I did my 2nd W9 run today, one left and I graduate but I do have a question:
I run on my treadmill on an incline of 1, but when I try and run outside I don’t seem to have the stamina or will power to continue. I really want to start doing park runs. Any suggestions on how to get my head in the game or should I up my treadmill training?
Hi Punkmummy , once you complete C25K, it's recommended that you consolidate for a while, by continuing to run for 30 minutes until you're comfortable with that. See this FAQ: healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
I've never run on a treadmill in my life, only outside, where I run on a variety of surfaces and gradients, in all sorts of weather, and on lots of different routes. That gives me practice at managing variability, but absolutely doesn't give me any willpower or extra stamina when it comes to running at a constant, controlled pace indoors on a treadmill.
Given the above, I personally wouldn't advise trying to "up your treadmill training" in order to be able to do parkrun, or indeed any outdoor running. I think it's much more a question of telling yourself that it's a different type of running, in a less controllable environment, and with its own challenges and rewards. The only way to find out how it will be is to get out there and give it a go!
I'm only on week 3 of cto5k though I've been running by myself for longer and this weekend will be my third park run. I run/walk it obviously and the cto5k app for that week runs out LONG before the end of the park run. Then, I just run to fatigue and walk a bit, rinse and repeat. Even in these three weeks I've found my ability to go a bit further has increased. I think it's being with lots of other, really friendly, helpful others that makes the difference from running alone. There are loads of run/walk folk at park run, and some who only walk. There are back mark walkers so you are never going to be last. Go and give it a try, it will change your life, it has mine! I want to decrease my time every week, even by two seconds!,
Glad to hear you mention this - walking is t a swear word at Parkrun in fact they’ve introduced a parkwalk volunteer to encourage walkers. We talked a spectator from last week to join us for a walk this week!
Welcome to the forum and it’s great you’ve already found parkrun. It’s a brilliant initiative and as you’ve noticed, really inclusive of all ages and paces! One big note of caution: as a new runner you’re more vulnerable to injury. The programme builds up slowly to minimise this risk and allow you to get fitter and stronger. It’s really not recommended to go beyond what each workout asks of you. Play the long game-you’ll be running for years after this so it’s worth taking it sensibly at the start. It’s great to finish feeling you could have run more. Use your walk to think about how well you’ve done.
There’s a brilliant little guide to the programme here with lots of helpful hints and tips. Well worth a read. Most important is keeping it slow and steady at a pace where you can talk in full sentences without gasping. Most of us go too fast!healthunlocked.com/couchto5....
Keep us updated on how you’re getting on and we’ll have our pom poms ready to cheer! 🏃♀️ 🏃♀️ 🏃♀️
Congratulations on nearly graduating! Outdoor running is very different due to the terrain. If you read up on how the brain detects changes to the ground and other obstacles and then instructs the joints and muscles what to do it’s mind blowing. I would suggest going out and trying it a few times and do it at as slow a pace as feels comfortable. No need to worry about distance travelled. I’ve read loads of times on here that slow running builds more stamina than faster running. Good luck!
Hi Punkmummy, you're nearly there, yay. First rule is enjoyment. Have you been along to Parkrun yet? You can Parkwalk too or you can I think they call it 'jeff' a bit like the beginning of C25K walk and run. Many do all of these things and some run!You use the word stamina which suggests to me that you are making 'good speed ' on the treadmill. How much distance are you covering in the 30 minutes? Running outside is slower, especially, on mixed surfaces. It may be you will need to go at a slower pace to start off with.
Although I run alone the joy of seeing so many people on a Saturday morning and being part of it is very uplifting for me. It's the most diverse community I'm a member of.
For now bring on 9/3!
I’m at about 4K after the entire 40 minutes. I’m at a slow jog. I just started this journey at a bit over 18 stone and the treadmill is/was easier on the joints. I had a three week break due to a cold so I restarted and now I’m a bit under 15 stone, so I think I’m ready to see how the run feels outside. I have a park run downtown where I live and I think I’m going to sign up and work up my nerve to (as Nike says) just do it 😊
Well done you. I reckoned my first time would be at best 45 minutes, more likely 50 based on my last C25K. I consolidated for a month before going along, very apprehensive about so many body image things........ But I blended in amongst the crowd, mostly younger than me, and eventually on the run at the back with the stragglers!!!!🤣 I know Parkrun won't suit everyone but to be honest I just wish I'd found it earlier, I would certainly have joined in with Parkwalk. I started the journey with a shuffle, not even a jog, but I'm now at a comfortable jog without having to walk.
Like you I've lost weight too which is a bonus. For the first time in a lifetime of weight issues, I'm finding appetite, calories in and calories out seem in balance without having to be conscious about what I'm doing. I guess my roots are truly working class stock and had been doing a sedentary type job most of my working life. I should have been outside in the fields!!!
I follow the HU advice strictly so still doing 3 runs a week (currently walks for reasons explained elsewhere) for a year but I really want to run everyday. I guess it might depend where you are running but everyday is different and you become super sensitised to your environment and I'm sure that would be true rural or urban.
Sorry to be a bit long winded but your reply helped me too. I'll be off shortly to fulfill a volunteer role (my 4th) welcoming First Timers at today's Parkrun and may do half the distance too.
Have a great weekend.😘
Maintenance Run tonight
A 5K Maintenance run 
One run left...
Only one run left to go
there's only one C25K run left...
