Treadmill vs outside

[Hanruh]

Just completed WK4R1 - it was a challenge but so glad I did it.

I’m very overweight so have tried to be kind to my knees and run on the treadmill. However, my ambition is to start doing park runs when I graduate and be able to run outside.

Any advice on introducing outdoor runs? And am I will running outside be like starting all over again?

Thanks! 😊

[Sham19]

I would do both. Maybe alternate or do one run a week outside. I did c25k on the treadmill early last year and found I couldn’t run outside at all (partly to do with asthma) so I redid it again outside and to be honest I wouldn’t voluntarily go back to a treadmill 😂

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Transitioning to outside may take a few runs for it to become comfortable, but all the adaptations that have happened to your body will still count when you get outdoors.

For many, pacing is one of the hardest things and setting off too fast is very common. So when you get outside just keep it very slow.

You will also have to cope with gradients, weather, beautiful scenery and skies, wildlife, uneven ground and almost too much stimulus after being on the mill.

[Redvic97 Graduate]

I’m finishing mine on the treadmill (I’m on W9) and then I’m going to think about going outside probably starting from an earlier week.

For me it’s knowing that I can do the 30 mins that’s been the driver and I just see it as then moving on to 30 mins outside. In my mind then it won’t be about not being able to do 30 mins but just adjusting to a different environment.

Each to their own really 😊

[Hanruh]

Thanks so much guys - this is great advice 😊 I guess I’m also a bit nervous about running when it’s dark but that won’t be a worry as the lighter nights come in!!