Am I cheating?

[Allibongo123]

Hi I’m doing w6r2 today and I’m looking forward to it . The only thing is I feel as though I’m really cheating because I’ve been doing couch to 5k on the treadmill at the gym ! Has anyone else done this ? I do eventually want to start doing parkruns x

[uncle_wiggy Graduate]

How can that be cheating? Loads of people use treadmills. Personally, I always run outdoors, but a run is a run regardless!

[Tony_68 in reply to uncle_wiggy]

Of course you are not cheating! I have seen posts where people struggle to make the transition from outdoor onto treadmill and vise Versa to outside, technique is different

Try to plan some of your runs to outside, maybe weekend ?

you feel a little self conscious at first but soon realise joggers a part of the scenery and pretty much ignored,

Lots to think about to distract you, planning slightly ahead so you don’t have to stop, such as negotiating dog walkers, wheelie bins cyclists, badly parked cars,

you have to concentrate on the road surfaces, change in levels and the different surfaces and mentally plan for the hills, great adventure, fun and very rewarding

Good luck

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Welcome...many folk have completed this plan on the Treadmill. Many choose to and many have no choice..because of location or climate

You are doing this and your are running...

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Check this post for some advice

The section here references treadmill running..

"C25k can be run outside, which provides fresh air, vitamin D from sunlight, a constantly changing environment and for me, the real joy of running. Treadmill running is fine for those who prefer to be indoors. It is recommended that you set the treadmill to an incline of 1 degree, at least, to simulate running outdoors, otherwise the transition to outside running can seem extremely difficult, when the glorious day comes, although you may want to continue running on the treadmill, which is fine. Running is running, wherever you do it."

At the point when you feel ready..head outside... it is glorious.. and this time of the year.. just wonderful

Well done you for beginning this..please keep posting!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

You can run guilt free AlliBongo! Many people do the whole programme on the treadmill. It’s still running after all! 👍 Enjoy yourself and smash your runs! 👏👏👏

[Viraniparvez Graduate]

Technically you are not cheating ,,,

But

the question can be answered as why you are running ,,, what is your WHY ,,, if it is to be fit ,,, then i will say ,,, you are doing good

if it is to run a half marathon or 10 km or 5 km race on road ,,, then i will say get on the real road ,,,

treadmill and road running is different from each other ,,,

so your question can be justified only by answering

you WHY

Good luck

PV

[Allibongo123]

Thanks for the reply’s and the advise guys 😃

[cheryl_couch_tatty Graduate]

I have stayed on the treadmill for all my runs.....been going since April. I know what you mean, it does feel like cheating but running is running. Get outside if you can, I have tried a couple of times but it's not for me. I am not planning on running a marathon etc. So it works for me.

You are not cheating! You are doing great! Well done!