Hi there. You may remember me from early December when I shared my experience of trying to fast track my C25k journey by doing week 1 on 3 consecutive days and then attempting my first Parkrun 2 days later (yeah I was sore for weeks after that). You were all super supportive and I just wanted to check back in with you because finally I've re-started the program and this time I am calm, I am patient, I am trusting the program and am quietly confident that taking it slow will actually work! Duh!
Just a few observations .... I'm doing all the recommended stretches after each session and I couldn't believe how tight my quads and hammies were after the first couple of runs! Hammies in particular and it was excruciating to stretch them! But, of course, it is getting easier now that I'm doing it regularly and I try to do them other times too if I think of it.
Also, here in Australia the NHS app isn't available so I'm using the podcasts (which are fantastic ... I freakin LOVE Laura) but I wondered if there are any clever tech heads amongst you who might know a sneaky way to get around whatever is blocking access to the app outside of the UK?
Finally, I'm still on the treadmill (it's hot here in Oz and it's just easier to use the treadmill due to being able to wear very little without worrying about modesty) but I'm raising the incline to 2 because someone told me it's a closer match to what running outside feels like. Does anyone have any treadmill advice? Am I doing myself a disservice by using it instead of hitting the pavement? When I finally start running outside will it feel very different?
Thanks in advance! Have a super weekend!
Written by
JoeyCoops
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Thanks Annie! I think the outside runs will be really enjoyable after all that running in one place ... yes, I will take it easy. As a graduate, how often do you run now?
I run 3x week with a rest day in between. I start with a dynamic warm up & then run .. static cool down on return. Lots of water on run and rest days..occasional park run but I prefer solo runs at dawn. Try to use my foam roller & strength & flex on non run days. I am a slow runner as in Japanese running so have fortunately not had any injuries since starting 6 months ago. Hope it goes really well for you this time.
Hey! Well done for starting slow. I’ve heard treadmill at 1 for mimicking road effort. But will it feel different even if you counterbalance your advantage with an incline... ? yes!
Even so, don’t let that trouble you. You can slow down outside while you get used to physically propelling yourself through the world. And while you’re thinking whether that may be a disadvantage, remember the advantages too! You get to look around, see people, stuff, seek out sun or shade, vary a route. These things are wonderful!
Charlotte thank you ... and you make running outside sound incredible. I think I'll do it sooner rather than later!
I started this whole thing so that the dog would get a better workout (me too obviously) and because she needs to stop and drink at every water opportunity, I figured it would be more efficient to do the C25k on a treadmill so I'm not interrupted. I just hope she lives long enough for me to complete the program (she's 13)!!!
Also that gives her a chance to build up gently. Might be good for her, given her age. I have cats. I can’t see them accompanying me on a run anytime soon 😂😂😂😾
Haha no perhaps not! And you're right about her need to build up slowly, so it makes sense to involve her from Week 3 onwards so she gets plenty of walking in between the runs. This forum is fantastic, I'm most grateful for the advice!
Well done for re-reading and being patient and slow! I had the same feeling of cheating by using the gym in my first few weeks but now run only outside. I would suggest mixing it up a bit and putting the treadmill on that incline. It's not the same as outside but will get you fit and strong anyway!
Thank you .... and it did involve a lot of reading before re-starting! I absorbed all the FAQs and helpful hints to avoid another injury. And it's great to know I'm not doing this on my own!
Can’t help you with the treadmill query but just to say well done for coming on the programme again (and following it the right way this time! 😂). I only run outdoors - last night was cold, windy and heavy rain. Was soaked to the skin, I ran my longest ever run and I really enjoyed it. Still can’t believe I’m saying that about running! Can’t imagine yet what it’s like running in Oz!
Wow ... I can imagine how great that must've felt once you adjusted to the freezing temp. Sometimes when we least want to exercise ends up being the best possible times. Running in Oz isn't too unique, we just have to get out there early if it's going to be a stinker. And of course the koalas keep getting under our feet and kangaroos are always trying to race me ... sigh. That's Oz! 😂 Thanks for your support, the C25k is such a great program. I'm driving to the golf course tomorrow (W3R1) where there's a 3.5km perimeter track ... I'm a bit excited!
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.
W2R3
For those who've done this more than once, is it easier the second time round? 
W9r3 ✅🏆🕺 Been there, done that, time to order the T-shirt. 
W2R3 - slow to report 
This running lark is very frustrating 😖 W2r3
