W1,R1 - in the dark

[Chunky_bunny]

Finally started today. Found it hard as extremely unfit as well as being overweight. First session was okay but as it was dark and wet when I went, felt nervous about slipping/tripping on uneven pavement during the running sections. May do next few on treadmill in the gym until nights get a bit lighter. Is this okay or should I persevere on the pavements? I will try to go in daytime wherever possible, but quite difficult in the winter months.

[M17el]

I'm doing mine in the gym on the treadmill so its fine. I have put the incline up to 1.5 tho as I understand it reflects outside running not sure how true that is. Treadmill is good to as you can see how fast you are running and distance covered. Prob not important bit of interest to me. I would say when it comes to the running it's not the same speed everytime but I speed I am comfortable with. So I would say yes start on the treadmill if it feels safer.

[Sammie1968]

Well done onwards and upwards 🏅

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and is full of tips.

Enjoy your journey.

[ROO969]

I was with you last night, my first run too. Let’s both get to the end together

[sTrongFuse Graduate]

Indoors or outdoors, a run is a run; the thing is that you are giving it a go. I'm an outdoor/all weather type of runner (much to my surprise) but that's mainly down to living in the middle of nowhere with no easy access to such modern conveniences as treadmills and the like. Either option is equally valid, a mile run is still a mile wherever you run it.

Good luck on your journey.

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

If you're worried about tripping up, then no reason why you shouldn't use the treadmill. Some people do their entire c25k that way. Once the evenings get lighter you might find it more interesting to get outside again.