treadmill?: can I start my training on my... - Couch to 5K

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treadmill?

Upforarun profile image
17 Replies

can I start my training on my treadmill rather than making a fool of myself outside?

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Upforarun profile image
Upforarun
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17 Replies
MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministratorOn a breakGraduate

Of course! Running on a treadmill is still running. If it works best for you, absolutely go for it!

I don’t think you’ll make a fool of yourself, but if you’re more comfortable on a treadmill, there’s nothing wrong with that. Good luck!

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57Graduate

Hello and welcome to the forum and the programme!And yes!

Of course you can use a treadmill.

You can start on it, or do it all on it , it really doesn't matter.

Whatever works for you is a fine.

Either way, take a look at our programme guide!

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

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Keep your runs slow, stay hydrated and remember to do the after run stretches.

Most of all, Enjoy the journey!

Upforarun profile image
Upforarun in reply toInstructor57

👍💕

BGood profile image
BGood

yes you can! When you run outside it’s very different than on a treadmill, I would scroll back a couple of weeks when you do decide to run outside! Get your confidence up take it slowly and you will get there good luck

Cmoi profile image
CmoiGraduate

You can run wherever you want Upforarun and that definitely includes on a treadmill. But why would you imagine you're making a fool of yourself by running outside?

I've been running for just under three years and am absolutely nobody's idea, including my own, of a model runner. Does that make me a fool for running outside?

Personally I don't think anyone should make unsolicited comments about someone they see running, even if intended to be positive or to encourage. A simple hello, smile, thumbs-up or wave is enough.

Anyone who makes negative remarks isn't worth bothering about. It took me decades to realise that I wasn't the useless lump that school PE classes had convinced me I was. I love being outside so I'm damned if I'm going to hide away again now.

Enjoy C25K, wherever you choose to run!

XenaZelda profile image
XenaZeldaGraduate in reply toCmoi

well said 👏

Cmoi profile image
CmoiGraduate in reply toXenaZelda

Thanks XenaZelda . While I still have masses of self-doubt, running has given me much more confidence in my body, and improved my capacity to ignore others' opinions of it!

XenaZelda profile image
XenaZeldaGraduate in reply toCmoi

me too CMoi, I feel exactly the same, running has also given me not only confidence in my body although I hate my body at the moment, but it has also given me a new lease of life and I’m doing something that I absolutely love and never thought I would do, who cares what people think it’s only a small minority who thinks negatively and I get much more positive acknowledgement from experienced runners as I pass them and that’s my motivation and encouragement

Bruch1 profile image
Bruch1Graduate

I did the whole 9 weeks on my treadmill and found it got me into running and feeling comfortable with it. It is quite different when you go outside but I love it now. You will never make a fool of yourself, you're doing a great thing for your health and your self esteem. Well done for doing it, you're already a star 🌟

LiisaM profile image
LiisaMGraduate

When I’m running outside past neighbor’s houses, I sometimes think I look foolish because I am old and slow, but then I think that THEY are not outside running. At least I am not holed up inside my home.

Bobbymoreorless profile image
Bobbymoreorless

I’m doing it on a treadmill, working for me, running is running! Better than just sitting on a couch! I will venture outside after I’ve completed the course and the sun is shining😀

JJAnBan profile image
JJAnBanGraduate in reply toBobbymoreorless

That is my plan, too, and I just finished week 8.

Wavy-chick28 profile image
Wavy-chick28Graduate

Honestly do not worry about other people ! We all had that niggling doubt but once you are out you really don’t care.

I left it too long to start running worrying about the same thing it wasn’t until lockdown when I saw a lady similar age to me running not fast but she was doing it and I was just watching so just get out there !!

Sybilw profile image
SybilwGraduate

Yes of course but you shouldn’t be afraid to run outside. I’m redoing C25K five years after I first did it and someone on a bike said “you go girl” as I passed him the other day. Did I mention I’m 68? And I’m slow! It really cheered me up. However that’s an exception as most people ignore you - you’re practically invisible to most.

JJAnBan profile image
JJAnBanGraduate in reply toSybilw

I love everything about this post! I’ll be transitioning to outside in about a week, with your words in my mind!

MrBassmanjazz profile image
MrBassmanjazzGraduate

The 5 Minute warm up takes you away from the house. None of my neighbours knew I was running. Just thought I was dressed a bit strangely for walking. You'll soon get over yourself and then if you meet a neighbour ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ You're doing it and thy're not. :-)

I did my whole C25k on a treadmill do what makes you happy.

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