62 starting week 8 and should I run outdoors?

[Kernyk123]

Morning, finished week 7, I have been running on a treadmill and wondered if it is harder running outdoors? I live by a river so could run along the towpath. Any advice?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Many find the transfer to outdoors quite challenging and it may take a few runs to get used to being in charge of pacing, coping with gradients, uneven ground, weather and ever changing sensory stimuli but it is well worth the effort.Pick a nice day for your first one........have fun.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Go for it! So many additional benefits. Waterside running is especially fine... although towpaths can be a bit hassly just now if they are narrow and busy.

[Hidden]

Personally I find running on a treadmill much more difficult than running outside. But I prefer that my body choses its pace instead of being forced into a continuously same pace.

Then again if you have never run outside you will be used to having the pace set for you and running outside might feel very weird in the beginning.

Running outside has pros and cons. You see things, in nice weather it is healthy to be outside, etc. But when it is bad weather it can provoke you in not running. Do think well about it because once you get used to running outside and weather forces you to go back to the treadmill, that may be very difficult.

[nowster Graduate]

Indoors with a treadmill, the pace is constant and everything is smooth and level. You're also in control of the climate.

Outside, you have to control the pace, the ground is uneven and may have slopes and puddles, and then there is the weather.

However, there are sights and smells. The natural variation from day to day provides additional interest. There are people to say hello to.

A canal towpath is a good start for outdoor running as it will be almost level (between locks). My 6km route has a stretch on a canal.

Take it gently. Your ankles are unlikely to be conditioned to run on uneven ground.

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Go for it...and don’t fall in!! 😄