Starting again....

[Jojo7019]

So I WAS a graduate. And so proud. And ran on a treadmill regularly for awhile then partly due to injury and other commitments continued my trips to the gym but running got less and less. A month or so ago I started C25K again...then Covid 19 hit...no more treadmill ! So now I've started AGAIN but for the first time ever outside !!! And omg it's hard! Week 2 completed...just ! How is it so hard and why does the smallest incline feel like a mountain. Heavy legs !

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome back to the forum and well done on restarting.

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

and includes advice on pacing and hydration which sound as if they might be pertinent.

Enjoy your journey.

[Jojo7019 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks for the welcome back and a reminder of the advice ! I'm sure it will get better. And I've done this once I can do it again. Just such a difference from the treadmill ! I walked a parkrun awhile back. Who knows perhaps I'll run one one day !

[dieOR5k Graduate]

Welcome back. I ran 2/3 of the program indoors. The transition outside is brutal. Slow down pace to get used to having to drag yourself along (god how I miss the auto-drag and steady pace of the treadmill). You’ll be fine and hopefully learn to enjoy outdoors. I can’t imagine going back indoors now that I can run new places every week. And I really enjoy getting stats from a running app.

[Jojo7019 Graduate in reply to dieOR5k]

Thanks for the encouragement 😀 I've always wanted to run outside. Just never had the nerve ! Took me a long time to go into a gym by myself but I do that now without thinking ! Where I live has inclines ( currently feeling like mountains) but lovely views in the right spot so I'll keep going 😀

[Hidden]

Welcome back! Running outside is often said to be harder, but having tried a treadmill on a couple of occasions; I don't know how you did it! Its so dull when compared to being out in the fresh air with the changing seasons and landscape. I understand that this is not possible for everyone, but I am sure you will discover a whole other side to your running experience

[Jojo7019 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

The treadmill helped with pace. I either thought I was Usain Bolt ( for about 3 secs) or plodded along slower than a snail when I tried to run in the past. And the ridiculous notion that I was too fat to exercise ! I never found it dull , at the time I found the repetition useful. However already agreeing that being outside is lovely. Plus I dont need to drive to the gym or get a bag ready !

[Weavil Graduate]

I agree with Helenwheels. I've done the bulk of the 7 weeks outside, only three done on a recently acquired treadmill. I find I run slower indoors and it's soooooo dull. Outside wins for me every time. Each to their own I suppose.

[Jojo7019 Graduate in reply to Weavil]

It must be tough going back indoors if that's all you have known. I seen quite a few posts saying people hate it. Once this madness is over perhaps I'll join that band !

[Dexy5 Graduate]

Welcome back. It may seem harder at first but I love running outside for the fresh air and all the distractions. You can see the change in seasons, get a tan as you’re running, and do parkrun in due course. I never went back to the treadmill once I got outside.

[Jojo7019 Graduate in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks. I honestly think people forget how lovely being outside is. Just never thought I'd be running out there.

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Hi, good for you for getting back to running!

Outdoor running easier/harder? I don't know. I did one run on a treadmill during the floods, and never again! I absolutely hated the sheer tedium of it. I take my hat off to anyone who's actually completed the entire programme using one!

Outdoor running may be physically harder, but the distraction of the environment (from dodging dog poo to spring birdsong) easily makes up for the physical challenge - for me anyway. Stick at it and you may come to love it.

As for the hills, I feel your pain. You have realised that your area is littered with mountains that have, hitherto, been hiding in plain sight! To begin with, try to avoid them. As you get fitter, see them as a challenge and extra workout. 💪

Good luck.

[Jojo7019 Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

Thanks . I think I managed to find a loop route round my estate now that avoids all but the smallest inclines ! There are some great local parks but obviously at the mo I'm staying close to home 😀

[Comfortnotspeed]

Hi and welcome back! Have just completed second time around; just go steady. You’re going to get there. You know you can! 🌸😊🌸

[Jojo7019 Graduate]

Thanks for encouragement. Well done for completing it again 😀