doing 5k at the Gym

[Blonde60]

so no one seems to run at the Gym - is it a cop out and really that much easier ?

[MissUnderstanding Administrator On a break Graduate]

There are lots of treadmill runners here. 5k is 5k wherever you run it-it’s not a cop out. We all have to find what works best for us and there’s nothing wrong with using a treadmill if you enjoy it.

In some ways it is easier-obviously the weather indoors is more predictable and you can’t get lost! Plus you don’t have the changes in terrain underfoot to deal with. I’d find 30 minutes on a treadmill harder mentally than outdoors.

If you’re running anywhere and enjoying it, that’s a win.

[Blonde60 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thanks for your support I think I was just having. Bad day lol 😂

[MissUnderstanding Administrator On a break Graduate in reply to Blonde60]

We all have those! This is exactly the right place to come for a cheer up ❤️

[Hidden]

A run is a run and there are lots of benefits of treadmill running. Running outdoors is just nicer

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

A run is a run.... you do it... your way and carry on enjoying!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

hi Blonde60 …lots of people do c25k on a treadmill…especially in the winter months…which is absolutely fine, it’s not a cop out at all…you’re doing great !!! Some people, like me, prefer the outdoors but we’re all different & that’s what makes this place so special

[JoP61 Graduate]

I regularly run at the gym (not just at the moment as I have a damaged ligament in my right ankle). I actually quite like it, especially when the weather's bad or too hot for running outside. Don't think it's any easier than running outside apart from not having to worry about rough terrain. It certainly feels as though I've had a proper workout after 30-40 minutes on the treadmill! 😀

[SweatyHettie Graduate]

As everyone else has said, a run is a run wherever you do it. In lockdown when we were allowed back in the gym I tried it on a treadmill - and absolutely hated it! Not for me at all. I was so bored, it was a real mental struggle. But that’s just me, we are all different and we celebrate all achievements here- Happy running!

[Hidden]

I run on a treadmill at the gym if the weather is really foul - yes, I know I'm a wuss!!! I suspect I'll run a lot more at the gym as winter draws on....not least because when it gets really frosty I find that gulping in very cold air irritates my lungs. For now though, it's round the park. I love both!

[katemellors]

I do treadmill in the dark months, my usual running route is alongside a canal and not lit so I'm more likely to end up in the canal than running alongside it haha. A run is a run like everyone has said doesn't matter how you do it 😀

[chrisl72 Graduate]

Echoing above comments - I've recently purchased one and find the workout just as strenuous partly I expect because it is relentless with no natural variations in pace.

Ours is going to get a lot of use in the winter!

[Herbpie Graduate]

I run more on a treadmill than outdoors.Partly because I work nights. Partly because I'm a single parent and Partly because it's soooooo darn convenient.

I'm over looking my lovely garden and lovely trees. I've set up a decent music sound.

My tired legs and sweaty brow definitely know I've had a decent workout.

You do you. Enjoy.

[Runningc25k]

It depends what you are running for. If you are running for health and fitness there is nothing wrong with running on a treadmill. There are also some benefits. It is a stable even surface, most have a built in shock absorbing system built in thereby reducing impact, it reduces stress on the planterflexors and the achilles tendon, you don't have to worry about the weather either 😉. However if you are a competitive runner or you are running as part of training for a sport then you should do some of your training outdoors. The biomechanics of running on a treadmill are different to running outside on a non moving surface.

It sounds like you are just trying to get a bit fitter and a bit healthier so just enjoy it it and don't worry about what others say or do.😀

[Blonde60]

Thanks everyone for your replies it’s been motivating- i have finished C2K 2 times now and on my third to improve my time

I stay on the treadmill after my app finishes and do an additional 40 minutes power walking

I joined the Gym last October and have been at least 3 times a week ( often more ) ever since ( have to get my moneys worth out of the membership each month )

But the real reason I joined was apart from the bad weather stopping me getting out there was stability - I’m not rocky on my feet but as I get tired I’m nervous of falling over and getting an injury- as you get older it can do real damage

At least at the gym if my legs get tired I can hold on a bit 😂

I do it to stay healthy and as fit as I can at 60 so can do it in my own time but think I’m doing ok

Thank you all

Lorraine

[Frankenfoot23 Graduate in reply to Blonde60]

I agree with what everyone else is saying, a run is a run and I doubt the treadmill is much easier. And if you feel you might be unsteady outdoors you do need to be careful. I would like to add to the mix though, that an outdoors run can be incredible experience depending on the environment around you. I'm lucky as I live in the countryside, and running in nature is just so beautiful and inspiring that the run just flys by. So if you are able at all to get out into nature, I would give it a go in the better weather on a decent road and see how you feel. You might really love it - or hate it ! All the best

[Hidden]

Not at all, had to swap my regular run for a treadmill run recently and it certainly didn't feel like a cop out. But I must say that having water close by, fluffy towel and tv to watch felt like absolute luxury!

[nowster Graduate]

I'm probably unusual in never having run on a treadmill. I have walked on one many times, but never run on one.

There's nothing wrong with it. It's just different.

You may find it a different challenge if/when you decide to run outside. There are corners, there's texture, there's weather, there are obstacles, there are slopes, etc.

And the biggest difference of all: you have to judge your pace yourself, not dial it into a machine.

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

Well I had never stepped on a treadmill until the other week when I was having a gait analysis done in a running shop. I had to stop it and get off because it made me feel seasick 😵‍💫It's working for you though, so crack on! (But give an outdoor run a go, find a safe, even surface on a dry day and try a short run - there's nothing like it 😊)