Treadmill

[funrungirl]

Hello everyone

I am about to start week 4 run 1 - wondering if its ok to do some of the runs on the treadmill, is it just as good as running in the park?

[mrqwest Graduate]

As I understand it, running the program on the treadmill is fine. A lot of people do it and ultimately, running is running right?

It is easier to run on the treadmill purely because you don't have the undulations in the terrain, you don't have traffic to contend with (if you run on the roads), no dogs in the park (or mess on the floor) to dodge and no other dangers that could interfere with your run.

[funrungirl in reply to mrqwest]

Hi thanks for this. I wasnt sure but as you have said - the park can be a bit of a nightmare - dogs, kids, wino,s etc and the weather too. I did one run on the treadmill but felt that I was cheating.

[Legion Graduate]

I alternate runs on the treadmill with runs outside (read my blogs if you want more info). I find I tend to run slightly faster outdoors, but it is easy to misjudge it and go too fast on the treadmill (as I did for W4,R2). I always run on a slight incline on the treadmill as the doc said it would be kinder to my knees than on the flat. The key thing is not to go too fast when you start. If you find you still have something left in the tank then you can speed up later. I think the biggest problem with the treadmill as the weeks progress (I'm on week 5) is that it can get quite boring, compared to running outside. Once I graduate I will probably do most of my runs outside, just using the treadmill for occasional pace checks and when the weather isn't suitable for running.

[funrungirl in reply to Legion]

Hiya thanks for your reply. I did do one run on the treadmill but it felt harder than doing it in the park - I think I had set the speed too high. I am still struggling with finding the right pace.

[BJR67BJR]

I am up to W9R1 - two runs left to graduation- I have done it all on the treadmill. I certainly don't feel it has been an easy option. Running is running, it gets you fit and makes you feel great.

[funrungirl in reply to BJR67BJR]

Thanks BJR. I really felt ljke a cheat so then went and repeat it in the park. Thanks for your reassurance and to everyone who replied and offered me reassurance I wont feel so bad. The weather is either too hot or raining and the park can be a bit unsafe at times.

[BJR67BJR]

It's all about what your body thinks, not me or anyone else. I am running over 30 mins non stop on the treadmill now. My flabby guts are going down and I have a bum that could take the top off a bottle of Bud! If you push yourself it doesnt matter how and where, it's all about results and your body will show you the benefits

[funrungirl in reply to BJR67BJR]

Thanks again BJR for that. I just got my trainers on and the heavens opened up so I am definitely going to the gym now.