Question about treadmills...: So... I’m on Week... - Couch to 5K

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Question about treadmills...

10 Replies

So...

I’m on Week 4 Run 2 and have always used the treadmill at the gym near my work.

I don’t find the runs particularly easy at all and Week 4 Run 1 was pretty knackering, but, having read some of the conversations on here, should I be doing outdoor running for the app?

Is it ok to just use the treadmill and still claim success if/when I get to the 30 mins runs at the end!?

10 Replies
RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunGraduate

I did the whole thing on a treadmill. It matters not a jot. Do it where you feel most comfortable and at a speed you find easy. Forget the incline if you are finding it tough and slow down.

I started on the treadmill as I’m a very slow runner (3.5mph) and swapped to outside running after a few weeks the difference is huge running outside is a lot harder but I find it much better looking at the scenery and what’s going on around me helps take my mind of the discomfort, the treadmill is a tad boring and have to listen to music to get through a treadmill run. My main worry was people/teenagers taking the pee out of this little fatty plodding along but no ones said owt upto now. I now try and alternate as I don’t like running outside alone and my hubby isn’t always available to come with me.

in reply to

Yeah... that’s one of my big worries too :/

I think once/if/*once* I get to 30 mins I might try outdoor running.

I’m also worried that without the treadmill literally moving the ground under my feet I’d be much more likely to just go “Och, bugger it.” And slow down/stop...

Gingernutter profile image
GingernutterGraduate in reply to

My first week and that's how I felt and u probably went a bit faster to avoid people but a fatty running is better than a fatty on the couch. Oh yes and I run at 7am so fewer people 😀

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate

A lot of people here on C25K dislike the treadmill and refer to it as being the "dreadmill", but it's up to any individual whether he or she wishes to use it, most people prefer running outside but if that's not their liking, the treadmill is their prefered option.

Trisha56 profile image
Trisha56

I've been using the treadmill from the start as frankly I'm much too self conscious to run outside. I find it boring rather than particularly hard but watching an active TV program on the screen helps. Athletics, football even horse racing. Something where it doesn't matter that you don't have the sound and enough is going on to be a distraction.

That’s why my hubby comes with me he’s an avid runner so he’s been through the struggle at the beginning of the running journey and he pushes me through. We must be a right sight though I’m 4”11, 13.5 st plodding along he’s 6” walking his slightly faster than normal pace. Little and large eat yer heart out. But as he says I’m running faster than those sat on the sofa. X

ellsbells71 profile image
ellsbells71Graduate

I changed to treadmill running as I am not what you would call a natural runner by any means, and kept getting all kinds of injuries running outside. Changing to the treadmill I'm due to complete wk6 run 3 friday no aches, pains, or sprains. It is easier to run on the treadmill because the machine is helping you out, but you still do the distance/time to complete the c25k. X

Berksrover profile image
BerksroverGraduate

Just because of work etc. I end up doing both outdoor and treadmill running, they are different, I probably find treadmill easier because I have total control over pace and can run at a consistent speed, outdoors is better in some ways, can be cooler if you run at the right time, but have weather, roads, other people to contend with, so I try to do my longer slower runs outdoors and shorter, quicker ones on the treadmill, the most important thing is to keep going wherever you do it.

cheryl_couch_tatty profile image
cheryl_couch_tattyGraduate

I completed C25K on the treadmill, I have tried outside but my hayfever makes it a real struggle, I still do small runs outside. It is much harder out there!

But running is running. If you stick to the treadmill it still counts! It has it's benefits, you can control your pace, track how you are doing, it comes with a cup holder.....lol, it's easier on the joints, no dog doo, I could go on.

Try it outside and see what you think but if you prefer the treadmill it still counts!!!

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