Treadmill

[Jenny1974]

Anyone do the c25k on the treadmill? Is it as effective?

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Hello and welcome !Yes, there are many who complete the program on a treadmill.

Is it as effective?

Yes! You are still putting in the same running time and the aim of this program is to get you running for 3x30 minutes in week 9

No reason why you can't do that on a treadmill.

Have a look at the program guide, it's full of useful information to help you through the program.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Happy running!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum.

A treadmill has the advantage of reducing impact, keeping you out of adverse weather and of always being safely indoors.

It has the disadvantage, for many, of being boring and monotonous. This can be overcome by appropriate treadmill entertainment such as music or videos or podcasts.

Being outdoors brings fresh air, vitamin D, an ever changing environment and the glory of nature. Of course it also brings uneven ground, gradients and weather, but these all make you a stronger runner.

Some people only ever run on a treadmill, while others , like me, would not be runners if the treadmill was the only option.

A treadmill will develop your stamina and endurance alongside muscle strength but it will not develop your ability to pace yourself, so transition to outdoors may take a few runs.

Running is running wherever you do it.

Enjoy your journey.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Like a lot of people here , I did the whole of C25K on a treadmill and seven years and 1000 runs later I'm still using one for about 30% of runs.

[Jag1jacq]

Yes Jenny1974, I'm using a treadmill for the C25K and really enjoying it. Just completed week 2. I graduated about 3 years ago running on road and cross country and then started park runs (loved them) but started picking up injuries. The treadmill seems to offer less impact to joints whilst enabling me to control pace and form. When/if the weather improves I will roll the treadmill outside and fill my lungs with fresh air.Enjoy your training.

[DerbyRacers]

Hi, I did the whole C25k on my treadmill. I finished last May. At that point I wasn't ready to go out even though my friend told me to get outside. I finally found the courage to get outside and have never looked back. If the weather is bad I do revert back to my treadmill but have only managed 20 min runs so far as I miss being outside. Its strange because I thought I would be a treadmill runner but you do change!

[Roxdog Graduate]

I started cto5k on a treadmill in the gym. It gave me confidence as I wasn't sure if my knees would bear up, so I had lots of control over what I was doing.However, I moved outside at around week 5 and then only ran on a treadmill a handful of times after that. I bought a treadmill before the first lockdown, because I was scared we wouldn't be allowed out! I didn't enjoy using a treadmill at home at all and sold it.

I would do what you feel suits you. It would be a shame not to experience running outside though, so maybe moving outside at some point would be a good idea. Good luck.

[JoeyCoops]

Hi Jenny1974 .... I did up to Week 7 or so inside on the treadmill and then decided to take things outside. The longer runs were a bit monotonous on the tready and I started pining for the fiords 😁. But .... my bloody knees suffered greatly and I had to stop. And I haven't run since. We're all different. I'm 10 years older than you (I'm assuming '74 is your birth year?) and maybe my knees can't take the impact like they used to. So I'm going to start over and stick to my trusty treadmill! At least I was running! I recommend getting a good pair of ear buds and set the incline of your treadmill to 1 or 2 .... so it doesn't feel like you're running downhill! Now get running!

[Jenny1974 Graduate in reply to JoeyCoops]

Yes I’m 47 x thanks for reply x everyone has been really helpful

[JoeyCoops in reply to Jenny1974]

Keep reporting back! This forum is invaluable and full of great advice.

[JoeyCoops in reply to JoeyCoops]

p.s. not that we were discussing her, but Her Maj has got the Rona!!

[Jenny1974 Graduate in reply to JoeyCoops]

lol yes she has, probs her sons giving her stress that’s caused it! Poor queenie

[Couch2FiveK Graduate]

I did all my runs on the treadmill at the gym, as I too was looking to limit impact on my knees. I found it easier than I was expecting and it’s great to be able to adjust incline and pace to suit.

My first outdoor run was at my first parkrun, where I surprised myself by running a few minutes faster than my gym pace!

I’ve continued treadmill running since (3x 5k pw) but will be heading outdoors again this week.

Good luck!

[Hidden]

I do mine on a cross trainer due to an artificial hip & I'm still running the times. I have no idea how far I'm running as it's at an outdoor gym but I've built up through C25k to an hour now. I've taken peoples advice on the forum about building up speed & time & feel I'm running like everyone else. I would never thought I could run for an hour so I'm just as pleased whether its the same as road runners or not. It's still an hour of unbroken exercise.

[jsh2803 Graduate]

I did all C25k on treadmill in the garage so absolutely yes, I only run outside at park runs, and have used the treadmill the rest of the time, I find the treadmill more disciplined yes I can slow it down and up but try to stick to the programme. Key is to set gradient, i do a couple of sessions at 2% and some short hill runs at 8% .... 15 seconds only. Advantage to me is no weather to worry about or traffic ... and yes has been mentioned music / podcast is essential