Can I do the program a treadmill?: Hi my app is... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Can I do the program a treadmill?

Hmf288 profile image
19 Replies

Hi my app is downloaded and I’m ready to start tomorrow, can I do the full programme on a treadmill? Or is it advisable to go out on the streets? Thanks

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Hmf288 profile image
Hmf288
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19 Replies
Kevtrev profile image
Kevtrev

You can but you won’t get the total benefits out of it because outside running Is much harder than a treadmill you won’t get the ups and downs rain wind etc if I was you do it outside like I did and lots of other people have and your endurance will be much better if you do it outside but it’s totally up to you 😉🏃🏻‍♂️

Hmf288 profile image
Hmf288 in reply to Kevtrev

Thank you,

Kevtrev profile image
Kevtrev in reply to Hmf288

No problems just go for it you’re going to love it and welcome to the community 😉🏃🏻‍♂️

Stevieplink profile image
StevieplinkGraduate

There is no problem with doing the programme on a treadmill though you may find it a bit boring. I do one run outside each week. The most important factor is that you're running and that's great.

Hmf288 profile image
Hmf288 in reply to Stevieplink

Thanks

Stevieplink profile image
StevieplinkGraduate

The general advice about running on a treadmill is to raise the incline to 1

Hmf288 profile image
Hmf288 in reply to Stevieplink

Thank you

JaoJao profile image
JaoJao

Do what suits you. If you do it on a treadmill, set it at an incline. If you do it outdoors, there is no feeling like it ❤️

notquiteretired profile image
notquiteretiredGraduate

whatever suits you, running anywhere inside or out is better than the couch🤔

I do most indoors and was told to set incline to 1or 2 to mimic outdoors more

well done for getting your app ready , deep breath n off you go, its brilliant

keep checking in on here as lots of helpful advice and support 😊

AlasdairW profile image
AlasdairWGraduate

First off, welcome to the forum. You’ll love it here.

The purpose of the programme is to get you from sedentary, to running for 30 mins, 3 times per week.

Running is running, whether you do it on the streets or on a treadmill, but, running is still running!

Feel free to jump on the treadmill for all of your sessions, or, if you get bored, mix it up with an outdoor run. This is your program for you.

Yes, it feels different running outdoors to indoors - generally it feels harder outdoors, however, for a sedentary person that may we’ll be a good thing - ease into it gently.

I made the effort from the beginning to run outdoors as much as possible because I get bored on the treadmill, however, I’ve just had to switch to the treadmill because it’s too hot outdoors now due running here in Qatar.

I’ve made effort to research ways to keep it interesting, and so far so good.

One thing I have noticed is that I have to up the speed on the treadmill and the incline to allow it to feel like outdoors does.

One thing to remember - there’s no ‘minimum speed’. Go as slow as you need to go in order to get through the sessions.

This video has helped a lot of people on these forums.

youtu.be/9L2b2khySLE

Hope these tidbits help.

Happy trails

LeeU profile image
LeeUGraduate

If you set your treadmill to 1 degree incline that is supposed to mimic the resistance when running outside.

I completed the program on a treadmill as it allows me to regulate my speed something which I actually struggle with when running outside.

AnnaHod profile image
AnnaHodGraduate

Hi Hmf288,

I started the programme on the treadmill up until Week 5 and from then onwards it was outdoor all the way which I much prefer.

The main thing is you’re getting started!

Good luck for tomorrow 🏃‍♀️ x

ArthurJG profile image
ArthurJGGraduate

Yep you can do it in a treadmill if you want. I wouldn’t choose to but it’s a matter of personal preference.

backintime profile image
backintimeGraduate

I did it 100% on a treadmill and I won't run outside until the pollen count has dropped considerably - pollen and I don't get on well together, even with meds. Also, I don't have to leave the children alone (I run while they are still in bed).

My treadmill is set at 1.5, the speed varies according to my ability on the day :D

sofiaO profile image
sofiaOGraduate

I did the whole programme on the treadmill. It's much kinder on the joints and knees and I never get injuries. I didn't run on an incline, but agree 1% is a good idea. All the best!

Hmf288 profile image
Hmf288

Thanks everyone, I’ll keep you posted on how run 1 goes tomorrow 😳

Jerichomile profile image
JerichomileGraduate in reply to Hmf288

Yes definitely keep us posted. Exciting run 1.....start of a whole new thing in your life - and such a positive one 👍👏

Ferret4 profile image
Ferret4Graduate

Evening, I'm a treadmill user, just works best for me at the moment, but I've got to agree with the ones who find it boring, not in the beginning with the intervals but now I'm on longer blocks (W7) I need something to distract me otherwise I fixate on the clock.

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate

Welcome. Running indoors and outdoors are different, but the health and fitness benefits are the same... enjoy your journey on the treadmill. When you’ve graduated, transitioning to the great outdoors may feel strange for a few runs, but you’d soon get the hang of it, so I’d say just do this where you’re most comfortable.

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