Time to Start - Treadmill Purchased

[donnachaps84]

Hi all, I’m determine to improve my fitness. I have a very sedentary job and currently do yoga 1-2 times a week however I want to improve my cardio. I’ve just purchased a treadmill and cannot wait to get started. Does anyone have any tips?

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Great you want to start c25k . Just go slow and slower again if needed and remember to drink lots of water per day and not just on run days about 2-3 litres it really helps.

C25k is an amazing plan and really does work you'll get lots of encouragement and support on here good luck. 😊😊

Remember to stretch after every run

nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/h...

[Grannyhugs Graduate]

Relax, take it slowly, do just what is asked for each day, be kind to yourself, post, enjoy. Happy running

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Welcome...well done you...please check out the info here..

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Loads of essential reading here.

Keep posting for terrific support and encouragement and do maybe think of getting outdoors too if you are able

Oh...and do enjoy this

[Sham19]

My advice would be run outside too. It’s amazing 🙂 This is from someone who completed the run on the treadmill in March. Found I couldn’t run outside at all so started again outside and completed on the 21st of December. Have run just over 19k in 7 days outside and to be honest it beats the treadmill hands down 🙂.

[donnachaps84 in reply to Sham19]

Really? Thank you for the advice. I wanted to start inside on the tread mill whilst it’s cold and raining but I will definitely keep this in mind and try to do some outside too. You have done great! 👌🏻

[Sham19 in reply to donnachaps84]

Thank you. You’ll be amazing. Just take it slow remember it’s not a race. Just a slow jog at a pace you can still hold a conversation. If you struggle take it even slower. You got this 🙂

[Briggers]

I completed the 9 weeks on a treadmill, the main reason was that I just didn't have time to go out running having to look after my 6 year old daughter.

I originally tried to run outside but other than not having regular time to run outside I found it was far too easy to stop when I was tired, on the treadmill I found it made me carry on running when I wanted to stop.

Running on the treadmill is boring though, so I watch TV while doing it, takes your mind off it.

Treadmills aren't for everyone but they do come in handy.

Good luck.

[LeeU Graduate]

I completed C25K twice on treadmills, running on a treadmill is slightly different to running outside, don't get me wrong, both are running.

The first difference, as some have mentioned, is the fact that treadmill running can be boring, I've run for over an hour on mine so have a very high boredom threshold.

The second difference is the muscles used is different, I know it sounds strange but it is true, when running on a treadmill you don't use the muscles on the backs of your legs as much as the floor moves under you and you don't need to pull yourself along.

Another major difference is speed, studies have shown that you actually run faster and further outside. I had an issue with pacing when I first tried to run outside after graduating the first time, I'd gotten so used to the treadmill regulating my pace when I ran outside I was going way too fast. It took me 5-6 runs outside with my wife who was on week 6/7 and is slower than me anyway to help me be able to pace myself.

I know it's cold at this time of year and having the treadmill gives you the ability to run, I still have and use my treadmill when it's really lashing it down BUT I like to get out and run whenever I can, my favourite is the local canal tow-path. I've been out at -3 before.

It may be cold but keep in mind that you will soon warm up when you start running.

Either way, welcome to the program, just take every run slow and steady, when you read or hear the word run, think more of a slow jog.

[RunningMigster Graduate]

Really well done for getting started.

I would agree with others, you need to get out there and run outside too. Not just for the points that LeeU makes but also because it makes you mentally more resilient.

Running in the rain might not sound like fun, but it can be quite exhilarating. Especially when it's really coming down hard. Running in the dark, in torrential rain is one of my favourite times to run.

I must admit, I haven't run when there is snow on the ground and I'm quite sure I'll be jealous of anybody that has a treadmill then!

However you do it, well done for getting started and I look forward to your future posts

Mig