Outside running

[running06]

I’m on week 6 and plan to complete my final run of this week tomorrow, I started off running outside mainly around sports tracks or parks but recently feel i’m Enjoying running on the treadmill a bit more, my question is do all the outside runners on here always go to parks to run or do you run round the streets of where you live? Think i’m Feeling a bit self conscious just pavement running and always feel I need to drive somewhere to start my run x

[Kimbov Graduate]

Hi, we have like a bypass road near me with a wide footpath, lots of cars going past, occasional pedestrians. I generally go here but sometimes go along the main road. I prefer evening running really.

Get your headphones in and focus on music, I don’t think anyone thinks anything of anyone running, however I was self conscious to begin with.

With time running comes confidence where I genuinely don’t care who sees me as I’m too busy concentrating on running.

Good luck, you are doing really well and will be soon be graduating!

[running06 in reply to Kimbov]

I know if I see someone out running I think absolutely nothing of it! As you say it’s all about confidence i’ll do a few more runs around a running track and then graduate to stepping outside my front door and running from there!

[Cupoftea5k Graduate]

Congrats on reaching week 6. Good luck with the 25min in R3. I prefer to run outside. I need the change in scenery as I go. My first runs were on winter evenings so that no-one saw me, but my confidence has increased since. Most people will ignore you, no differently to when you walk down the street. But with the lighter mornings and evenings and warmer temperatures, running outside is getting better.

[running06 in reply to Cupoftea5k]

Thank you so much! Can’t believe i’ve Made it this far

[ArthurJG Graduate]

I did most of c25k running along the coastal path near where I live. Its unlit though so Ive been running along pavements in town during the dark winter evenings. I have to say that personally I don't like using headphones where there's traffic so I was happy to get most of C25k done off road. I did the last bit on holiday in Italy but by then I was on to the continuous runs so I just timed them with my watch and didn't use the app so I could hear the traffic. Other people use headphones in busy streets and manage fine but I personally don't like it.

As for being seen - give it two weeks and you wont care about that any more.

[Hidden]

Many people (me included) feel self conscious at first. My neighbour drove round the block twice as he couldn't believe it was me running, so that helped! No one has ever said anything bad to me. Most people just smile and say good morning and sometimes people have positive and encouraging comments to make.

In the long term you need to find routes that are varied and interesting, so that you don't get bored. I sometimes run straight out the door and sometimes I drive to nearby trails. Mostly I try and make my running easy and convenient, so that there are no barriers to getting out there. You will find what works for you I am sure

[Poochpotato]

Sometimes the park, but more often local streets. I have no shame! But no one has laughed at me yet.