venturing outside... ooooh

[changing-woman]

i just had to go and run some errands here in the city centre and i couldn't resist it, on the way back i ran for a minute or two (or less) in my heavy winter coat and sweater etc and you are all right, it *does* feel better than a treadmill. i felt it in my knees but otherwise it was good. so i think in order to support my decision to try and get out more ( lol, to run, i mean) i will purchase the necessary body garments and go for it. i will not give up, though tomorrow is another shot at the treadmill w4r1 and there are bad memories, i will keep going till i can do this running thing. even if i have to go back to go forward. i really want this. thank you to everyone for your support on monday, and always. you rock.

[David_G]

Great attitude DTR, best of luck with your next run, whether you do it on the treadmill or outside🏃‍♀️ I felt self-conscious when I first started running outside, but soon realised nobody was looking at me😀 Now I’m not bothered about it at all! 😊

[changing-woman Graduate in reply to David_G]

well i must order some gear first but then i am deffo going outside. when it gets dark, to start with i think. i am not a morning gal.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

I have never ran on a treadmill except when I had my gait analysis for running shoes, your post reminded me of when I was doing a series of short test runs before I began C25K, I used to run for 1 or 2 minutes in a thick jerkin, walking boots and a jumper, once those runs were completed I decided to start C25K with more appropriate clothes and trainers which were more comfortable.

[changing-woman Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

quite so x

[Oliverunner]

What beautiful scenery! I love running outside - it feels much more vibrant somehow, even in grotty weather. I agree about the knees though x

[changing-woman Graduate in reply to Oliverunner]

but i just feel if i am to give this a real go, even if it takes years and i mean that sincerely, i must venture outside scary though it is x

[Oliverunner in reply to changing-woman]

I’m like you - running doesn’t come naturally. I’ve been slogging away for a year on and off and it’s only now that I feel I’m coming into my own. It’s so worth the struggle though. It’s a journey and every part of it is amazing - even the painful bits x

[changing-woman Graduate in reply to Oliverunner]

yes indeed x but everything worth it takes effort doesn't it ... x

[changing-woman Graduate]

so i have leggings, running shoes, a sports *** and a cotton lycra long sleeved top...what else do i need to run outside, guys?

[changing-woman Graduate in reply to changing-woman]

some sort of jacket?...somewhere to put my phone?...a proper top of some sort?... i will look on amazon

[Cmoi Graduate in reply to changing-woman]

Running socks, if you've not already got them, though I'm guessing you probably have.

Also, TMI I know, but as well as sports bras I also have specific running knickers - seamless where possible, and wicking fabric.

I wouldn't invest in other clothing until you've tried running outside and know what you need, depending on weather and your personal preferences. But do get something hi-vis and/or lights if you'll be running in poor light - you need to be seen!

As far as carrying stuff goes, I use a cheap copy of the flipbelt to carry my phone, keys etc. There again, I am the Queen of Cheapy Running Clothes, most of mine come from the baragain box at Lidl or Decathlon!

Happy outdoor running!

[changing-woman Graduate in reply to Cmoi]

thanks for all that info

[changing-woman Graduate in reply to Cmoi]

good for you, i would be there like a shot if they had them in italy!

[Cmoi Graduate in reply to changing-woman]

Ah yes, that does complicate things. I think Decathlon have an Italian website, not sure that Lidl sells online in Italy though - they don't in France. My nearest Lidl is 20km away, and Decathlon 50km, but work sometimes takes me in that direction so I occasionally pop in!

[changing-woman Graduate in reply to Cmoi]

i will look right now

[changing-woman Graduate in reply to Cmoi]

found decathlon! its a french store i see but they have italian online stores....cheaper too!x

[nowster Graduate in reply to changing-woman]

It might help others to reply helpfully if you edit your profile to say you're in Italy rather than the default assumed location of the UK.

I can second the recommendation of Decathlon kit. It's better quality than some of the big brand stuff.

[changing-woman Graduate in reply to nowster]

right, i think i understand. i will change it to italy. done.

[changing-woman Graduate in reply to Cmoi]

whats the diff between running socks and socks?

[nowster Graduate in reply to changing-woman]

Sometimes running socks have double layers which can move slightly against each other, which helps to reduce the friction of the foot inside the shoe, so preventing blisters.

You can do the same with two pairs of socks worn over each other.

For myself, I'm happy with my hard-won calluses. 🤪

[changing-woman Graduate in reply to nowster]

hahahhahahhha

[changing-woman Graduate in reply to changing-woman]

how about a jacket with fleece inside but waterproof outside?

[Cmoi Graduate in reply to changing-woman]

Personally I'd melt if I ran in that! You'll warm up a lot as you run, so I'd strongly advise you to get thinner stuff and layer it. As for waterproof stuff, you may well not need it at this point in your running journey. I've got a a very light jacket (Lidl again!) which packs away into my running belt, but I've only worn it once - I realised I preferred getting wet!

Also just noticed you said cotton-lycra top earlier. I find manmade wicking fibres much better. Same for socks - mine are from Decathlon, similar to these, only bright pink: decathlon.co.uk/p/invisible...

[changing-woman Graduate in reply to Cmoi]

thank you so much for all the info i am so glad i asked

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

that's a very nice outside you've got

[changing-woman Graduate in reply to John_W]

thanks. the rest's ok too

[Roxdog Graduate]

If I lived there I wouldn't be able to resist running outside!

[changing-woman Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

oh yes, it is beautiful. just rather a lot of peeps for my liking running wise. x

[HeavyFoot Graduate in reply to changing-woman]

Do you have to dress stylishly to run in Italy?

[changing-woman Graduate in reply to HeavyFoot]

oh yes, at all times lol

[HeavyFoot Graduate in reply to changing-woman]

I do remember being looked at snootily by shop assistants in Rome as not worthy of their establishments. Is it la Bella Figura they expect?

Luckily, in Cornwall and where I am in France you can run looking like an explosion in a charity shop.

[changing-woman Graduate in reply to HeavyFoot]

good for you! i don't know what my reaction will be outside yet as i am still stuck on week 4 on treadmill and wont go out until i can at least jog for a few minutes without looking like a total disaster on legs... lol

[changing-woman Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

but i am going to do it. when i get some kit sorted. and after a couple practice runs.then i will feel i sort of know where i am more...

[Catho78 Graduate]

So glad you tried running outside, what a beautiful place to live. I find I love exploring new areas as I run, the world is your oyster! You got this my friend, keep us posted 👍

[changing-woman Graduate in reply to Catho78]

thank you for being so kind to me even if it takes years i am going to get my graduate badge...

[Catho78 Graduate in reply to changing-woman]

You’re welcome. You will I’m sure. I started running to get fit, lose weight etc. I’m a bit fitter, a bit lighter but did not realise how running would help in so many other ways. Running lifts your mood, helps you de-stress or think through worries, it is essentially “me time” that is priceless. I have fallen off many diet wagons, but running gives me more than I commit to it. Every other day I run (as shifts allow) or 3 x a week as a routine part of my life. I’ve found a passion for it and hope you will find joy from it too. Slow and steady, it doesn’t matter how long it takes, just follow the programme, put one foot in front of the other and enjoy 😁🏃🏽‍♀️

[changing-woman Graduate in reply to Catho78]

what a lovely post. thank you just trying to get my 16 minutes in the bag... i feel so terribly unfit!

[changing-woman Graduate in reply to Catho78]

its this joy people on here speak of i long to find... i am so willing, if not able currently, to be a runner... i really want to be one of you...

[Catho78 Graduate in reply to changing-woman]

It takes time. I don’t recall so much joy in the early weeks of the programme. I was panting through 3 or 5 mins desperate for the time to be up. I had an injury at week 5 and had 5 weeks out before having to start again from the beginning. It was then I realised how much I missed it and when I started again I ignored the watch and just ran until told to walk. The joy comes from each little milestone achievement, you can now run 90 seconds when 60 seemed impossible on week 1. Be kind to yourself.

[changing-woman Graduate in reply to Catho78]

yes. i must remember that x i never am x i just push n push myself

[changing-woman Graduate in reply to Catho78]

i can run for 3 minutes!

[Catho78 Graduate in reply to changing-woman]

See that is amazing!

[changing-woman Graduate in reply to Catho78]

getting fitter is amazing

[changing-woman Graduate in reply to changing-woman]

but getting over this week 4 milestone is a biggie!

[Rennur Graduate]

Just saw the temperature for your city. It does get a bit nippy there in the winter especially at night and in the winter too.

I think a winter coat may un poco troppo for running!

[changing-woman Graduate in reply to Rennur]

i think you're right x lol

[nowster Graduate]

A handy diagram for how much you're likely to need to wear at what temperature:

fix.com/assets/content/1902...

You'll probably want to account for wind chill, too.

(Thanks damienair for originally finding this.)

[changing-woman Graduate in reply to nowster]

thanks nowster that's really interesting... looks like i need to buy a whole new wardrobe when the moment comes....

[changing-woman Graduate]

just about to have another go at w4r1... drank a fair bit yesterday... of tea and water...

[roseabi]

Well done, and what a beautiful city!!! 😍

[changing-woman Graduate in reply to roseabi]

hiya thank you for replying