Road v treadmill

[Maria_]

Well I've completed week 1 the first two runs were extremely hard and didn't think I'd be able to move to the 2nd week but today I completed the 3rd run a lot easier. The first two were outside, this morning I was a bit later getting up and dont want to be seen in public so opted to use the treadmill, so now my question is was it easier because I have already completed two runs the same or because it's easier to run on a treadmill? I want to push myself, should I only run outside to make sure I'm pushing myself to the max or is there no difference between the two? Looking forward to and nervous about starting week 3 on Thursday.

[D1311]

Great job

[Rats88 Graduate]

I would suggest trying to change your view point a little. Don’t think about pushing yourself to the max. Try taking it one run at a time and think just about getting to the end of that run. Progression is fantastic regardless of setting (road or treadmill). Also the programme will naturally push you anyway.

Some people have mentioned before they find road harder than treadmill. I don’t have experience of both so not able to comment on that personally. The important thing is that you have started the journey. You’ve smashed the first week and you are carrying on. So well done, you are doing great.

There is plenty time to mix things up later. So take whichever option works for you 😀

[Elsiebea73 Graduate]

I’ve always wondered about this. Is it like comparing swimming in an indoor pool to swimming in the sea?

At the end of the day, you are running, it’s cardiovascular and hugely beneficial wether you run indoors or out. Well done

[CherryCore Graduate in reply to Elsiebea73]

Treadmill tends to be softer, very even and with less of external factors, such as wind directions or rain. Running outside includes all sort of external factors (I even tend to notice shadow and light patches!), plus a great variety of surfaces, often having different angles and incline levels.

[misswobble Graduate]

No need to push anything for C25k! Slow is perfectly fine. Don’t go hurting yourself 😟

[Neet79]

Personally I ran on a treadmill from day 1 until the first 25 minute run.....and then went outside. Outside I feel is harder due to all the external factors mentioned by CherryCore, I now struggle running on the treadmill!!! It’s a lot to do with mindset too.....on the treadmill you aren’t going anywhere but outside you can see where you are going and it’s a bit more motivating. Maybe it’s just me.

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Easier/harder? Who knows?🤷‍♀️

Personally, I found the treadmill easier physically because you have the pace and momentum set for you. Mentally, I found it impossible - and I don't use that word lightly! I used a treadmill once when the weather was awful, and never again. It's just so boring. And hot!

When I run outdoors, I'm thinking about my route, the weather, the road conditions, who I see along the way - anything really, and I often lose track of the time.It takes my mind off the actual running and makes it an interesting experience. When I ran on the treadmill, all I could focus on was the dashboard in front of me and the clock. Hated it!

Other folk enjoy it though, and in these strange times it may be the only choice for some. Each to our own.

[Target321 Graduate]

Hi I am on week 5 run 2 and have done all on a treadmill I do up the speed and height from time to time I quite enjoy doing it in my own little world will venture out as confidence grows

[Running_Giraffe Graduate]

Ive attempted it on the treadmill and I found outdoors easier. Probably not a good way of viewing it but for me I have my route planned and towards the end I get a boost of energy because I know I only have one street to go and I'm done and then week 3 of each run I challange myself to make it beyond that usual street and push the pace. I know it's not important but its fun in my head.