Treadmill v the great outdoors: I just replied... - Couch to 5K

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Treadmill v the great outdoors

mrslazy profile image
mrslazyGraduate
13 Replies

I just replied to an answer on my question I posted and thought I might share my thought with everyone else.

I ran 5 k for the first time on a treadmill last Monday and I was convinced that it was going to be so much easier than my usual round th lake run. I was surprised how hard I found it. I listened to homes under the hammer and really missed the music of the podcast, whenever a snippet of music came on I thought oh great here we go, then it was over. The stats were on the screen and it seemed an eternity before each k was clocked up. Also when I got off I nearly fell over, the sensation was horrible according to my daughter I should have walked longer before I got off rather than just press the cool down button.

It is the great outdoors for me even though I either boil or get drenched, but at the end of the day I feel so alive.

Happy training, me again tonight x

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mrslazy profile image
mrslazy
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13 Replies
sfb350 profile image
sfb350Graduate

I think that physically the treadmill is easier but once you're running more than a few minutes at a time it is SO tedious that it turns into a mental challenge. Outdoors is much more involving.

keepntabs profile image
keepntabsGraduate in reply to sfb350

I totally agree with you. My toes actually go numb on a treadmill after awhile. Now that I've been running outdoors for the past couple of months, the only way I will get back on the treadmill will be if it's too dangerous to run outside.

mrqwest profile image
mrqwestGraduate

It's also the ever changing scenery that I like about the outdoors. Nothing beats seeing the world go by as you run. I've used treadmills in gyms before and you're either looking at the same 4 walls, the television or the stats on the machine.

Never been a fan of that. One of the reasons I took up running was to get away from screens!

shelleymcb profile image
shelleymcbGraduate

I did all of c25k on the treadmill & it was only after a year of running that I ventured into the great outdoors. have recently moved house & hubbie jokes that our treadmill has done more mileage on its own in the last 6 months than I have on it!

I never watched telly while running on the treadmill. I always listen to upbeat music & cover the screen with all the readings on as I found that its sooooo hard to run when you see how far youve gone/got to go.

I had the dizzy feeling the first few times I ran on the treadmill. its a bit like seasickness when you get back onto dry land & I did look silly having to sit down after running at the gym :)

X

Angel108 profile image
Angel108Graduate

I have to agree with you mrslazy. I have tried so many times to run on my treadmill in the bad weather but really struggled with it and that was with the podcasts. I now run outdoors whatever the weather as I just find it easier (not a word I usually would associate with a run!). I'm away this weekend so for the 1st time since starting the programme I will be packing my running gear as W6R2 tomorrow.

Happy outdoor running! X

Oldgirl profile image
OldgirlGraduate

I was really interested to read sheeleymcb you experienced a dizzy feeling at first because that is what really put me off the threadmill, I didn't know if it was the actual treadmill or the fact that I had a middle one and there were joggers both sides of me, it was horrible. I had tried it last winter when it was -6C outside and icy but was desperate to keep on running. I ended up buying snow spikes to go over my trainers.

I will try the treadmill again though because it will ensure I can keep on running throughout the winter.

I give a big thumbs up for the big outdoors but won't discount the treadmill and to this day regret not having mixed up my running in the early days.

Rose885 profile image
Rose885Graduate

I always get that weird sea sickness thing when I get off the treadmill, it's horrible! I got rid of my gym membership because I never really used it regularly and then took up running outdoors and its so much better in my opinion. Although I might have to go back to the gym in the winter like you oldgirl. I can't imagine how running long distance on the treadmill would be, probably very tedious! Fingers crossed for a mild winter.

Elizadolots profile image
ElizadolotsGraduate

I used to run on the treadmill and could not believe how hard it was to do road running. Now off course I don't want to know about the treadmill - road running is so much more enjoyable to me.

That said, winter will be back soon enough, not sure if I could brave that! Did you try running on the treadmill with your ipod on? Better than without! :-)

mrslazy profile image
mrslazyGraduate in reply to Elizadolots

No, I fancied watching the telly, but I think it would be better with music. I will use the treadmill again when the weather is bad but will spend longer walking after the run before I get off.

sfb350 profile image
sfb350Graduate

I'll probably use the treadmill for interval training in winter but outdoors is better. I'd like to do more trails/off road really.

mrstickle profile image
mrstickle

hi mrslazy, I have been using the gym treadmill for runs 2 & 3, but from W4 on shall do only run 3 on the treadmill for an idea of distance, pace etc. The great outdoors beckons me now more than ever thanks to C25K :)

FluffyPigeon profile image
FluffyPigeonGraduate in reply to mrstickle

I know what you mean about liking to know distance and pace. I like to keep a track on how I am doing, but as I do all my running outside I had a look at apps for my smartphone which I also use as a music player. I now use the free version of mapmyrun, it is ok and uses GPS on my phone to let me know where I am. Some people say it crashes, but this has not happened yet, but I can see pretty graphs of how I am doing so I am happy. It really does not take much to please me!!!

mrstickle profile image
mrstickle in reply to FluffyPigeon

sounds great fluffypigeon if only I could operate that without my need for glasses, use MP3 for podcasts so I am not contactable for "my time" via mobile (though hubby always knows where I am and roughly how long I'll be)

I have a watch/gadget for HR etc but as need magnifier for that with glasses on maybe a large screen full colour graph is what I need :) Dreading the day I accidentally knock Laura off halfway through, I'd have to ask someone to find her again lol

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