Need Tips for Dreadmill

[Wimborne]

I have always run on grass attracting mad dogs as I run as road running seems to make my knees hurt but now the nights are getting darker I won’t be able to do my usual run. It’s just too dark and even with a light not sure it would be the safest place to run. So. My plan is to try the gym for midweek runs then get out in fresh air at weekend. I have never run on a dreadmill though so hoping maybe I could get some tips and advice. I have visions of me falling off or sliding backwards onto the floor. I am finishing week 9 this week so need to keep it going somehow. Why I dreading the dreadmill so much??????

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

A threadmill is not called a DREADmill for nothing Wimborne here on C25K. I am sure it's not all that dreadful, once you get used to operating the darned thing it will be OK, better than running outside in the dark.

[Wimborne in reply to AlMorr]

I hadn’t even thought of the fact I have to work out how it works !!!! 😀 my oven clock shows the wrong time for 6 months when the clocks change.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Wimborne]

😂 my wall clock stays on GMT all year round... gonna be right next week!

I think you get on and press start, and walk, then press plus until you’re running... unless they’ve changed. Pacing will be smooth, but you’ll probably need some incline on it to feel anywhere near what you usually feel. The downside for me was always boredom, I love the scenery when I’m running, so good music, podcast, running buddy to chat with, whatever it takes, take it. Good luck.

[Wimborne in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thank you 😊 made me smile about your ⏰. I will try podcasts and make sure I have music too. I am so determined not to stop having come so far.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Wimborne]

I got a new microwave oven just last week, there is a clock on it which keeps rhe exact time, I do know how to adjust the clock but not sure if it will automatically go back 1 hour this weekend like the clock timer for the central heating and the time on my Smartphone. Of course I'll know on Sunday morning at 7 if the clock shows 8, no problem if it does, I'll just switch it back to 7.

By the way there is a proposal that all EU countries will no longer be adjusting their clocks twice a year.

[Wimborne in reply to AlMorr]

Almor those clocks can be pesky to change. Unlike me I am sure you will change the time no problem if you need to. 🙂

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

I saw something about ending BST and also something about staying on it and not GMT. I don’t much care what they do with it to be honest... as long as we don’t go like China and have just one timezone covering the continent!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

I am long retired from the Post Office, but in the years 1968 to 1971 I was a postman, the clocks remained on British Summer Time, it was called British Standard Time, it was dark in some parts of the North of England and Scotland until almost 10 am, if there was no change in the clock here in the UK, it would be better to stay on GMT, not BST, especially for us runners in the north of the UK. Parkruns would have to be started at 10 am, not 9 if BST stayed the whole year round.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

I didn’t know they’d tried it... before my time! Think Bristol still has a clock with its local time as well as national... which kinda makes sense, midday is a natural thing, so that’s 12:00... BST makes no sense really.

[paul1960 Graduate]

hi am on w9r2 wensday and so far i have done all my c25k on it .they say it is easy on the tredmill compare to out side which i have not done yet but soon i will try outside sorry tredmill i run at 5mph and encline of number 2 which for me seems fine but will go abit faster over time if you have been outside running i think you will find it easy its ok honest try it

[Wimborne in reply to paul1960]

Thanks Paul. I guess I will get hang of it. The incline bit will need some practice as I run with different inclines around the common. And good luck for last 2 runs. I saw your post and well done for 5k!!!! Brilliant just brilliant.

[paul1960 Graduate in reply to Wimborne]

thanks you will soon get the hang of it i cant wait to try outside they say its alot harder

what do you think

[Wimborne in reply to paul1960]

😊 There is something special about running outside. Being someone who has never run before this I do love the sense of space. It was a bit cold last night but a good cold. Sunset was stunning too. Not really taken the time to watch it before as always rushing around being too busy. Dogs join you too which is quite funny as their owners start to run after them as I can’t stop. It’s a different run every time too which i find works well for me too.

[Shannonlb]

Hi sorry to jump on but do you follow the exact same run programme even if using the treadmill ?

[paul1960 Graduate in reply to Shannonlb]

yes

[Shannonlb in reply to paul1960]

Thank you very much Paul I too am struggling in the dark I live in a small village with about 4 lampposts in the whole place 🙈🙈

[paul1960 Graduate in reply to Shannonlb]

everyone tells me its better outside but the tredmill is ok but like i said not been outside yet

[Shannonlb in reply to paul1960]

I like outside but the sensible side of me says that running in the pitch black isn’t great so off to the gym I go tonight

[paul1960 Graduate in reply to Shannonlb]

you will like it let us know how you go on good luck

[Shannonlb in reply to paul1960]

Thanks Paul run 2 of week 5 here I come

[paul1960 Graduate in reply to Shannonlb]

yehhhhhhhhhhh

[JJB001 Graduate]

Hi there, I have done pretty much all of the programme on the Treadmill (tried outside a couple of times and found it tough so think outside is maybe bit harder due to undulations - plus me not being used to it)

few things that work better for me on treadmill as runs have got longer

- Good Music to keep going

- if in a gym - watching tv can help sometimes (on some it put me off)

- Hide the screen and listen for the reminders from trainer else I started seeing the minutes go VERY slowly and put me off

On plus side you know speed you are going so I can then try and get myself to x point a certain speed before slowing down and you don't get wet if rains lol

[Wimborne in reply to JJB001]

Thank you 😊

[Kingtheo Graduate in reply to Wimborne]

I do most of my running on the treadmill and at my gym they have video runs you can use programmed into the treadmill, it's like a virtual run, for example I've run around the black forest, new Zealand , half of America!! And the best bit is the treadmill adjusts it's incline to suit the terrain, maybe yr gym has this on theirs?

[Wimborne in reply to Kingtheo]

Video runs. That sounds pretty fab. I am going next week to check out local gym. Now hoping they have super hi tec running machines to keep me going. What a way to run around the world. 😀

[crocheter66 Graduate]

Get someone at the gym to show you how it works - they'll be happy to help you.

You can run at any speed you feel comfortable at. An incline is helpful. The latest treadmills have lots of different programmes to help with the boredom - the one I use has a video display, and you can choose which running route appears on it, with scenery to match. It will feel different to outside runs, but don't worry, you won't fall off!

[Wimborne in reply to crocheter66]

Thank you 😊 i didn’t realise there were different programmes you could use. It’s a whole new world in the gym for me. And I will probably fall off as it’s me. Always happens to me Will just make sure I pick a quiet time.

[roseabi]

I suggest you stop referring to it as a "dreadmill" for starters 😊

Start it off walking slowly and gradually increase the speed until you're running comfortably. Look down at your feet every now and then to check you're staying in the middle of the belt. Have something interesting to listen to. Have fun! It's a new experience, and you're making the most of your opportunity to finish C25K in comfort and style 😊

[Wimborne in reply to roseabi]

You’ve got to admit dreadmill is a pretty funny name for it though. Makes me laugh every time. Thanks for tips too. I am feeling positive about giving it a go. What could go wrong. 😂

[roseabi in reply to Wimborne]

I admit nothing 😉😂

[Dadn2kids Graduate]

Natural to worry about all those "You've been framed" clips of people flying off the end but it really doesn't happen very often - I've been using gym's for 20 years and never seen it. Most gym ones have full length handrails and if you feel yourself losing your footing you can just lift yourself off and stand on the side rails. I'd agree that outside seems harder physically but easier mentally (I get bored just watching the minutes count on a treadmill). On the other hand a treadmill generally has the ability to pace you, so you can use it to your advantage if you want to work on speed or incline, which is much harder to do outside without fancy gadgets!

[Wimborne in reply to Dadn2kids]

Ah top tip about handrails. Thank you 😊 and you are right I have seen too many clips !

[Tony_68]

I started out on the treadmill, easy enough to use but tedious, love running outside, have you considered a head torch ?

[Wimborne in reply to Tony_68]

I did think about torch but it’s more about being in middle of nowhere on my own. Dog walkers seem to disappear on me when it gets dark. I saw a cool chest light too which clips on.

[Pickles1234]

I’m soo g my entire programme on a treadmill (NOT a dread mill....) because of my weak ankles and it’s fine. I have it set at a 1% incline which supposedly mimics a little bit running outside although obviously you don’t get the undulations or rabbit holes! I think it’s great as I can do it in any weather, whatever time I like. As the runs have gotten longer I’ve found podcasts are great for fighting boredom. I don’t like running to music for some reason but podcasts make me lose track of time. Also I hide the clock with a towel! I don’t want to see those minutes ticking off sooooooooo slowly!

[Wimborne in reply to Pickles1234]

Clock hiding sounds perfect. Thank you 😊 and am going to try podcasts too.

[MadDave]

I’ve tried the treadmill last week after doing all my running outdoors since starting C25k. It’s hard work as you will get very hot which will put your heart rate up and slow you down. It might be ok for short runs much wasn’t very pleasant in my last run I did which was 10 miles in 1hour 45mins. I’m going back to doing my runs outdoors now, even if that means fewer runs and less distance.

[Wimborne in reply to MadDave]

Wow 10 miles. I am hoping for 3! I think that counts as short run compared to you. So impressed. 10 miles!!!!