Treadmill users

[John_2510]

Hi everyone

I'm on Week 7 of Couch to 5k and really enjoying it so far. Now to be honest, I've always felt a bit of a fraud as I've exclusively run on a treadmill so far. I don't know why, I know it's more psychological than anything - mainly because if the 'ground' beneath you is constantly moving, then you have to keep running! Also, the weather is starting to turn, and nights are getting darker so it's easier for me to pop to the gym after work and do my C25K session there.

However, as I was beginning Week 7 Run 1 last night, the lovely Laura said something to the effect of "if you've been running on a treadmill, try doing a run outside". My question is for those people who mostly used a treadmill, how did you find the transition to outside running? I work reasonably near to a local park so I could do it one lunchtime, but I feel oddly nervous about it. Any tips? I'm off to Amsterdam next week, and am staying next to the Vondelpark so I'm planning a run there, but would like a practice run on home soil first!

[steviej99 Graduate]

I find running outside quite a bit harder. Do you set the incline to +1? That is supposed to compensate for the difference. But I find wind resistance, harder surface, uneven surface, different inclines, harder to measure pace all make it harder for me, but you get used to it eventually!

[Pickles1234]

I am running exclusively on a treadmill as well, and like you feel a bit of a fraud! However, I worry constantly about my ankles turning so for me it has to be until I feel much more confident - and running on a treadmill is a darned sight more effort than sitting on a couch!!! I set the incline to 1% (or is it degree?) as previously advised on here and that does make a difference - I notice if I forget to do it. I'm interested to see what others say as I too am keen to have a go outside and being me need to start planning!!!

[Duddles Graduate]

I understand the bit about feeling a fraud. I have the same feeling at the moment. This time I have done most of Couch (Week 6 now) on a treadmill - for various reasons, (one being that if I should collapse there should be help nearby).

It is perhaps too comfortable as you have total control over speed and effort input and are not plagued by rain, wind or hills.

I did a few runs outside earlier this year and found it harder, but also that I was going much quicker than on the treadmill. Running outside is more rewarding afterwards, but I find I run far too hard, get more tired, and am then put off going out again. My plan for Week 7 is to repeat each run, one on the treadmill, and the same one outside, to see what the difference is, and to try to find a way to run more conservatively.

[GlassA Graduate]

I started outside back in July. Following injury in August at the end of W3 and a spell on the IC I restarted using a treadmill. I started reintroducing outside runs in W7....which took a week and a half as I found it harder outside. I am now mixing treadmill/outside and should finish W9 on Saturday. ultimately I want to be outside as I find treadmill running quite boring and I enjoy being outside in the fresh air...unless it’s raining and then I will revert to the treadmill

[GTypeR Graduate]

I’ve found outdoor running much harder partly because of the hills, but mainly because I set out too fast outdoors. I guess it’s just practice.

[Pixie4455]

I'm only on week one however I can't feel like a fraud for using a tredmil. I unfortunately suffer with agrophiobia and anxiety so find it hard leaving the house without a carer or family member.. you should have seen their faces when I said I wanted to run.. ( means they would have to run too 🤣🤣)

I've adjusted the incline and found a setting already pre programmed that adjusts all my speeds for me and can already feel the burn

[Tartancat Graduate]

Nothing fraudulent about running on a dreadmill - running is running.

I've only used one once, for my gait analysis, and it scared me - I had to hold on to the bars! So hats off to you brave people 😁

[John_2510]

Thanks everyone, some interesting replies and I don't feel too bad about using a treadmill now! Like you say, it's all running at the end of the day!

[norabzil Graduate]

I do all my running now on a treadmill after my injury the physio told me to not run outside as it would effect my knee more. I used to do both and found running outside easier as I didn't overheat as much. Also the change in terrain made the run more interesting. But when i'm on the treadmill I watch an episode of Bones which is great for keeping my attention and makes me thinks less about what I am doing.

I don't feel less of a runner because i have been running on a treadmill and neither should you.

Go try outdoors you might like it