Couchous interruptus!

[Mumaldo]

My treadmill has broken - right in the middle of my Couch to 5k programme 😫

Hopefully it will be fixed this week, but I will have fallen behind by at least two weeks. Any suggestions on how I should resume exercising?

Many thanks

Ps. I’m 59 🤦‍♀️

[Hidden]

Run outside.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

A lot of people will tell you to run outdoors. It is free, uses none of the planet's resources, provides fresh air, vitamin D and an ever changing and stimulating environment.

As stated in the guide to the plan, you lose no significant condition in the first two weeks of non running.

After that loss of condition is gradual.

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.

[Sh53202 Graduate]

Definitely bite the bullet and give it a go running outside. You can always go back to the treadmill if it’s fixed but it will give you a whole new dimension.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

When gyms are open I do about 30% of my runs on a treadmill and find them incredibly useful, so I sympathise. Is it possible to run outdoors where you live?

[Mumaldo in reply to John_W]

I have to run on roads if I go straight from my door, and I’m scared of getting run over!

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Mumaldo]

Literally roads or pavements?

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Mumaldo]

If running on roads - ALWAYS run facing the facing the traffic so you can it coming and they can see you. But if it's country lanes with cars - avoid all together.

[nowster Graduate in reply to Mumaldo]

I live on a main road, but there are pavements.

If you're going out in the gloom or dark, wear something which stands out.

(Here I ramble on for a few pages about the local ninja bicycle riders...)

[Couchphoenix Graduate]

Run outside.

I used to run on a treadmill a few years ago, but did C25k outside throughout and have run outside ever since. Trust me it’s 100% better, it’s lovely to breathe in the fresh air and see the distance you’ve covered. Dump the treadmill and venture out 👍

Looks like you’ve run outside before from your profile pic, so why not again 😁

[Mumaldo in reply to Couchphoenix]

Yes I have run outside before - that was on icy ground round a vineyard in January and I came last! I won’t dump the treadmill as it was an Xmas present and I can plod along in the garage while listening to podcasts. Pure joy.

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to Mumaldo]

You can plod along outside listening to podcasts too but it’s more comfortable and more interesting.

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Go outside.

[Frenc Graduate]

Go outside! 🏃‍♀️👍🏃‍♀️👍

[Mumaldo]

Thanks everyone for your encouraging words!

[nowster Graduate in reply to Mumaldo]

There's nothing wrong with using a treadmill when you have no alternative.

However outdoor running is very different. On a treadmill, the machine dictates your pace, the surface is even and level, and there's no variety. Outside, there are different surfaces, different gradients, and you work at the pace that you decide at that instant according to the conditions.

Also there is fresh air, sunshine (occasionally), sensory experiences and people to say hello to.

[Hidden]

Run outside instead! You’ll enjoy it so much better . I ditched my treadmill last year after having it for at least four years. However last year didn’t use it as much and sold it . I now realise that it was just a crutch. Now I run three times a week with the fresh air and nature joining me 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️.Good luck!👍🤞