Treadmill

[Maltesermonster]

I have just completed week 5 run 3 . It was very tough . I have mostly been doing the training in the gym on a treadmill . I am now worried that when I start going out on the road more I will find it tougher. Has anyone else has experience of switching from treadmill training to road training?

[Roxdog Graduate]

Well done for that run! I started on a treadmill because I was concerned about how my slightly arthritic knee would react to running outside.I moved outside around week 4 and at first it felt very different. It can feel as though you're running more slowly, but actually I wasn't. Ot took me 2 runs to get used to it and I hardly ever used a treadmill after that.

If you want to run outside, perhaps give it a go before you finish the programme and take it nice and steady

There are all the sights and sounds to enjoy outside and it can be less sweaty than the treadmill too!

Good luck, you'll be fine.

[Maltesermonster in reply to Roxdog]

Thank you that makes me feel a bit better . I am not going to complete the full programme before my 5k run so will be moving to the road from Sunday as need to step it up a bit more quickly than I would like .

[Roxdog Graduate in reply to Maltesermonster]

Good luck. I hope you don't push yourself too hard. You mention running a 5k before the end of the programme and the programme doesn't require you to run 5k in those last 30 minute runs on week 9. Most people don't manage a 5k in 30 mins. I certainly don't, but I have been able to run for a much longer time.If you're aiming to do a 5k before you've finished - maybe it's an organised event - then maybe consider doing some walking intervals during the 5k to avoid overdoing things, which could lead to injury.

Best of luck.

[Maltesermonster in reply to Roxdog]

Thanks , it is an organised event . It is the race for life . I am aiming to run as much of it as I can . I am aware that I won’t complete it in 30 mins but that’s ok . I used to run many many years ago and have completed much longer runs so I am hoping that experience will help . I have been recovering from cancer so I don’t expect to go very fast . Thanks for support .

[Roxdog Graduate in reply to Maltesermonster]

Oh that's brilliant and you know what you're doing! Very best of luck and of course the race for life is for everyone and not a competition!

[backintime Graduate]

Hi

First of all, congrats on w5r3! well done!

I did all of C25K on a treadmill and then went on to do the Bridge to 10K Magic plan - all on treadmill.

Then I moved outside - it was hard, and different, but completely doable. I went somewhere nice and flat and just did 1K, then upped a bit more, then another day a bit more still, within 2 weeks I was back to 10k, but I ran every other day for those two weeks just to get used to being outside, then I did some hills, etc. If you're not in a hurry just go at your own pace and go outside when you're ready.

[Maltesermonster in reply to backintime]

Thank you . I feel like I run really slowly anyway . I guess it doesn’t matter how fast I go I just need to get round .

[Chris--B Graduate]

I have done the C25k a few time now, I finish, then after a few runs something always happens to prevent me running. Luckily never injuries but things like holidays then work trips, covid etc.My first couple of times was outside. I live halfway up a hill so no matter which route I take there are hills involved. I noticed my heart rate got very high (well over the estimated max heart rate for my age). I tried slowing down but found it difficult and my hips ached after.

I then tried doing it on a treadmill. I started off running at my comfortable pace, then slowed it down as much as I could until I found a pace that was slower than my road pace but still comfortable. My heart rate was lower and more stable for the duration rather than a steady increase. This was because the treadmill controlled my pace.

When I started running outside again, I was hoping I could run at the treadmill pace but soon found I was actually running faster again, but a more consistant pace throughout the run and my heart rate was keeping lower and more consistant.

The last time I did the C25k it was outside again. I had not lost all my fitness even though it was quite a gap. The one thing I noticed was that the hills didnt seem as bad. Checking my data showed I still ran more consistant. The overall times were similar to my previous road run times for the same week, but less variation in speed.

In my view, the treadmill is probably better at getting your running right, then the road variations add extra elements like uneven ground, pedestrians that wander from side to side as you try to pass, and cars that cross the path without warning. You need to be more alert when outside. Tempetature changes, rain, wind and scenary all add to the outdoor experience.

I prefer running outside but have looked out and seen its cold wet and windy and decided to use our treadmill instead. If we didnt have it, I would probably have missed a run.

Overall, I would say the differances beteen treadmill and road just make it acompletely different experience, some bits are harder, other more enjoyable.

Good luck with your outside experience, and enjoy it.

[Reggit Graduate]

I’m not a great fan of treadmills, preferring to be outdoors. However in my limited experience, a treadmill controls your pace. You have no control outside on the road, so it’s easy to be running faster than your comfortable pace. I would suggest start out on the road a little slower than on the ‘mill as well as you have to propel yourself along it takes a bit more energy. On the plus side, unless you’re using an air conditioned gym, it’s cooler outside which makes it easier for running.

Give it a go, I never use headphones and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature - this year I’ve encountered deer and a tawny owl on my morning runs.