Winter run

[Woggle]

I am starting to plan for the autumn winter runs. Here’s my dilemma. If I don’t run regularly I know I will fall off the wagon so I was thinking of either joining a gym or getting a treadmill. Was at the point of joining the gym when my other half said but if you have to drive there first will you? Whereas a treadmill will be readily available. He (a marathon runner for donkeys years) then said he hates treadmills and they are not proper running. As I am not a seasoned runner I thought I would ask What do other C25K runners think.

[cheryl_couch_tatty Graduate]

If you can't see yourself going to the gym and have room get a treadmill. Maybe try one out first incase you hate them too like your partner? If we are going to have a winter like last time you are going to need something.

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Can you say what it is that worries you about winter runnning? Maybe we can then offer some ideas or alternatives? I have been luck with my winter running as we get so little snow here in Surrey! I avoid running on the pavements if it seems icy and head for our recreation ground and local bridleways ( in trail shoes). The cold itself (and it has been cold!) doesn't bother me - extra layers, gloves (plus hat if you want) are easy and I am quite a 'warm' runner anyway! I also have a fab chest light for running in the dark. Treadmills suit some (not for me) and although they are not the same as running outside, I guess would ensure you ran on the days you couldn't get out. I do understand that desire to keep your routine as I am the same, even after several years of running! Hope you find the solution that works for you.🙂

[Woggle Graduate in reply to Sandraj39]

Thanks for the advice. I suppose it’s because I like running early but probably not in the dark also I find the rain tends to sting my eyes and I hate the cold. What a woose

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to Woggle]

...a running cap is great for keeping the rain out of your eyes.🙂

[MrsT0707 Graduate]

I started my C25K journey in the gym, I was too embarrassed to run outside in front of normal people lol but it felt safe in the gym. I also have a treadmill at home (dust collector/clothes horse would be a more accurate description!) I found I had no motivation to run at home, although this might be different now that I actually like running but there was always something more important to do - washing, making tea, ironing - which distracted me. I find paying for a gym motivates me to get my money’s worth and there are a wide range of classes and other things to do on ‘rest days’. I joined Pure Gym it’s no frills but it’s affordable & has everything you need, I would highly recommend if you have one nearby. It’s really just down to personal preference I think. I’m dreading the winter because I really don’t enjoy treadmill running compared to outdoors. You can pick up a good 2nd hand treadmill for not very much money so maybe it’s worth the investment to see how you get on

[Woggle Graduate in reply to MrsT0707]

Thanks. Do you a good website to find a second hand treadmill

[MrsT0707 Graduate in reply to Woggle]

My husband found ours on Gumtree, I’d say that’s probably the best place to look as you can search local to you, Facebook marketplace or your local classifieds are also good places to look

[misswobble Graduate]

You can run outside. It’s fine really! You get acclimatised in a heartbeat

I thought I would surely die 😃 I can’t imagine my ever using a treadmill. I do go to the gym but don’t use a dreadmill. I don’t see the point when it’s so much more fun outside

Having said that, if that’s what it takes to keep running then do it 😃

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

I hate them... but that’s just me. I’d probably rather own one than go to the gym and pay for all the other stuff I won’t use... that’s just me too 😂

I’ve thought about this too, and looked at the last few winters. There’s not been that many days that I couldn’t get out there and run, so I think day passes for me would be a cheaper and better option as I’d be tied into paying for the gym all next spring summer and autumn that I know I wouldn’t visit. So I am gonna fave my nemesis at some point, but hopefully only a handful of times.

[Glasshotel]

Running on a treadmill is a very different experience to running outdoors. In some ways like the difference between an exercise bike and cycling outdoors. I did my second couch to 5k run on a treadmill and hated it. It didn’t feel like proper running. So for the Autumn and Winter I will buy a head torch and wear luminous gear. Other people use treadmills so they may have a different preference. The important thing is to see how you find it. Why not find somewhere you can try a treadmill out before investing in one.

[Jogunlikely Graduate]

Years ago we bought a very expensive treadmill. It had to be to take the weight of my then husband. Such a waste of money! It was in the lounge so we could have watched the telly whilst running but it turned into a glorified clothes airer. So defo try one out to see if you like running on them.

I think gym day passes are a good idea or maybe join a running club. I know they tend to be evenings but worth a look. Our local one has a specific group for those just starting out and who aren't aiming for comparative runs.