Week 8 unbelievable!

[Bert2]

Have just started week 8 and have completed run1 on a treadmill for the first time. My week 7 runs were hard and the second one was a fail (got to 20 minutes and had to walk for a bit before running again) my question is why was week 8 run 1 so easy on the treadmill? My breathing was hardly affected and wondering if I'm doing it right?? Going to do run 2 outdoors the day after tomorrow and see how I get on

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

No such thing as a fail here Bert2! What actually happened was that you got off the couch and ran for 20 minutes and that deserves a 👏! I haven’t run on a treadmill so don’t really know what the difference is to running outside - I just wanted to say don’t feel you’re failing if a run doesn’t go the way you’d like it to, just mark it up as a training run and do it again next time out! That’s the beauty of C25K, you can take as long as you like and repeat as many of the runs as you want to!

[Bert2 Graduate in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Thank you 😊 I guess I'm going to need to work more on a positive mental attitude and as you say don't feel like I've failed. I have read that there will always be good and not so good runs so don't beat myself up 👍

[Oldgirlruns Graduate in reply to Bert2]

Absolutely!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

No f words here please... you got on that TM and ran... but outside is different... very....

On the treadmill you are in control, but outside there are so many things you can’t control.

Depending where you run, maybe more people, more noise, more distractions, uneven surfaces, all manner of wind and weather. But the good bits now. The fresh air, the scenery, being out there in nature – blinking great....!

So, when you get out there...choose your route... make sure you have the right gear for the weather and take it gently...don't push too hard, make sure you turn around at the halfway point and enjoy!

[Bert2 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you for your wise words. I run by the coast and am thwarted by the wind when I have to turn around but the alternative would be very uneven paths and pesky tourists coming soon .Will look into some alternative routes so I can still get out there. Thanks again

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Bert2]

Brilliant.. I am hoping to be back running at the coast in a week or so too.... and the wind is always in my face whichever way I run! Well done you!

[Remus71 Graduate]

Well done for getting out. As others have said, no run is a fail. I always find running on a treadmill easier than running outside. I live in a hilly area and when it's windy or raining those hills can feel like mountains! Doesn't mean the treadmill runs don't count, running is running at the end of the day. Just explains why when running on a treadmill it can seem easier as you are in more control of the speed, incline etc. I personally prefer running outside but sometimes the treadmill is necessary so I change it up a bit by doing one of the rolling hills programmes as that gives you a bit more of a realistic outdoor run. Maybe just slow it down a bit if running outside and you're struggling.

[Bert2 Graduate in reply to Remus71]

Thank you for the good advice. Aiming to get out for wk8r2 tomorrow and think I'll definitely be slower than the treadmill but will keep in mind the conversational pace.Thanks again

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

It’s frustrating when runs don’t go as we’d hope. It happens to us all! It’s not a fail-any time you get out and run that’s a win. Picking ourselves up and moving on is something we all get better at over time! There’s always something positive to find in a slightly dodgy run, even if it’s that we chose to end it early and have another go later. That can be a really good decision to make.

It’s not often we get posts wondering why a run went so much better than expected! That’s really nice to read. Other posters have explained it well-on a treadmill you’re often having to deal with less physical demand. The terrain, weather, route changes, pacing etc can all be easier on the treadmill. Perhaps that was what it was. Sometimes you just have a brilliant run where it all comes together. That’s an amazing feeling! You’ve been running for a little while now and you’ll have some skills! Maybe it’s just that everything has started falling into place.

On your next run, really challenge yourself to stay at a conversational pace. That may well be slower than on the treadmill and that doesn’t matter at all. Hopefully it will be another great run for you.

Enjoy the rest of the programme. You’re doing so well! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Bert2 Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thanks for all your encouragement, weather permitting will be out tomorrow and will be taking on board all the advice and support 👍

[Roxdog Graduate]

I always found running on a treadmill easier. I did the first 4 weeks on a treadmill and then moved outside, but did the odd treadmill run later on. I much prefer outside though!