I have done all my C25K on the treadmill... but the last couple of weeks with the runs being longer I have found it boring.. so I’ve been so keen to try outside running, everyone seems to enjoy it and says it’s better.
All excited off I went this morning... omg I only lasted 10 minutes 😰😰 it was so hard I really couldn’t do it.. I’m amazed at the difference!! I’m feeling so deflated,so I’m going back to the treadmill until I have graduated and then maybe try in a couple of weeks.
Has anyone got any advise please should I start C25K again outside ??
I don’t know what to do 🤔
Have a lovely weekend 😁
Written by
Goslow
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I have no experience of treadmills but love being out in the fresh air. Have a rest day & then after a warm up walk try a run outdoors again on a level surface. Run very slowly 🐌in a relaxed not tense mode (relaxing 🎶) & see how far you get!
It’s just different - don’t be too hard on yourself. you probably ran too fast from the start - treadmills unless you programme in hills etc are a constant level and pace so slow right down. Treat this run as an outdoor practice, complete the course whichever way is most comfortable for you as that’s the only thing that matters - well done for getting this far, good luck and I’m looking forward to seeing your graduation post shortly
Thank you DiverIzzie. That’s is the thing I do go slow on treadmill and I don’t have on an incline🙈😬.. I know I should ! but your right take it as practic! I’ll go back to trey to complete I think 🤔
According to the info on here outside running is so different to the treadmill as the treadmill sets the pace where as when you are outside you are in charge. You probably went far too fast . Don't worry try again and pay attention to your pace and if you are breathless you are going too fast. It just takes practice . You can do it 😊😊
Thank you Buddy34. I was breathing heavy 😉 I hadn't really thought about pace on treadmill and outside.. even though I was still slow I probably was faster than usual ! I will try again but I think I’ll finish first on treadmill as I can manage that 😊
Don’t be harsh on yourself, you’re doing great. Like any other thing, running outside needs a short learning period. Avoid car traffic, and try to run outside not for the run, but for the outside, hope it makes sense. Be free, outside is about freedom, headspace, fresh air, rabbits and holy rain washing down your negative emotions. The treadmill is more like a chore, like doing same laundry, using the same washing machine and the same detergent. Why not try the river, with buckets and stones? Goooo slooooowww!
Oh no! So sorry to hear that! That was just a practice to see what it is like outside after you graduate on the treadmill 🤗 Just remember to go even slower 🐌
Well done - it’s all good, I agree don’t be harsh on yourself. If you feel you want to graduate on the treadmill that’s great but do give outside running another bash or two. It is very different. I ran on a treadmill for the first time a couple of weeks ago and didn’t enjoy it at all - but I need to get used to it because winter is coming and I won’t be able to run outside as much as I like. When you run outside you are propelling yourself forward but on the treadmill it’s the opposite it assists leg turnover so you run faster than you would outside. So good advice from others. Slow down 😁 Try increasing to incline to 1 - 1.5 % incline to mimic outside running. Happy running and keep us posted.
I will give it another go as everyone seems to get so much from running outside.. I'll also incline the treadmill thank your u for advise and hope you get used to treadmill 😊🏃♀️Happy running too 🙌
Now, you can run 30 on the treadmill and you did 10 outside... that’s ok... I run outside and can’t last more than 5 minutes on a treadmill, so you’re ahead of me in the versatility stakes!
I’d graduate on that treadmill and then ease into outdoor running starting once a week. It’s different, but your fitness and muscles are the same... just a case of learning to pace. Start off deliberately slowly... try and run at 4 or 5/10 effort.
I did all of my c25k on treadmill and went on to 10k on treadmill. I am the queen of mental arithmetic while running just to not keep looking at thise treadmill numbers lol.
I tried outside where I live (mainly countryside) but the pollen count soon put a stop to that.
Then I went on holiday where there was a nice flat running surface and I went out and found it hard, really hard.
So I went out again the next time and just did a bit more. Then the next time it was really hot and I couldn't do 10 mins, went out the next time and did 5k then the next time managed to turn the 5k into 10k, to put me on a par with my treadmill distances.
I would say it took me 5 or 6 tries to get to equuvalent distances.
I do have my treadmill on a 1.5 incline all the time (apart from the one time when my son bumped it up as a joke and I didn't check and thought I'd forgotten how to run 😂)
Pacing was harder too...I set my run app to tell me every 2 minutes so I can adjust my pace which stopped me going too fast.
Lastly, I discovered that on the treadmill I was subconsciously tensing my legs (prpbably against the movement) so I consciously check my legs and make myself relax my legs (obviously not relax so much I collapse in a heap 😂) but just not to act as a brake.
My advice would be to finish c25k, then just take a week or 2 to get up to the same distance outside, no pressure, just add a bit on every time. Find somewhere nice and flat at first, it makes a difference.
Don't put pressure on yourself to do equivalent times or distances, just run a bit, take a day's rest and run a bit further next time. You'll probably find it comes quite quickly to the same distance as your treadmill
Well done giving the big outside place a go. I think you’re amazing to run on a treadmill. I just cannot do it. Do whatever you’re comfortable with. You’re doing a fantastic thing wherever you do it. 😊😊😘
I’m back on treadmill 🤣 and repeating w9 again,as it didn’t go to well outside! I’m going to complete this week and stay on treadmill for a couple more weeks but gradually try running outside and build up.. my aim is to get outside 😁🏃♀️
Thank you for checking in on me😊I’m just off to gym now! Have s lovely weekend xx
Persevere....i transitioned from treadmill running and it was tough but only for a couple of weeks. It is because the treadmill paces for you and you have to learn to do this yourself outside on ever changing terrain...slow the pace down, you can work on that after.
It is so much better outside with the fresh air and sights and sounds and not boring.
My treadmill is gathering dust in the barn now...may be used in winter. Good luck.
Thank you for advice. It makes me feel better that it wasn’t just me finding it difficult! I will just complete this week on treadmill and then gradually start to get outside... totally agree much better for you 😁🏃♀️
And not boring! Thank you again. Happy running 🏃♀️ have a good weekend x
Yes, i would complete on the treadmill but you wont need to start again outside....be kind to yiurself...it will come quickly you will see...enjoy...its all running. Happy impending graduation.
Don’t panic I did all my running on the treadmill until I graduated then tried outside and found it so hard I am back on the treadmill it doesn’t matter where you run but that you run. Keep going you’re doing brilliantly.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Treadmill v outside 
Treadmill vs outside 
running outside again - failed
First try outside & failed!!
Help! W5R1 first time running outside!
