Hats off to you treadmill runners.

[wideawake]

This was week 7, and because it was cold and icy outside I decided to do run 2 in the gym. The problem I found with the treadmill is that it is almost impossible to change the speed setting once you are running. I probably had the speed set too fast initially, and I realised I was unlikely to complete at that speed. Now if I'd been on my usual route I'd have slowed a little until I felt comfortable, and then speeded up as I felt better. I did eventualy manage to adjust the speed on the tredmill to something more comfortable, but staying on and doing this at the same time was difficult. They seem to be suited for metronome running, which is OK if you know what speed you can maintain. Thankfully today was much milder, so I was able to complete run 3 via road and park.

[sfb350 Graduate]

It seems strange that it is so difficult to adjust the speed. I sometimes run on the treadmill at the gym and, although it is an gradual increase/decrease (you press an arrow and it changes one at a time) rather than just press the level you want, it isn't difficult. Perhaps you were unlucky and were on a treadmill where the controls weren't very responsive ? Maybe try a different one next time ? It ought to be realistic to do interval training on the treadmill but it doesn't sound as if that would have been a possibility.

[wideawake Graduate in reply to sfb350]

The treadmill does have up and down arrow controls but I have to lean forward to adjust these and I find this difficult whilst maintaining balance etc.

[sfb350 Graduate in reply to wideawake]

Perhaps it's just a matter of getting used to it then - as I started on the treadmill from week 1, I probably got used to it a a slower speed than you.

[sumithar]

I just completed week 7 run 2 of C25K and have used the treadmill thru out. I started on the tread mill at home which is kind of but the last 3 runs have been on the treadmill at the workplace fitness center. The roads around my house are full of some serious ups and downs- I don't know if I will be able to maintain any kind of pace on those.

[morningglory Graduate]

I completed the C25k in the Summer and did all my runs outside but since the cold weather have invested in a treadmill at home. I agree it is different (and I think I prefer running outside) but due to weather and dark nights I think it is the only way I will continue to run during the winter months. I do think it is a case of getting used to it and knowing the speed/pace you normally run at, I have these printed out on a sheet in front of the treadmill so if I am doing intervals I know what I should be pushing myself up to if not further. I did find a calculator which if you put in your run pace (e.g. Park Run time) then it works out timings for long slow runs, tempo runs, intervals etc. it's very useful link below

bane.info/

[willnevie Graduate]

I also did the majority if my runs outside but have used the treadmill since the mornings have become too dark or cold. I think you must have had a dodgy bit of equipment! You should be able to find a comfortable pace quite easily. Don't let it put you off keep running!

[wideawake Graduate in reply to willnevie]

The controls work its just that I find it difficult to maintain balance whilst leaning forward to adjust these.