Treadmill ... am I cheating and how fast should I run....?

[Nubird]

So, I’ve just completed run 1 of week 7.

I always use the treadmill as me ‘running’ is definitely not a pretty sight and I’d be mortified to be spotted in the great outdoors ... but am I cheating on treadmill as I imagine it’s harder outdoors...?

I walk at 6km/ph and ‘run’ at 8.4 kn/ph with the incline set to 1

Am I too slow? Should incline be loads higher ?

Thanks if you have read this far!

😊

[damienair Graduate]

Running is running. It can be harder running outdoors because of hills and weather and pushing yourself off against the ground. Your pace should be whatever pace feels right for you. If your comfortable then that pace is good. Well done. Just 8 runs to go.

Damien

[Nubird Graduate in reply to damienair]

Thank you 😊 maybe I will brave the outdoors for my last week... and will probably fail miserably 🤣

[damienair Graduate in reply to Nubird]

You won’t fail. Try Parkrun for your first outdoor run. You will be blown away. Dogs, Buggies, 80 year old runners mingling with 6 year old runners. Men, Women and Children of all ages, speed and ability as well as all different shapes and sizes. It’s electric and you will love it. You can walk it all, run and walk or run. There is no pressure and no one judges. It will cure your fear of running outside.

Damien

[Nubird Graduate in reply to damienair]

Thanks for the encouragement... that’s made it seem less daunting! I will try it ... I’d love to prove to myself I can do it 😊

[WalkingWithLabradors Graduate in reply to Nubird]

Go for it Nubird! 👍🏻

[deadandalive Graduate]

Slow is the way to go! The biggest issue for many of us is running too fast not too slow. That means you’re a step ahead from jump! The stamina you build from running longer and longer is more important than the speed you run at. And even more important is actually enjoying your running: that’s the biggest factor that’s kept me going. So take your time, have fun and savour your growth!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and explains the recommended easy conversational pace, which has nothing to do with numbers.

Treadmills are great for people with high boredom thresholds......

Enjoy your journey.

[UpTheStanley]

8.4 kph is a pretty good pace if you really started from the couch. Better than 4k for your graduation run will put you ahead of many (most?) at that stage. The treadmill is not cheating and 1 degree is plenty. But it is much more fun outdoors - especially Parkrunning 😀🏃‍♂️🏃🏽‍♀️😀

[Nubird Graduate in reply to UpTheStanley]

Thanks so much, I’m definitely from the couch, I’ve been a definite couch potato so I’m happy to hear that’s an ok pace... not exercised in 20 years I’m ashamed to say! just need to brave the outdoors ha !