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.
Winter run : I am starting to plan for the... - Couch to 5K
Winter run
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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.
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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.🙂
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
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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
Thanks. Do you a good website to find a second hand treadmill
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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 😃
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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.
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.
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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.