Where to run

[dayhayward]

I’m currently running in the gym, is that wrong? Is it mor efficient running outdoors or does it really matter 😕

[wyersmith Graduate]

There’s a real mix of outdoor/indoor runners here. Both methods are fine. Some suggest setting a slight incline on the treadmill 1-2% to simulate road conditions. Those who started indoors can find they miss the bounce of the treadmill when they road run. Personally I like the great outdoors but part of that is not wanting to appear on ‘you’ve been framed’ flying off the back of a running machine...

[dayhayward in reply to wyersmith]

😂😂😂 great point! Thankyou 👍

[Mumsygill Graduate in reply to wyersmith]

😂😂😂

[hobbit1983]

To begin with it doesn’t really matter IMO. There are pros and cons to both. However as you get close to graduation it is a really nice feeling to think that you can run to a destination (especially one that you used to drive to)

[dayhayward in reply to hobbit1983]

I’d love to run somewhere but bit self conscious of ppl looking at me. I’ll try my best to get out more later on in weeks... thankyou

[hobbit1983 in reply to dayhayward]

Doesn’t matter. You are running. You are making a life change. Screw what other people think

[Sarakc Graduate in reply to dayhayward]

I always feel a bit self conscious before I step out the door (unless it’s really early in morning) but once I’m out and running I feel totally different and full of confidence!! I don’t think people really notice as they are too busy thinking about themselves!!! 😀

[_SimonT_ Graduate]

I’m a treadmill runner. Okay, you don’t get to see the great outdoors but I live in the suburbs and running round a housing estate is not exactly picturesque!

Do what suits you!

I love Hobbits reply! 😂

[Jonny3Kidneys]

Treadmill is definitely easier for me in the past but have started this program on the road. W2R3 yesterday and felt a twinge in my left knee joint. Will see how my run goes tomorrow. Treadmill is a little easier on the joints too

[Nuttyberks4165 Graduate]

I have completed C25K on a treadmill. On the journey I have used numerous variations of speed and incline as I needed to depending on how I felt on the day. I guess this ability to make changes as needed is the advantage of a treadmill. I would like to run outdoors, but have not yet built up my confidence to do so. What I tell myself is that at least I am running and not sat on the couch.

[Elle57 in reply to Nuttyberks4165]

Exactly I feel the same way

[Kat_Mc12]

I run in the gym. Don't like running outdoors unless I'm playing football 😂

[spscollins]

Like the sun so outdoors for me. Will have to see what happens when winter comes

[Upagumtree Graduate in reply to spscollins]

I used to play a lot of golf, and bad weather never stopped me. I even got grumpy when the stewards took me off the golf course in a thunderstorm!

Don’t know how running in the rain will be received, but maybe if I treat myself to some really special Bath or shower stuff for those days it might be a nice reward 🙂

[jma78b Graduate]

I did all my running on the treadmill until last week. I did a 20 minute run and my chest was hurting. That fresh air is a killer. Just ran 4k this morning outside and it was easier. I too was afraid of running outside. But I do it really early in the morning before the school kids come out! And once I'm in the zone I don't care about anyone anyhow. Go for it. Well done for doing it. You'll soon see/feel the difference.

[Rumour Graduate]

Just imagine two slightly overweight very old people huffing and puffing their way round a small lake. Runners? No. More like stumblers... But you know what we found? Acceptance! Other runners not only said Hi as they passed, but have also had some Hi Fives, even on the walking bits. One young guy ran past us walking and on the next circuit, we were running and he shouted back to us "Well done you two"

Made our day and spurred us on. Thing is, we were runners to those other people. We are runners now (Just completed W7 R2) No one looks and laughs, to everyone out there you are a runner, even those couch potatoes! (Remember those days?) Get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. Take a short drive or walk to a park, but get out there.. Cheaper than a gym too.

[Upagumtree Graduate in reply to Rumour]

Precisely 👍😊

[Exning]

For me personally, most of my runs have been on a treadmill, I had never been on one until I started this (I'm now on w6r2) out of all the runs about 4 have been outside, I prefer the treadmill as it has a little give in it and I can zone out (without flying off the end) and not worry about cars etc, I usually set the incline at 1.5-2. out on the road I find the pavements a bit hap hazard and very unforgiving on the joints (for me), I always seem to get home with aches and pains, but then out on the road I cover further distance!! so maybe that explains the aches?? It's a case of 'horses for courses'!

[bally187 Graduate]

I've done all but one of my runs outside, but hubby (who I run with) was away at the weekend so I decided to try a treadmill - managed it but hated almost every second, whereas I really enjoy being outside (running by the beach is an added bonus I will admit) but totally personal choice, you're putting one foot in front of another either way!

[Notsobigdoug]

It’s not wrong to run in the gym but for me nothing beats the fresh air of outside running. Maybe try and do 1 run a week outside and I bet before you know it you will be hooked on outside running

[4945 Graduate]

I did Couch25K programme just on treadmill and then moved onto 5k to 10K still just on the treadmill then decided to run outdoors. I couldn’t believe how different it was, I couldn’t find my pace or get my breathing right it was a complete disaster and to make matters worse I twisted my back and was running nowhere for 3 months. I have just joined a Couch25K programme with a local running club, just on week 4 and finding it quite hard but I will stick at it. So if you do intend running outdoors try and mix it in with your gym running don’t make my mistake, must admit though it’s so nice being outside, instead of looking at four walls.

[dayhayward in reply to 4945]

Wow pros and cons to this subject then...... I’ll definitely give it a try but baby steps for now lol thankyou 👍

[Frencci]

Hi, I wondered the same thing as you. I am quite a bit over weight and been going to the gym to get fitter. I started this program on the treadmill it went better than I expected. Week 1, run 2 I thought it was a lovely day so i would run outside and all again seemed to go well until that night I got pains in my left knee and I haven't been able to run since. Docs put me on pain killers.. three weeks later I still haven't run. I don't know if when I am ready to try again do I stick with the treadmill or do the road / park again.

[Rumour Graduate in reply to Frencci]

When you get fit enough to resume your running, before you go out get Gait Analysis from a reputable running equipment shop. One like Sweatshop. (others are available!) We were getting pains, me in the knees and my lovely lady was getting "shin splints" and knee pain. We had the analysis done and bought good trainers and moulded insoles, not cheap but the difference it has made is awesome. We had them in week three and now on week eight, still great.

Some will say this is not necessary, some will say its smoke and mirrors, but don't believe someone who runs. Ask someone who runs seriously. Someone who does marathons and the like. The vast majority will tell you that it is essential.

[Frencci in reply to Rumour]

Hi. I got my running trainers and special inner soles from special shop n they are fabbie...