Treadmill v road

[scamp]

I ve been running on the treadmill and have not attempted running outside yet. I have heard its a lot more difficult outside. Is this true. I want to make sure I am fit enough to go on the road

[louby43 Graduate]

I've been running on a treadmill for about 3 years now. Managing 3 miles in about 35 minutes but I always found it sooooo boring.

A few attempts to run outside failed, mainly because I felt self conscious, ran too fast and my breathing was always wrong.

I decided to do the C25k 6 weeks ago from scratch and I found the first few weeks easy. I maybe should have started further in but wanted to do the whole programme. Made me realise I did have quite a good level of fitness.

So I'm now on week 6, run 2 tomorrow and am really enjoying it. I love running outside now, don't feel people are looking at me - and I don't really care! Don't think I will ever run on a treadmill now unless its pouring down!

Lou

[shelleymcb Graduate]

I started c25k this time last year & did all of it (apart from 1 run about week 3) on a treadmill then built up to an hour running inside.

2 of my children are on week 6 of c25k & I insisted that they do 1 run a week outside which I did with them til week 5 where we did all the runs outside. we have a treadmill at home so they repeat them indoors.

for me my difficulty outside was running too fast & big hills! re-doing the plan with my children has been great for me. last week I ran for 60mins outside. hard but I did it & havent used the treadmill for a couple of weeks now.

why not try 1 run a week outside? take it slow & you should be fine. as a bonus it awakens & tones lots of muscles that dont get used on the treadmill.

[Claireee]

I started on a treadmill and only did a couple of runs outside. I, like you was worried I would struggle outside with hills and uneven surfaces so avoided running outside regularly. I got to week 7 and my treadmill broke so I was forced outside - best thing I could have done! I was fine and carried on the programme without having to redo any of it. I have found it so much more interesting outside - give it a go!! x

[Minuette Graduate]

I'm about to start week 8 and have been running mainly on a treadmill, but for the past 3 weeks have been outside at least once a week.

Yes, it is more 'difficult' outside, mainly because of the inclines (obviously depending on where you run), I run in a very hilly park. One week I ran faster outside than on the treadmill, the next I ran slower outside than on the treadmill, so it differs.

However, I do enjoy running on the treadmill too, I have one at home and I get the same sense of achievement from both. Why not try one run outside, see how you get on and then maybe you could do a mix of outside and treadmill running like I do?

[Hidden]

I started my running outside, but have just done the last couple on my treadmill and I did find it easier to run on that, the time seems to go quicker on it as well, when I am outside I find I try to take note of my jogging start point and finish so I can try to guage when my next jog is nearly over. The only thing with the treadmill is it is a little boring compared to bieng outside as I run in the country lanes or even in the local cemetary, also I think I pull some funny faces when I get tired and that makes me feel a little self conscious as well.

[AmandaW Graduate]

I actually found running outside easier than running on the treadmill. I do most of my training on the treadmill, but prefer going outside - I find the time goes faster and you're so much cooler! You also tend to get pretty bored on the treadmill if you're doing a long run. I'm still building back up to that so its ok for now, but don't be scared of outside, you just have to make sure you keep a close eye on your pace - I was finding I'd shoot off at like15kph and wonder why I thought I was going to die lol!

[Hidden]

I used to use a treadmill a few years ago and I picked up more impact injuries then than I do going outside now. I alternate between running on the roads/path and going round the outside of a football pitch.

I wonder what people think when they drive by me but then I also think I'm doing so much more than those still sitting on the couch.

Just pace yourself and you'll hopefully learn to love it, the fresh air is lovely.

[scamp]

Thanks all again! Jumped to wk5 R1 today. Actually enjoyed it!!!