C25K: starting on treadmill then going outdoors?
nicola8989
Posts: 381 Member
I'm too embarrassed to run outdoors and I'm already a gym member - I was thinking I'd start off on the treadmill then when I'm a bit more fit/look less silly I could transition to outdoors - is that feasible?
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I started the C25K and complete it running on a treadmill. I could run for 30 minutes but never achieved the 30 minute 5K. I did do some runing outside but wasn't really a fan. Then I joined running group and can't imagine going back to the treadmill.
To each their own do what feel comfortable to you.0 -
Outdoors in general is better get fresh air and nice scenery
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nicola8989 wrote: »I'm too embarrassed to run outdoors and I'm already a gym member - I was thinking I'd start off on the treadmill then when I'm a bit more fit/look less silly I could transition to outdoors - is that feasible?
Other than being profoundly boring, there's no reason not to. I'd just moderate your expectation of the transition though, running on a dreadmill conditions you to running on a dreadmill, moving outside is likely to be much more difficult and you'll find that both pace and distance suffer until you're more used to it.
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I know I would enjoy it so much more being outside but I just can't handle people looking at my fat ugly self while running!!0
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It's up to you what you do, but be aware that running outside you will be slower than you were on the Dreadmill, so don't be disappointed when you move outside.
I love running outside, I couldn't care less what people think, I tend to run the forest trails and the dog gets dragged along with me, have never came across anyone that wasn't anything other than encouraging, other runners know how much work it is, the walkers that I meet always admit they just couldn't do it (I keep telling them they can, they just don't want to, which is fine as well).0 -
nicola8989 wrote: »I know I would enjoy it so much more being outside but I just can't handle people looking at my fat ugly self while running!!
Nobody cares
I look at it this way, people who see me running are only seeing me for a minute or so of any session that I'm doing. If I slow to a walk, they don't know whether I've just run for one minute, or ninety minutes.
I appreciate the context, given the other thread that you started, and I opined on. I run in London, there are a lot of people out, ranging from those clearly just starting out and with a lot of progress to make, to the very competitive. There is a sense of companionship, with everyone. A nod, a grin or a wave demonstrate that we're all out there and respect one another for also being out there.
That said, I much prefer being out on the trail, listening to the wind in the trees, seeing deer, horses, squirrels etc. It's a very soothing experience.0 -
I started on a treadmill, and like you I was too embarrassed to run outside. When I'd got used to jogging a reasonable time, I started running outside. At first I would jog in the dark, or drive somewhere a bit away from my home - yes I know it sound mad now, but that was all I could do then. Once I'd got more confident I started running round the lake near my home where I knew there was a good chance I would meet people I know, which was a bit scary still, but it was ok.
My 11 year old who has autism and learning difficulties has just asked to start jogging with me, so we've done it the last 5 Sundays. He's a chunky lad, and we have did have some comments from some teenagers but in general people have been really supportive, and I am so proud of him for wanting to do it.
Get a few practice runs in on the treadmill, then give it a go.0 -
I run a bit on both but lately I have been running almost exclusively outdoors. It was actually hard to run on the treadmill pace when I had to. I think you'd be better off running outdoors. Who cares if you look silly?! I know I did starting out and honestly probably still do but I am running for me, not for spectators!! You do what you feel comfortable doing but do at least half of your running outside.0
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Obviously the most important thing for you right now is to feel as comfortable and confident as you can so it doesn't matter where you do it. Good luck.0
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That's what I did. Just be aware that running outdoors is harder than a treadmill (especially if you keep the treadmill at 0 incline), and you may fail your first 5k attempt outdoors even after achieving it on the treadmill (I did).
My advice (assuming we can't convince you to do it outside from the start) -
Put the incline to 1.0 or 1.5 for all your workouts.
On your first outside run, only do 2 miles. Do that a few times. Then go to 2.5 miles for a few runs. Then go for 5k at a slightly slower pace than you achieved on the treadmill.0 -
nicola8989 wrote: »I'm too embarrassed to run outdoors and I'm already a gym member - I was thinking I'd start off on the treadmill then when I'm a bit more fit/look less silly I could transition to outdoors - is that feasible?
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step!
If you think the treadmill is a good option. Go for it. It will get your heart rate up and start building some of the right muscles. If you want to run outside later, you can take that on whenever you feel comfortable.
When the day arrives that you want to go outside, recognize that it will use muscles differently. Back up from wherever you are in the C25k program. Maybe start off with a few good walks outdoors before you even attempt running. You could completely start the C25k over from the beginning or jump in part way, depending on where you are.0 -
nicola8989 wrote: »I know I would enjoy it so much more being outside but I just can't handle people looking at my fat ugly self while running!!
I use to feel that way but you have to remember that even the fit people had a starting point. I ran outside this morning completely out of shape but I felt amazing because I was moving my body. All 215 lbs. Remember that you are always faster than the person who is still sitting on the couch.0 -
Do not worry about how you look while running. Other runners will wave and say "Hi." As for the treadmill, if that's what works for you, that's good enough. I prefer to run outdoors during daylight. My schedule does not allow me to do that during the week, so I treadmill for an hour (tempo runs and progression runs) on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Then on Saturday I go outside for my long runs of 8 to 22 miles. I also cross country ski on my Nordic Track on Monday, Wednesday, Friday for cardio and upper body toning.0
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samthepanda wrote: »My 11 year old who has autism and learning difficulties has just asked to start jogging with me, so we've done it the last 5 Sundays. He's a chunky lad, and we have did have some comments from some teenagers but in general people have been really supportive, and I am so proud of him for wanting to do it.
Cool! Just wanted to share that my 11(almost 12) year old son has SPD and learning issues and he too has started running with me. He says it's his "meditation".
OP - I started with that line of thinking as well, but after a few weeks on the treadmill I just got over it! I now run 5K Tues/Thurs on the treadmill and 10K Saturday's outside. I prefer outside, but appreciate the convenience of the treadmill!
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stumblinthrulife wrote: »That's what I did. Just be aware that running outdoors is harder than a treadmill (especially if you keep the treadmill at 0 incline), and you may fail your first 5k attempt outdoors even after achieving it on the treadmill (I did).
My advice (assuming we can't convince you to do it outside from the start) -
Put the incline to 1.0 or 1.5 for all your workouts.
On your first outside run, only do 2 miles. Do that a few times. Then go to 2.5 miles for a few runs. Then go for 5k at a slightly slower pace than you achieved on the treadmill.
This!
I also started running indoors, as I started C25k in February in Wisconsin (last winter we had multiple -10 degree days...running outdoors was NOT happening). The transition to outside was tougher than I expected, but just like increasing your mileage/speed on a treadmill it happens!0 -
The longest I've jogged together so far is about 2.5 miles.... great NSV for me.
I started jogging on the treadmill a few weeks ago and I really had no problem transitioning to jogging outside. I think this is because I never walked/jogged without having the treadmill on at least a 2% incline. So, I think doing the C25K program on a treadmill with at least a 2% incline will help you make the transition to running/jogging outside.
I like to jog on the treadmill, at the park, around my neighborhood, and at the track when school's out.
If you can handle it, I would say pick a hill interval program while on the treadmill while doing your C25K. I do this often, so I'm convinced it's helped me make the transition easier from jogging on a treadmill to jogging outside.
ETA: I didn't do the C25K program. I just decided to start jogging. Today, I am aiming to jog 4 miles, if my right knee will let me.0 -
nothing to be embarrassed about. I'm not a veteran but seasoned runners love seeing new runners. so get outside and inspire people to get out and run too.0
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I think I'll have a go at doing it outside, thanks everyone you've made me feel a bit better about it
The other problem is that where I live is really hilly - but that'll be good for me right
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When I did the C25k, I started on a treadmill when you do the walking/run intervals as I think I would have felt a bit stupid stopping and starting outside (just personally for me) but now I try to run as much as possible outside now I'm not doing that.
Time goes so quicker, you have more distraction from nice scenery and the fresh air.
Try not to wrry about other people and what they think, you can at least feel happy knowing you have got up off your bum and got moving doing some exercise! We all start somewhere and you will get such a sense of achievement when you start reaching the goals!
In terms of hills, dont be afraid to slow down and walk for a bit, just think of the glutes getting tone up 0 -
Others may prefer one thing better then the other, you do what makes you feel comfortable 0
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Just for the record, a large percentage of runners look silly while running. I know I certainly do.0
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I'm using my treadmill now. When I feel comfortable enough and complete the C25K program, will go head on outdoors. I'm also waiting for after winter ha0
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Hit the pavement. You can do it. Dont psyche yourself out. it'll be hard at first but eventually you'll be surprising yourself!0
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Hey, do what works for you! Anything is better than nothing. Some day i suspect you will run outdoors... i use to be too embarrassed to do it myself, I was terrified the first few times I did, but now far prefer it. treadmill to me is a necessary evil lol. Don't be surprised by the difference in your treadmill ability compared to outside time wise, outdoors is harder for sure.... But like I said,do what works for you 0
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Don't be embarrassed at braving the wider world!! I'm only a few weeks into 'learning' to run and am doing c25k, I am one pretty chubby bird and I also felt everyone would be laughing, but I found a nice local park where there aren't many folk around at the time I run, and I have had no nasty reactions at all! A lot of elderly dog-walkers remarking: 'I wish I had your enthusiasm/energy' etc etc and the discovery of several other equally unfit people staggering round has worked wonders for my self-image. The icing on the cake was a lady of similar age and size who started three weeks after me saying: "I wish I could run like you!!" when I still feel I am staggering round wheezing and panting!! So just remember, there's always someone looking worse than you - and either way, at least you've got off your *kitten* and tried to DO something! Tomorrow I am hoping to attempt my first full mile with my nephew - a tiny thing to some, but for me it will be a huge achievement! Good luck xxx0
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thank you everyone - you've really got me boosted up a bit I think I will brave it! I was terrified first time I went cycling outdoors especially as my OH is really fit and I thought I would look ridiculous chugging along behind him but no one has ever made me feel uncomfrtable0
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