Can run further on treadmill...psychological ?

[loufitz]

Hi

I was going great with c25k running outside but then had a back injury so stopped for a while. I have got back to running but cant seem to get much past 10 mins outside but have just ran 25 mins on the treadmill. Any thoughts ?!

[happierswimming Graduate]

How do you measure your speed outside? it's easy to go faster outside than you think you are because there are no numbers displayed and the course you run will vary so that muscles may tire more easily than on a treadmill. I use outside and treadmill courses and haven't found any difference with regards to building stamina or fitness but it did take time to adjust the pace of my running outside so that I could go for as long as I could on a treadmill. If you plan to continue on a treadmill you could increase your speed or incline and if you plan to run outside, go slowly and choose a flat course to continue for longer

[louby43 Graduate]

I started running on a treadmill about 2 years ago. Slowly built up my stamina and time to 3 miles in about 35 minutes. But, I always found it so boring.

I'd always wanted to run outside and decided to do the C25K as a way of doing it safely. I graduated in April and did Race for Life in June.

Running outside is much harder than on the treadmill, you have slight inclines, the wind plus you tend to run faster if you don't keep yourself at a steady pace.

I still run on the treadmill sometimes (when it rains or I can't leave the kids in) but I much prefer running outside now. I've got my 3 miles down to about 33 minutes but for me its not really about speed, I just want to exercise 3 times a week doing something I enjoy.

Never thought I'd be 'a runner' but I am and I love it!

Louise

[Nickyrunning Graduate]

Oh I can so relate to this! I did the whole programme on the treadmill and have since gone outside and really really struggled. My last run, I could hardly run 10 mins, had to stop 3 times and then my earphoes broke and I dropped my phone (terrible run) BUT I'm not put off I shall try again and try another way of improving stamina, keeping going. For me, the run on a treadmill is 'easier' but the mental challenge of a treadmill is worse due to the boredom. I'm going to try a talking podcast instead of music to see if that helps things