Running on Treadmill: Hello Everyone I'm new to... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Running on Treadmill

arslanbhutt profile image
12 Replies

Hello Everyone

I'm new to this forum and have been following couch to 5k running program.

I successfully completed two weeks and would start third week in two days.

From the beginning I have been running on Treadmill rather outside, I just wanted to ask whether this program is valid for running on Treadmill as well

Sorry if such question has already been asked but I didn't encounter any in the forum

Thanks

Arslan

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arslanbhutt profile image
arslanbhutt
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12 Replies
EmmaRunning profile image
EmmaRunningGraduate

I did the whole of c25k on a treadmill. Some people find it easier running - some find outside easier. I think it is easier and have only just started setting a gradient to mimic the outdoors more. I run slower outside but it’s more interesting. I’m not a confident runner and am quite accident prone so for me the treadmill has been easier but if you can I think it’s better to alternate a bit. Good luck 😊

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Do read the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... it answers this and many other questions.

Enjoy your journey.

Nictwit profile image
NictwitGraduate

Treadmill is perfectly valid! All running counts 😀

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate

Welcome aboard. If you're completing the runs, you're getting the benefits!

Maybe you'll feel like venturing outdoors later on 👍😊

I started on a treadmill because I was worried about my knees and thought it would be more forgiving, but for various reasons I’ve done the last 2 runs outside and my knees are fine. For me, the time seems to go much quicker outside and it is more exhilarating, but I think I’ll mix it up depending on the day. Both ways are good, and definitely better than staying on the couch!

Jules1968 profile image
Jules1968

I mix it up and I’m not sure which is easier. The treadmill can be a drag but is safer as I worry when it’s dark and the pavements are uneven that I will trip or twist my ankle. Running outside there is wind to contend with which when it’s against you is hard but when it’s behind you helps , then there are uphill gradients but then there are downhill ones too 😂. At the end of the day running is running x

Razouski profile image
Razouski

Hi arslanbhutt

A run is a run is a run.

You're running and that's what's important, the location is immaterial. Some of us prefer the great outdoors, and others prefer the treadmill. With all this icy weather the treadmill is a warmer and safer option (no slipping and falling on the ice).

Later on, as your confidence gains you may want to try running outside, which has different benefits, especially on longer runs, where the constantly changing surroundings can help keep you motivated and distracted, and you also get the benefit of a vitamin d top up from being in natural daylight (sunshine dare I say it :-) )

Good luck with your running and let us know how you're getting on.

Queeny1969 profile image
Queeny1969Graduate

Hi there

I’ve just done week 4 run 1 all on a treadmill and proud of it. Don’t doubt yourself just keep running

X

astrozombie profile image
astrozombieGraduate

I had a few gym free day passes before I started this programme and used to be able to run for about 15 mins on the treadmill yet when I went outside I could not manage 5. Not sure whether it is me but I find them to be 2 completely different animals

Cliff_H profile image
Cliff_HGraduate

I started on a treadmill and still run on one for at least half my runs. I would never get the miles in without it and it’s become indispensable for me. I know a lot of folks frown at the “dreadmill’ but for me it’s a valuable tool in my running arsenal.

I wouldn’t be doing 10k’s and getting out running with the family and groups without it.

A lot of people tend to find running outside to be harder and struggle when they make the transition, personally I didn’t find this but I do run with a 1% incline which compensates for being indoors and not having the same amount of ‘push off’.

I can run indoors our out interchangeably now and both have their appeal.. on the treadmill I can listen in to conference calls at work or stick Netflix on and pound out some distance while still being near the PC if work calls but I also like getting out for runs in the fresh air and regularly do park runs and group runs with my other half’s fitness group.

Whatever works for you is beast, there isn’t a wrong way and a right way, it’s all running, keep it injury free and go at your own pace.

Good luck!

Mamabear5 profile image
Mamabear5Graduate

I've just started week 4 and did both 1&2 on the treadmill mainly because of childcare but did all but 1 of wk 3 outside and todays I did inside as its too cold for my little one (run with buggy) , do prefer outside as time seems to go quicker

arslanbhutt profile image
arslanbhutt

Thank you everyone for your valuable comments.

Felling relieved already

Definitely once I will be graduated with C to 5K program I would move outside for running

Cheers to all :)

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