Started this week but doing running on treadmill at gym. Any tips?

[jelawson]

[Lifebeginsat40]

Hide the display, let Laura talk you through times.

Try and get a treadmill by the TV.

Let your mind wonder. Think about what you want for dinner Sat night, what holiday you'd like next year etc

All the above to relieve the boredom.

Also take a drink and a towel as you may get very hot, even with the fan on the treadmill switched on.

Most of all - enjoy!

[Mitts Graduate]

Be very careful which buttons you press:

couchto5k.healthunlocked.co...

Depending on what your treadmill can do, you can count steps per minute, per 100m, per calorie...

And if anyone walks behind your treadmill, be ready to hold on. Sudden shrieks just behind you can be very off-putting!

And enjoy!

[mcc65 Graduate]

I have been using a treadmill all the time and the worst things I find are the temptation to clock watch and the boredom.

I try to make myself ignore the clock, especially if it is a hard run - realising how long you have left can be REALLY horrible!!

The other thing I have done is download a different C25K app which allows me to listen to my own music. I did find Laura really helpful but the music wasn't really to my taste.

At the moment I'm building up to a holiday in Malta in June so I think about lying on a beach and going sight seeing

[OlsBean]

I've just finished W4 on the treadmill, I run with 1º of incline which I was told helps provide an equivalent to the wind resistance you would feel on your body if running outside.

Not looking forward to starting W5

[imnorunner Graduate]

I run on a treadmill....sometimes find it annoying that Laura tells you you're going to run but then chats for a bit and then the run starts...so you end up running for longer (which I'm not ready for yet!) as I've upped the speed too soon.

Otherwise I'm so focused on actually getting to the end it I don't think about a lot else!!

[jelawson]

Thanks for all your answers. I did W1R2 this morning but not sure about what speeds to set treadmill to. Had it on 5.6 kph for both walk and run and no incline. DOn't think this is fast enough but don't want to make it too hard and give up!

[Katylou in reply to jelawson]

So far I've fine all my running on a treadmill, quite enjoying...at this point I would say don't worry about speed - just concentrate on getting through the time, you'll find that the speed happens naturally as you go. I started on 6 kph for the jog, and now it's up to 8 kph

[Bertieboy Graduate]

Ive done all my running on the treadmill too. I feel a bit of a fraud and not a real runner, but I know there is no way I would have gone out 3 times a week in the cold and wet. I am now just about to start week 8....cant believe that !!! I hadnt a clue what speed to set either, but kept telling myself it was more important to complete than go fast, which laura also says. so I started slow 4kph and Ive just done my w7r3 at 8 with a final burst of 8.5. Im fat and in my mid 50's, so Im just so proud of myself. So just remember you are doing this FOR YOU, so who cares what your speed is, just do what feels right, and it will naturally speed up....hey look at me, I sound as if I know what Im talking about !!! I also dont go much on the music, but am going to wait till I finish the programme before I change it , so when Im bored I keep telling myself its only half an hour, and how many times have I been bored sensless in the past for heaps longer than half an hour !!! Good luck to you !!

[greenlegs Graduate in reply to Bertieboy]

I've never run on a treadmill and am full of admiration for anyone that can keep running on the spot for more than about two minutes. Getting to week 8 on a treadmill is impressive - you really should be proud of yourself!

And yes, you really do sound as though you know what you're talking about - because you do!

[Bertieboy Graduate in reply to greenlegs]

Greenlegs, you just made my day. Ive got a dodgy throat today ( my fault for bragging that Ive not had a cold all winter !! ), and havnt done much today, then I read your comment and felt really chuffed. Thank you and have a happy week.

[greenlegs Graduate in reply to Bertieboy]

You're welcome! Hope the sore throat clears up fast.

[Jeddahpm Graduate in reply to Bertieboy]

I agree with greenlegs. I did the majority of my training on the treadmill am now back outside for my longer runs and despite being overweight and asthmatic it is soooo much better. I used to worry the treadmill magically made me run and everyone went on about how much harder it is to run outside.....not for me. I applaude you too! Well done on your progress.

[Bertieboy Graduate in reply to Jeddahpm]

Thank you for your kind message.

[Beth5]

I've done most of my running on a treadmill in the gym, I tend to let my mind wander and can be thinking about what work's got in store or what I'm going to cook for dinner. I did venture outside last weekend and it's a very different feeling being outside than being on the treadmill. Speedwise just use the quick start and the up and down to set a pace. I've gone from 5.5 to 5.8/9 kph for my walk and have settled at around 7 kph for my "run".

Definitely use a towel to cover up the clock as watching the time will only make it harder and listen to the guidance that Laura or whatever app you're using tell you when to speed up and slow down.

[Jeddahpm Graduate]

I would advise doing what feels comfortable and letting your mind wander like the others have said. Also don't forget to marvel at how fabulously are doing.....actually running!! That is what kept me going