C25k on treadmill or outside ? Which would be best ?

[floss1976]

I’m re starting C25K agsin must be my 5th time 😊 I was wondering whether to start on the treadmill a bit or just start outside training ?

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

It’s totally up to you! There’s no right or wrong answer to this question. If starting on a treadmill will help you get back into it, that could be a good way to go but it’s worth remembering sometimes people find outdoor running a little more challenging compared to the treadmill so it’ll take a bit of adjustment time if and when you move outdoors. The great thing about running is you can adapt to fit what works best for the way you like to run. I like the ease of putting my trainers on and just going without having to drive to a gym, but it might be that you feel safer or more comfortable inside as you start off again.

The key thing is to be able to enjoy your runs and that will help you keep at it.

What’s happened on your previous attempts? Have you started well but got injured or just fallen out of a routine?

There’s a guide to the programme that’s worth a read here. Lots of hints and tips. It might help you decide where to start.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Really good luck to you! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[nowster Graduate]

When I started on C25K nearly three years ago all the gyms were shut. I've never ever run on a treadmill. I'd probably fall off! 😆

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to nowster]

Top tip number 1 :

Don't try an out and return on one 🤣

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Welcome to the forum and the program!Please read the guide linked to by MissUnderstanding

It's packed with helpful information to guide you through the program.

You can of course do the program on either a treadmill or outside .

It's really all down to personal preference !

The two are likely to feel quite different though .

For me outside would be my preference but I also have a treadmill, infact I used it on Friday for my last run , but it's only a 2 second walk from my bed 😁

I've probably used it about 4 or 5 times in the last 12 months .

Whichever you do , just keep the runs slow, stay well hydrated and do the after run stretches referred to in the guide .

Most of all , have fun !

[Cmoi Graduate]

Hi floss1976 , whatever works for you is the way to go. I'm also in the "never ever run on a treadmill" squad, but many people find they work well for them.

Tbh it's not where you run that's likely to make the difference to whether or not you complete C25K. It's more likely to be what's in your head.

I don't own a treadmill and my nearest gym is a good 25-minute drive away, so I've always run outside, alone, in hilly countryside. Plenty of others would hate that, but I love it.

Have a read of the programme guide, then do what suits you best. Enjoy C25K!

[Madge50 Graduate]

Hi there, personally, I’d say outside…..it never occurred to me to use a treadmill (or ‘dreadmill’ 😉) …..as where I lived was a car drive away from the nearest gym.

OK, you equally have good runs and those you don’t enjoy so much…..but for me, being outside in the fresh air, the changing seasons, exploring different routes, all types of weather - just makes me feel alive.

I have used a treadmill occasionally and they are a great piece of equipment…..but my preference is definitely outside!

Why not a mix? Dependant on how that may work for you?

Good luck! 👍

Mx

[Andy6659 Graduate]

I am like you,I have had over 2 months off so tried treadmill but outside is better for me

[JetsNanna Graduate]

I’ll try and give a balanced view but I’ll signpost my bias in favour of outdoor running. I hear a lot about treadmill running being easier and I’d have to disagree. It feels like much more if a slog to me - hot, boring (even if you are listening to a podcast/music) and very much like hard work. But - there is a place for it. If it’s slippery outside I’ll use the gym treadmill just to ensure that I still get a run done.

Outdoor running is cooler (temperature-wise) and just more stimulating. More to look at, more to be wary off (trip hazards etc.) just more.

You do you. If you’d prefer to start indoors and then move outdoors when you’ve got a few weeks under your belt - do that. If you’d prefer to do the hole shebang indoors do that. Whatever gets you up and running is a good thing. No one way is THE way as long as you stick to the rhythm and timings of the program.

Very best of luck 😊

[Frizzbomb67 Graduate]

Or a bit of both 🤷🏻‍♀️. The treadmill is useful if it’s cold, wet or dark, or if time is tight. For me though, nothing beats running outside 😁

[XenaZelda Graduate]

I own a treadmill and have used it a couple of times and put on some virtual running on YouTube, but I don’t think there’s anything like running outside, treadmills can be very boring, I prefer outside

[jsh2803 Graduate]

It is an interesting question and it comes down to personal preference, I did C25k entirely on a treadmill (incline set to between 1-2%) and since graduation still use it at least twice a week, but also do at least one run a week outside (Park run). I still occasionally re run a C25k run but also use the NRC app and both work well with a treadmill. Key in my view is that either work.

[Southernrunner]

I use both but prefer outside even when it’s bad weather. Sometimes the treadmill is easier because its dark or the wind is over 100kms, there’s fewer excuses or it’s just too peopley outside! Does make me feel seasick though and I advise a large fan.

[Shivani05 Graduate]

I'm a huge treadmill fan and run exclusively on there (I have run outside in the past). As many have said, there's no right or wrong answer, just what works for you!