I'm new here, and on week six of Couch to 5K. I've been running on the spot at home, because I can't face the cold. I know that this makes me much more likely to get the sessions done, since it's just all round easier and more convenient. What do others think of this option?
Written by
IJM1
Graduate
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Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.
Running on the spot will develop your cardio fitness and to a degree build your muscles, but will not really turn you into a runner.
Many people are unsure about heading outdoors and feel self conscious, but it really is much healthier, providing fresh air, vitamin D and sensory stimuli.
Hi! Thanks for your reply! No - there’s no medical issue, luckily. My first goal is to use running to lift my mood. I find running inside very effective for this. Running outside might be even more so - but it would definitely be something I would avoid more. My secondary goal is to use running, in conjunction with a Healthy restricted calorie diet, to lose weight - I’m not very large but I do have a few extra pounds.
It sounds like great exercise but I don't think it will develop your running hips and core the same as running outdoors. What seems cold when you're sitting indoors turns out to be quite warm when your heart is pumping out on the roads. I believe the rule of thumb is to dress for 10 degrees warmer than it really is. Why not give it a go!
Thanks for your reply! Yes... and my tendency is to feel like staying up all night and sleeping all morning, and I’ve heard getting out into the light really helps with that.
Don't be afraid of going out, I did week 1 runs 1 & 2 around my garden then my wife joined me on run 3 and we went to the local park after work, I was devastated to find a group of teenagers hanging around there, but other than the odd glance they paid me no attention. so w3r3 today and the park is now the regular route. biggest fear was last Friday when I gate-crashed youth football training with dozens of parents watching. I just shuffled my way around the pitches and, guess what, it was fine!
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