Disappointed much 😯

[kel110]

Just starting week 8 and decided to pavement run it instead of my normal treadmill run...didn't last 2 minutes! Pain in front of legs (again) so ended up walking...what a waste of a run 😒😒 Does this mean I'm resigned to running like a hamster on a wheel in a soulless gym instead of experiencing the great outdoors?? It honestly felt like I was back at week 2 ☹️☹️

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

It is easier running on a treadmill than running outside, and grass is harder still (but better for people with sore knees!). Some people redo part of the plan after graduation to transition to outside if they’ve done it all inside. Running outside is, for me, part of the joy of running so you could carry on to graduation on the hamster wheel!, or make the jump to the outside. As you’re on w8, you probably would have to go back a bit to get some intervals to help you, but think of it as a boost to your strength training. You could start at W5 to build up to the 20 minute run, and go from there. Oh, and slow down!

[Mike_Bravo Graduate]

Aww kel I'm sorry to hear your run didn't go well, I hope the next 🏃‍♀️ is much better. I've only ever run outside so can't be sure on how much easier or harder it is on a treadmill, but it makes sense that it would be more challenging, especially the first time.

If you're getting pre-existing pain to your legs that's being exacerbated by short runs then maybe go see someone about it. Alternatively if not then maybe you just need to repeat some earlier runs outside? Exercising on a treadmill is 100% better than not at all, but as you allude to there is a convenience aspect about running outside for free. I'm sure you won't be stuck only using treadmills for much longer. 🤗

I found an article on the pros and cons of outside vs inside in case you were interested:

runnersworld.com/training/a...

[Rsooze Graduate]

Hi Kel110 I started on the treadmill then moved over to outside, it was tough! The treadmill seems so much easier than outside! But try sticking with it because it’s so much more enjoyable 🥰. I graduated 3 weeks ago and it feels fab! I’ve also done 2 park runs!.. and can run 5k in 35 mins 15 secs😳 I couldn’t run for toffee when I started, I’m nearly touching 57 too! Slow and steady you’ll smash it 💪🏻

[Mike_Bravo Graduate in reply to Rsooze]

Congrats Rsooze 😊👏 it does feel F A B, doesn't it!

[Rsooze Graduate in reply to Mike_Bravo]

Certainly does Mik3_B 😃🤪

[Debston Graduate]

Is there any woodland near you that you could use for runs? I try to avoid pavements as much as I can and run on footpaths or woodland trails as it's a bit softer underfoot and away from car fumes. Also, now that the weather is turning warmer, I am grateful for the shade in the woods as it keeps things a bit cooler. Good luck with finding a route that works well for you, it's lovely to get out for a run so worth persisting. If you have a National Trust property nearby, they often have wonderful estates with well maintained trails, just a thought?

[Jell6 Graduate]

I run outside, but go for lanes and footpaths. Going up and down pavements and kerbs doesn't ever do me any favours, something always hurts after that for me.

Maybe it's just that you need to find the right outside for you🤩

[Hatman Graduate]

Hi kel110

Do try to run outside. I hope that you finished last years course and might like a little more guidance like that?

mindfulrunning.org/ might be a good place to start to join up all the dots, life, running,pain in the legs etc.

Is there a green area nearby? Just take a walk in trees and listen to the birds, smell the green spring scents. Perhaps just break into a gentle jog

Try this guy perhaps?

youtu.be/bdVvtzFn_5M(Not working as expected?)

Or similar on that app?

Do not write off the idea of a full happy loving life. I too was single parent to teens. Life smiled, and I have now been very happily married to a lovely lady for 24 very happy years. My kids were delighted to suddenly have two grown up sisters. Looking forward to W9R2 tomorrow outside near the sea.

Hope you are equally successful in all your difficulties.

[lexiemcd Graduate]

I graduated last summer running outside then went on the treadmill during the winter months. I thought I was doing ok running for 30 minutes on the treadmill until I attempted my first run outside a month ago. I could only manage about five minutes. I hooked up with Laura again going back to W4. Now running 30 minutes on pavements. Just start off slowly and build back up again - and enjoy. Good luck !!

[kel110 in reply to lexiemcd]

Hahaha took me a while to realise who this 'Laura' was...and thank you for your kind words and encouragement 🤩

[kel110]

Hi all....many thanks for the suggestions!!! There is a small 'forest' not far from me....going to give that a go and then see if I need to drop back a few weeks 😍 am just annoyed because I was looking forward to graduating 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I'll keep you updated...

[DiscoRunner Graduate in reply to kel110]

You’ll get there!

[Hatman Graduate]

You will still graduate, just as a more rounded and stronger person.

[robew88636 Graduate]

My opinion is that outdoors is tougher than treadmills unless you have been running on inclined ones. The sudden change will obviously hurt you. Take small targets for outdoors and keep your pace lower than usual for starters. As and when you start feeling comfortable, you can increase your distance. There is a transition period from treadmill to outdoor but it is not much and is totally worth it.

Hope your next run is better and you enjoy it as well.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Are you following the advice in the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... on minimising impact, stretching after every run and knee strengthening.........they will all help.

[kel110]

Once again, thank you all so much!! Taking your advice and moving on 🤩🤩