Week 8 run2- Disaster

[runlolarun2]

So having successfully completed run 1 of Week 8 last Tuesday, I didn’t get a chance to run again until today. Up til now all of my runs have been on the treadmill at the gym but I couldn’t get to the gym this morning and didn’t want to put it off any longer so thought it’s time to run outside! Well - what a disaster. I completed my warm up walk and started to run and was out of breath within minutes! I tried to slow down and breathe through the stitch - and then just started to walk to calm my breath. I thought sod this I can’t give up and started to run again - and then just let that negative voice inside my head get the better of me and turned around and started running back home. I lasted 10 minutes. I didn’t realise it would be such a difference running on the treadmill to running outside. Feel completely disheartened. Any tips for making the transition or am I forever doomed to running on a treadmill?

[Buddy34 Graduate]

I think running outside for you will take practice as when you're on the treadmill you set the pace and that is what you run at, where as outside you can go fast and not realise it . So keep trying outside it will get better good luck 😊

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

I wish I could come and run on a treadmill so you can see how difficult I find that! Running outside is different and takes some adjusting to. Well done for giving it a go. Start the run slowly and get through the first few minutes... you should feel an increase in pace with no extra effort towards the 10 minute mark and then your breathing is optimal, this could help as you’re unlikely to ever run as smooth a pace as on the treadmill. Sort surfaces may also help..

[runlolarun2 Graduate]

Thank you both! I will not let this defeat me I promise - it just took me by surprise and is the first run I haven’t been able to complete. Will try hard not to beat myself up about it.

[Cuig1975]

The outside can be so much fun and interesting slow at first and get the body warmed up , lots of challenges to come .... wearing too much /2 little but feels amazing don’t expect to master it the first time...... maybe try shorter run outside but continue program on treadmill

[primaballerina]

Just go slow... Enjoy the views. I do a shufflejog. One day it might turn into a run... Try outside again...

[runlolarun2 Graduate]

Well I went back to the gym yesterday and completed the 28minutes with no drama! So strange!

[Decker]

Don’t be so hard on yourself. It is still early days and your body needs time to adapt to what you are asking of it. I would give yourself some time to adjust to running outdoors. Regarding your outdoor session, were you on a flat or a hill? That can make a big difference too. For stitches I find deep breaths through the nose sometimes help. Slowing or stopping for a short bit helps too.

[runlolarun2 Graduate]

Hi Decker - it was a gentle hill. I think I got carried away and just went for it, lulled into a false sense of security by being able to run for 28minutes on the treadmill. Despite warning from other runners I just didn’t expect it to be soo different. Do you think I need to go back a few weeks in the programme? Might graduate first then head back outside.

[Decker in reply to runlolarun2]

I would’t go back in the program, but maybe on your next outing choose a flatter stretch. I’ve no treadmill experience but I understand it is very different from running outdoors where you are fully propelling yourself. You don’t want this to be a barrier to running outdoors so if it were me, I’d try and mix it up the indoor/outdoor a bit. Esp if the weather is nice and the sun is out! 😊 You’re doing great 👍🏼

[runlolarun2 Graduate]

Thanks for the encouragement! Onwards!!

[BiscuitTinClarabel]

So relieved to read this as this is exactly what has just happened to me and I felt utterly deflated. Had felt so good in the gym, have been adding extra time on or speeding it up to push myself and felt I'd massively improved, then total failure outside. Have you had another go yet?

[runlolarun2 Graduate in reply to BiscuitTinClarabel]

Hi Biscuit - well I completed week 8 then got the flu 🙈 so have had to put week 9 on hold! I have decided to finish week 9 and graduate before I give running outside another go. Good luck

[sshatesrunning]

Treadmill and outdoor running are different. Treadmill can be a more cushioned surface - and clearly much easier to run at a consistent pace. Personally I prefer to run on the treadmill, but I set it at 1% incline which supposedly makes the run more akin to an outdoor one. If I'm honest, I don't enjoy running, but I do it to help keep on top of my fitness. That plus the motivation of seeing an improvement in my performance (I love stats and I'm such a poor runner the numbers can only go one way lol!).