Indoors or Out.

[Baggieboy61]

I have just started week 7. All of my sessions bar one have been inside. My one outside run was on grass. I found it to be much more difficult. Breathing and pace fluctuations mostly. I plan to do a park run soon so I need to get out more. When running outside I had the impression of going much more slowly. I was amazed to find that my stats showed that I was actually running faster. I think it’s because I sped up when there were people about. I’m not avoiding running outside. It’s convenient for me to use a treadmill because I only run on weekdays and I have time constraints. I plan to do a couple of practice 5k runs prior to my first park run. Outside.

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

🍏 The best of both worlds! If you planning on park run take every chance to do outdoor runs as it’s a very different feel… however with time & weather constraints it’s great to have your indoor option. As you get into the longer runs it’s vital if you run outdoors to keep the first 10 mins very slow so your body can adjust to the transition from walking into the run. This way you avoid the toxic 10 … where your legs feel like lead! Enjoy those outdoor runs!

[Baggieboy61 in reply to Annieapple]

Hi AA. Sound advice. The toxic 10. So true.

[drl212 Graduate]

That sounds like a plan!! Definitely have some practice runs outside before your parkrun. Like AA says, it's a totally different feel and you'll be glad you've prepared.

All the best!

[Baggieboy61 in reply to drl212]

Yes that’s my intention. I’ll let you know how it goes.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Hello... well this is a dilemma that comes and goes regularly, here.

Outdoors is so, so different... indoors, we are in control. Outdoors, we have very little control of the run

BUT... outdoors is absolutely great, when you get the hang of it, moving from Indoor running.

womensrunning.co.uk/trainin...

TMs are so good for all manner of things and many of our runners have no choice ever, to run outside. I used mine after injury, and for when the weather was so dire, it was unsafe to go out. Ice for instance.

Try to choose a different surface for these first , experimental outings. Grass can be tricky... and the uneven surface not ideal for you maybe. Pavements and hard surfaces are hard and unforgiving, but may be the way to begin, ready for a park run outing

When you start to get out more, and I feel you may get to like it... then you can try different surfaces and locations too. I love my fields and my trails,. but I do use the pavement runs as and when

As for running faster, when there are people about... well. again, many forum friends have felt the same self consciousness... and there really is no need. Folk are wrapped up in their own lives and if they stare? It is usually with envy!

You are out there, you are runnin, you are amazing! Tell yourself that and believe it..

"Self Confidence is the best outfit, Rock it and OWN it. "

[Baggieboy61 in reply to Oldfloss]

Hi. Your comments are very much appreciated. I’m not averse to running outside. I’m a regular hiker. It’s a time issue that restricts me. I need to do some shuffling. Either way I know I have to make the switch. I have considered parking up my car 5k from home after work.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Baggieboy61]

It can be so hard. I'm having to fit very short runs in currently, here. there and everywhere. Your plan sounds a good one...small steps will get you there!

[nowster Graduate]

I've never run on a treadmill in four years of running.

I started C25K during lockdown, so there were no gyms open to me, and I couldn't justify the cost of getting a treadmill for something that I might never complete.

The transition from indoors-only to outdoors can be quite a shock to the system.

The surface is uneven. There are kerbstones to navigate.

There are corners and curves. Your ankles won't have had to cope with cornering forces before.

There are hills and slopes. These will make your leg muscles work.

There is weather. It gets warm and cold, and sometimes wet. There can be wind too. You might have to make decisions about what to wear.

There are people and animals. You might even have to say "Good morning" a few times.

There's no machine dictating how fast you go. You have to judge your speed on your own. There's dial to turn to change how fast the ground moves under you.

There are sights, sounds and smells.

It's going to be an alien experience, and one I can highly recommend. Ease into it gently.

[Baggieboy61 in reply to nowster]

Brilliant reply. I ran marathons in my 30s. It’s a time constraint for me at the moment. I value your excellent opinion.