First run outdoors....

[MamaG]

I'm on week 7 now and so far have done everything on the treadmill. Decided tonight to hit the road and see how it goes. Well.......it was so much more difficult than running at the gym! I had to walk for a little while half way through but managed to get going again and started to feel a bit better on the way home. I think i'm going to continue with the programme on the treadmill but get outside for an extra run once a week and follow the same route as this evening - hopefully i'll see some improvement!

[shelleymcb Graduate]

I know exactly how you feel but it took me 10 months to venture outside. as long as you take it easy ~ its hard to judge how fast you are going & sometimes run too fast & out of puff ~ it should be fine.

well done its a big step

[runforestrun Graduate]

Hi

I am the same I am 7 weeks in and so far only ran outside once, I prefer the gym as I can moitor the speed and watch the clock etc etc.. I think I may also cheat if I ran outside. I will venture out again once once I know I have cracked it. well done you for yor running/jogging so far.

[sfb350 Graduate]

I did the first few weeks on the treadmill and only found the courage to venture outside because I found out about a local beginners running group on a Saturday morning. Most times it has only been me and the coach - it's like having a personal trainer. Outdoors felt very tough and more challenging at first but as the runs got longer, I found the treadmill quite tedious and while running outside might be more physically challenging it is less of a mental challenge. I think your plan to run outdoors once a week is a good one - I suspect you'll naturally want to increase the outdoor runs after a while.

[MamaG Graduate]

I don't feel confident enough to join a running club yet but you're right about the longer runs getting a bit boring on the treadmill. Thankfully the gym I go to is nice and relaxed with lovely staff so it makes going a bit easier

This forum is also keeping me going. It's so lovely to be able to discuss things with like-minded people and share experiences and tips.

[fmawhinney Graduate]

I started at the local running track and only had a few runs in the gym when the weather was real bad (I stay in Scotland !!) Luckily my gym looks into the swimming pool so you can watch the swimmers so better than most gyms. I graduated about 3 weeks ago and only last weekend did I venture out into the wilds of the country. This was also a lot harder than the track but I really enjoyed it and I have done it again since - planning to go tonight again after work. This plan has opened a lot of venues to me. One thing I also notice is that people speak to you in passing if you are outside. This is a great help to me as it keeps me breathing

[PatButcher Graduate]

I hate the Treadmill, it's so boring, I just find myself counting down the seconds, But we are all different, I love running out doors, it seems easier to me, I do a bit of both depending on weather and school runs! Just do what you prefer and good luck

[Burstcouch Graduate]

All my runs have been outside. I have completed this 9 week programme some of it in scotland others runs in england. I don't mind the rain.

I used to run at the gym before starting this programme but found it tedious, but I did run way faster than I do outside.

But it feel so much better outside even if I am slow. Always something to see to keep you occupied. Even if it is the back of other runners outside passing me by!