run time then a nice brisk cool down walk to the finish line. Voila!! that’s another run crossed off. On my first parkrun I didn’t think I was going to make the first mile despite running for 35 mins+ on my treadmill. But, with the shouts of support from other runners ofwell done keep going” “ you can do it” and nearly there” Ok, I walked a bit more than I liked and I was the last over the line(except for the back walker) but I finished and I was jiggered but elated. So give it a try.

[Not2old2 Graduate]

Ps. Sorry about any typos predictive text is a pain

[davelinks Graduate in reply to Not2old2]

Just tap on more and edit

[Hericus Graduate]

My reluctance to run outside stemmed from my fear of looking foolish - daft old man stopping to walk every couple of minutes.

I go to a local lake that's pretty much deserted except at weekends, and by the odd angler.

I worked out on mapping software that four circuits were almost exactly 5k.

Occasionally I meet dog-walkers, and I find the effect is that inadvertently I speed up.

I do enjoy running past people who are walking round in the opposite direction, then meeting them again (and maybe again) on my next circuit(s), while they are still plodding round once.

[KKThomas Graduate]

I did the programme on the treadmill and then went outside and found it really hard. Try outdoor running now so you are prepared before your 5k and you will be fine by July. I wish I had heard about putting an incline on the treadmill as I think that might have really helped. I have just done my first Parkrun today and ran the whole 5k, very slow but I got there. Everyone is really nice and supportive and running with other people means that you can hide in the crowd. Keep going you will be great

[Queeny1969 Graduate in reply to KKThomas]

Hi I’ve just been out with my daughter and it was so much harder!!! Only managed to do 1/2 of the run then a run/ walk for the rest of the time. We’ve now made a pact to come out every Saturday together to help build our fitness and stamina xx

[KKThomas Graduate in reply to Queeny1969]

Don't worry you will get used to it, keep going. Well done x

[Amandana]

There is definitely a big difference because outside there is no belt below you keeping your legs moving when your brain is saying “this is hard, I’m so tried, maybe I should stop and walk”... when I did a learn to run in the past, this was the hardest part for me, the mental part!

And in addition to keeping an incline on, try doing some intervals at a slower pace and higher incline to mimic the occasional hill.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Just run... have a blast , walk if you need to, there will be all sorts , all ages, shapes and sizes.... walking running , skipping and jumping.... and know what an incredible thing you are doing... that is enough to carry you through