Advice...

[amy26]

I am thinking about starting C25k but have a few questions.

How many sessions are required a week? Are rest days scheduled?

Also is it acceptable to do it on a treadmill rather than outdoors or does it not have the same affect as treadmill can sometimes be easier?

Thanks.

[Fingalo Graduate]

All the information you need is on the site but a quick answer is you run, then next day you rest. The course lasts for 9 weeks with three runs in each.

Oh and a treadmill is fine.

[WepreRunner Graduate]

Hi Amy

I would recommend C25K to anybody, as the podcasts really do help to keep you motivated. It's basically one day of running, followed by a day of rest, with three scheduled runs per week. There is a full breakdown on the NHS site, but I'm not sure how to paste the link from my tablet.

Personally, I prefer to run on the road, as I find treadmills easier, but there are as many different opinions as people to ask! A lot could depend on why you want to run? If its simply to get fit, then either would be fine, but if you want to go on and run in road events (5k, half marathon etc), then I would say the earlier you start running on Tarmac, the better, as it is 'different' and tends to put more stress on the legs. Another option would be to do, say, two runs per week on the treadmill, with the third on the roads.

The main thing is, whether it is on the treadmill or the Tarmac, you will be running. If in 2 months or so you can run 5k on the treadmill, but only 3k on the roads, its still a lot more than you can now (or I can now!). And I can pretty much promise that you will enjoy the experience, though you may doubt it along the way. :0)

[WepreRunner Graduate]

nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/...

[amy26]

Thank you for this advice, I will give it a go

[Fingalo Graduate in reply to amy26]

Come back and tell us how you're getting on.

[sfb350 Graduate]

I did the first few weeks of the program on the treadmill, partly because I didn't feel confident enough to run outside. As the runs got longer I started to find it a bit boring and ventured outside. Although it was harder work - even kerbs seemed like extra effort - it was more interesting. You may find that your goals change anyway as you make progress so I would say if you feel happier on the treadmill to start with, then do it. Run outside when you feel ready. The main things is that you get started and follow the program - it works wonders.

[totalbeginner Graduate]

i never tried the program o a treadmil, staight outside!

I had tried running on a treadmil years ag but never got on with it, found it very boring.

but i dont think it matters - pick whichever you think you would find easiest at first - then you can always try the other! The hardest part is getting into the routine, of going out 3 x a week. after the first 2-3 weeks you wont look back!

Good luck x