Thoughts on Treadmill Running

[D4ve_j]

I'm just about to finish week 3, all runs so far have been on a treadmill which has been ok. Should I stick with the treadmill or is it best to try the roads?

[Need4speed Graduate]

Hi, I have just completed week 7 run 1, so far it has all been on a treadmill. What this is giving me is the ability to finish each run at a constant pace and not be tempted to stop, which I would on a road run. It is up to you whether you feel disciplined enough to push ahead. Whatever you decide it will help build your stamina.

[Roxdog Graduate]

I did the first 3 weeks on the treadmill at the gym and then did an outdoor run. Apart from a few runs on the treadmill after that, I ran outside, but not on pavements much at all. This was because I have arthritis in my knees, which running helped with enormously, but I wanted softer surfaces.

To be honest, I never use a treadmill now as running outside is such an amazing thing to do! I bought a treadmill just before the lockdown as I'd not long graduated from cto5k and was scared we'd be locked down more than we were! I don't use it though, so I may try and sell it! Good luck, maybe try an outdoor run. It may feel a little harder at first, but it passes quickly. Maybe try a nice route and see how it goes. I bet you'll fall in love with it!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

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

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

There are different benefits to both treadmill and outdoor running. The transition to outdoors can take a few runs as you need to be in charge of pace as well as getting used to gradients, uneven ground, weather, fresh air, vitamin D and ever changing scenery .

Enjoy your journey.

[Pugwash Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Me: Everything that Ian says! 😁

[kev9154 Graduate]

Well done on starting the plan, trust it and you will get there 👍I’ve finished C25K, consolidated and now done week 1 of a 10K plan. Apart from approx 6 runs, 2 of which were forced when I put my foot through the running board...all my runs are on treadmill. I too enjoy the steady pacing of the treadmill and living in NE Scotland I find the wind and weather quite a challenge.

Saying that I do eventually want to run a real 5K event so do plan to do more outdoor 5K when I get my indoor distance up as it is different and it is more challenging.

The treadmill isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but a well chosen playlist and good ventilation makes it a not unpleasant experience.

[Frizzbomb67 Graduate]

I transitioned from the treadmill to outdoor running at week 5 and had to repeat a couple of runs as it was more tiring on the legs. I adjusted quickly though. Now I run outside as much as I can and love it! I live in a built up area so drive somewhere green to run. This makes a run less convenient and more time consuming but so much more enjoyable. I do jump on the treadmill when the weather is bad or time is tight but I don’t enjoy it. Go for it! I bet you’ll love it

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Carry on as you want. There are no rules as to where you *should* do your running. I did the whole of the program on a treadmill and in the last 5 years have continued to do a mix of both indoor and outdoor. The treadmill is an incredibly useful tool for a committed runner.

[MrsSchnauzerSmith Graduate]

Do what you want- it’s your run, your body and your time!

Outside running is great if you can see trees birds streams, although it’s bloody slow puttering over a ploughed field like I did this morning.

Inside running is great if the weather is pants, or trees birds streams not immediately available. Do you what you like best

[YorkshireLass007]

Hi I’m interested in the replies you get as I have just finished week 3 all done on a treadmill too 🏃🏼‍♂️

[Alanbb]

I'm on week 5 run 2 all done on a treadmill .I tried to start by running on tarmac but found the impact to my legs to much I'm 54 and always wanted to try and jog around my local park so started the programme .I find the treadmill much easier on my legs but would love to eventually get outdoors .

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Running outdoors tends to be a bit more difficult to begin with. There is no pace set and no momentum to keep you going. Having said that, I find it a joyous experience. Not something I can say about my experience of the treadmill!

I also think navigating the outside world, terrain, routes, weather etc keeps your brain ticking over as well as your body.

Enjoy whatever you decide to do. 👍

[Couchphoenix Graduate]

Try the roads D4ve_j it’s lovely to get out into the fresh air, I go out at 6am when it’s nice and quiet and the air is fresher. I used to run on a treadmill but the sense of distance you cover outside makes it feel much more of an achievement. 👍🏃‍♂️