C25K on a treadmill?

[DuffNCustard]

I'm a bit of an old jalopy and not too steady on my feet especially on uneven pavements. Any advice for starting out on a treadmill? I

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your decision.

Of course you can do c25k on a treadmill...........if you have a high boredom threshold.

Just make sure that you can speak clearly as you run.

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.

Enjoy your journey.

[DuffNCustard in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Many thanks for your reply, I'm scooting off now to do my essential reading

[Grumpypete Graduate]

Welcome from the Times comments! There is only one Grumpypete! Good luck. I have used a treadmill a couple of times recently and, to be honest, find them hard work. They say you should set a 1% gradient as that is a little like running on the flat and dont try to go too fast. Many people on here have started the C@25K on a treadmill. Listen to Laura or whoever you choose. Main thing is to keep going and find out how quickly it becomes addictive. The other thing I would say is that at our age one days rest between runs may not be enough. I started every 2 days and now its every 3 or 4 days. My friend who is a 67 year old Triathlon GB runner thought that running every other day was a real no no for a beginner over 65!

[DuffNCustard in reply to Grumpypete]

Thank you! I fired up the old treadmill late this afternoon and was pleased to find it still works. I had a little walk, just to test the waters. So far so good and only stiff knees, nothing to worry about. I'll do more walking this week on incline 1, which I find easier than walking on the flat and then next Monday I reckon I will be able to do day one of C25K!

[Hidden in reply to Grumpypete]

The 1% gradient is a load of nonsense so don't bother with it.

[DuffNCustard in reply to Hidden]

I use it as I read somewhere it makes it more like walking on a pavement. I actually find walking up a gradient more comfortable than on the flat or downhill. Getting down the stairs is murder some days!

[Hidden in reply to DuffNCustard]

If it suits you then go for it..

I've heard lots of reasons for setting the gradient at 1 but none are true, just do what you are happy with.

[xyellowhatx Graduate]

Hey, how are you getting along? I have just finished week 5, and I’ve done all of it so far on a treadmill. I attempted C25K by running outside in lockdown 1, but had to stop due to injury. I prefer the treadmill because I can keep an eye on the timer, and push myself to continue/ increase speeds when I know I’m down to my last 2 minutes. Lots of people have said it’s boring on a treadmill, but I always time my run to coincide with a programme I like on the tv, and try to distract myself with that. So far so good. Good luck to you

[DuffNCustard in reply to xyellowhatx]

I've been doing some heavy duty cleaning, moving furniture and up ladders and my knees are hot and swollen so I haven't don W2R2 yet - I'm hoping to climb back on the treadmill tomorrow. I most definitley not slinging in the towel!

[Hidden]

Hello

Take it easy to begin with, you need to work out how fast you will run.

Treadmills are relentless, they will not slow down until you press a button telling it to. To begin with walk then gradually increase the speed until you feel comfortable, running slowly is good for strengthening the legs. If you are out of breath and find it hard to talk when on the treadmill it most likely means you are going to fast.

Get something to watch or listen to as you will be staring at the same wall for your entire run, it can put a lot of people off.

Good luck.

[DuffNCustard in reply to Hidden]

Good idea. My treadmill is in the conservatory and I look out on the garden but there isn't a lot to see this time of year. My attention is held by the app but .............. I think I'll get some talking books to listen to, sort of take my mind out to somewhere else!

[Hidden in reply to DuffNCustard]

Yes, you need to switch off from your surroundings and it will be easier.