Having fallen foul of the weather and what with being really anxious of slipping on soggy leaves in the park and on the pavements I have taken the plunge and joined a gym so that I can run on a treadmill.
I’m not sure what to expect. Will it be easier or harder or even much the same? Logic says it’ll be easier because you get a level of propulsion of sorts but I’m no scientist and I bet my logic is arse about face.
Time will tell 😬
JetsNanna your logic is spot👍 taking it back to basics, a pavement etc doesn't move underfoot ....... Your treadmill moves!!! You run on a moving surface it's easier 👍
Result! I am a bit nervy about the gym and being so ‘visible’ - no clue why. It’s not like I’ll look any different in the gym that I do when I’m pavement running or in the park but I am, I guess, anxious about any judgement. If it’s easier than outdoor running then I shouldn’t make too much of a twit of myself 😂
Whoah there JetsNanna, gyms are full of all sorts, people on weights, Rowers and bikes etc just take yourself to that running place in yourself, make sure you're familiar with the controls they are pretty straight forward and you'll settle in ok, some gyms have screens situated so you can distract yourself and just run.....
My experience of treadmills is for walking rather than running as I am only now learning to run via C25K but based on walking I suspect it will be harder.
When walking the regularity of the pace seemed to place more strain on my muscles. I suspect when you walk or run not on a treadmill there are small but constant changes to stride length, stability underfoot, power applied to lift off again etc. All of which are likely at a micro level, eg stride changing by plus or minus a few mm however this variability is reduced on the treadmill.
Yes you can vary the treadmill speed and incline etc but you don't do this very often compared to running outside where practically every step has some variation, undulations, corners, obstacles, distractions, etc etc.
I decided a while back that treadmills weren't for me and adopted the phrase "no bad weather just bad clothing" I dress for the conditions and off I go, while running is new I have been walking in rain, hail, snow and storms and now running in rain, wind and sunshine. I also know some people love treadmill running, so whatever works is the best option.
I’ve done almost all of my C25K runs on the treadmill, especially since the weather has been so awful. It is definitely easier on a treadmill. I pop my headphones in & usually listen to a podcast & get a bit lost in it until Michael Johnson tells me to slow down! Week 9 run 2 scheduled for 6:30am 💪🏼🏃🏼♀️
Thanks for sharing your experience of treadmill running. I’ll find out for myself later this morning but it’s definitely helpful to hear from other people so that Ivan mentally prepare. Have a good day 😊
I'm about to start week 8 and all but four of the runs have been on a treadmill. I get lost in my music and don't find it boring like people told me it might be. Also with a serious back/spine problem, the impact of the treadmill is softer than running on concrete so suits me.
I’m hoping for this kind of experience. I’ll still doing outdoor runs when I can but I wanted a back up. I enjoy running but I know myself and if I stop because of the weather I think I would struggle to pick up on it again hence my desire to keep going even if it means transitioning to indoor runs.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Enjoy your day 😊
I had to stop running outside because of knee pain. I now run on treadmills only 🙁
It’s much easier for me because of the lessened impact. I tried running outdoors again last week to see if I could. Nope, agony!
All sorts in my gym, no one is looking at anyone. Though there are always one, last night a guy was dancing and doing selfies at the weights 🙈
Harder. Without doubt. I go slower on a treadmill for the same effort. It’s too hot. The sweat doesn’t dry and it’s boring beyond belief. They say set it to 2% incline to match outdoor running 💤
Noted. I am told that the gym has AC so I’m hoping that I won’t overheat. I’ll still be running outdoors whenever I can though just because I love the fresh air. 😊
Take a towel to the treadmill. The AC isn’t enough.
Most treadmills are in kph (not mins per km/mile) so use this chart to find your normal pace
Welcome to the dark side! We have showers! I did my c25k outside and then moved onto the treadmill and in my experience it’s easier on the legs harder on the head. I’ve since gone on to do my b210k and now 5kpacer on the treadmill and I’m definitely faster when I do go outside because I’m stronger but the hills kill me off because I’m so used to a flat playing field. So either use the incline settings or switch it up would be my ideal advice. Also don’t worry about being ‘seen’ no body in the gym gives a damn! We’re all here getting our own thing done and I promise you won’t be the biggest or slowest or anything else, so there’s almost definitely someone who is looking at you thinking wow! She’s amazing!
Verdict - treadmill running is not for me. I’ll use the gym for other things and as a back up if I can’t run outdoors.
I found it boring in a way that outdoor running isn’t AND as predicted, I got far too hot. It was so dull (maybe monotonous is a better word) that I found myself fiddling with my music which I never usually do.
And there are mirrors in front of the treadmills - for the love of all things good - why.??? Who needs to watch them selves running? You can only see your sweaty head and torso 😂😂😂
So, I’ll keep it as a back up but I’m an outdoor kinda gal. Thanks for all the input it it hugely appreciated 😊
When I came off the treadmill to run out doors I found it more difficult pounding the tarmac, however when I set my speed on the treadmill to 4.5m.p.h and progressively higher each week then I forced myself to stick to that set speed and I found that hard but I kept to it where as on the road my speed can vary to how I feel and I find that easier!!.
Fair point. The treadmill makes you stick at the pace you’ve chosen (as long as you are physically able). I’ll be giving it more of a chance as the weather gets worse and the days get shorter but my heart and me head feel better being outdoors.
Yes, very interesting. I have tried treadmill running but gave it up due to boredom.
Sheepish first park run
Park run this morning! 
First park run - loved it! 
First Park Run - Pap17 
I'm interested in why some days running is much easier than others
