I completed C25K last month and have done each run on the treadmill in our garage (a God send for the pants weather we’ve had!) and I really like it. I am hoping to get into the real outdoors soon, but wondered if there were any tips & tricks to make the transition?
I’m not even quite sure what to wear, how to carry phone, keys etc and how to regulate my pace. I’m typically doing my brisk walk at 6kmph and run between 7.5-8. I can’t stand being too hot, are we just wrapping our layers around our waist?! I’ll be starting my runs at 05:45/6am so initially chilly.
I’m maybe (probably) overthinking about it but here we go! Thanks for any insight.
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Wobbly_mum
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🍏 I will post a link to FAQ which covers most things but do ask further if you need to. Layers are best outside until it’s warmer & yes I take jacket off & tie around my waist. My running tights have a zip at the back for my phone & key. Sunglasses & peak hat for brightness & peak helps keep rain off glasses if you wear them. Trainers suitable for trails or suburbia.. ENJOY ☺️ it’s wonderful being outside especially in the Spring! Xx
Ooh, exciting times! Pacing is often the trickiest thing to get right but it comes with practice. The main thing to guide you is breathing- you want to find a comfortable pace where you can talk. That can mean a bit of slowing down as you naturally speed up without noticing and find you’re suddenly out of breath. You’ll suddenly notice some of your regular routes have gentle inclines that can sap your energy but build fitness and add more variety! That still happens to me! It might be helpful to pick an earlier week of couch to 5k and using that as coaching,
You’ll get used to what’s chilly but you’ll warm up and what’s chilly but needing layers. I have a light jacket with pockets that zip so I sometimes start in that and gloves. They usually end up round my waist within ten minutes but it’s nice to have gloves for the cool down walk at the end!
Carrying things is quite personal. I also hate being too hot and I don’t like my phone in a jacket pocket because it bounces too much! Some people like belts and vests. I like leggings with lots of pockets including a zipped one for my keys.
There’s a nice article here with some things to think about…
Thanks, I guess I won’t know until I start - but these are all useful tips. I hadn’t thought of gloves but can see that being useful. Will read that article now too. Thanks!
You will notice the different impact of outdoor running surfaces. If you stick to pavements and roads it will be higher impact than the treadmill. You may need to run shorter runs or do run-walks for a few weeks to adjust your body to the harder surface. Grass and park trails are nice and soft like a treadmill. A bit boggy in places at the moment, so prepare to get muddy, it's normal with trail running. Leave your non-pristine shoes at the door when you come back. I use an old toothbrush to clean mine off before the next run. Have fun with your running in the great outdoors. Early morning is so lovely in spring and summer.
Hi, I feel the cold but warm up quickly so it's layers for me. You'll soon find out how warm you need to be at the start of a run, it's so individual. I have gloves for when it's really cold but I also have long sleeved tops with long cuffs that I can loop over my thumb when it's just a bit chilly to start. I've also got a neck buff which is brilliant for keeping a cold wind out, and I loop it around my wrist if it gets too hot. I've also got a very light weight rain resistant jacket that I mainly use when there's a cold wind. It normally gets tied around my waist once I'm warm enough. Although I do occasionally venture out when it's actually raining!
I love running outside, hope you enjoy it as much as I do 🌷🌳
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Treadmill?
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