Running outside
kecmw25
Posts: 2,743 Member
My treadmill took a c**p and with the weather about to turn nice, I'm thinking about taking my runs outside. Does anyone have any tips or advice? Good apps to try? TIA
0
Replies
-
Make sure you've got decent running shoes0
-
Running outside is soooo much better than running a treadmill. Of course, if you haven't been running with the treadmill set to an incline you're going to find it much more difficult at first. You have to propel yourself rather than just keep up with a backward-moving belt. You also can't set a speed and just go so be sure you don't take off so quickly that you burn yourself out early in the run.0
-
It's higher impact on your joints as you don't have a quishy treadmill so make sure you have good shoes as the above poster says.
I like the Nike+ running app, or if you are after something a bit different check out Zombies, Run
0 -
If you're not used to running outside, start off slow. Slower than you think you should be going. It can be really deceiving.0
-
I'm a newbie runner, and running outside is so much more fun that the treadmill. More to look at, more to experience, sunshine and all the other good stuff. Good pair of running shoes is crucial. Go get 'em!0
-
I prefer outside. In addition to the above advice (shoes and speed being critical) I would suggest finding either a track to start off with (local high school perhaps) or some asphalt paved trails/roads to run on. Those are a bit softer than concrete. I run on concrete a lot with no problem, but all of these are firmer than the surface of a treadmill so it might be nice to ramp up surface hardness a bit at a time.0
-
Outside running is way easier on my joints than the treadmill! The outdoors is far more engaging too. I can run through snow, on the grass.
Dress in layers. A windbreaker is key. Let someone know when you are out so if you don't show up in a couple days they know to come looking.
My favourite apps include Endomondo and IntervalTimer to keep me in the groove. Walk a few minutes to warm up. Run five, walk one to start.0 -
I hate the dreadmill. To me running outside is so much better. I just feel so much better when I can run outside. I use a garmin on my runs instead of the app but they are expensive and unless you find that you are going to run a lot I would not suggest getting one.
A friend of mine uses Map My Run and loves it. It is a free app.
0 -
Using a treadmill isn't running, it is doing hamster impersonations!
I prefer going to the park and running trails. The ups, downs, and twists and turns makes for a better workout than road running.0 -
I am a huge baby and avoid running during the -483294C winter months. That being said, it's starting to warm up now and I am braving it now since there's no ice on the paths.
BUT as said: layers are key! Also, shoes are super important - if you don't already have a decent pair or have been fitted for one.
And if you're doing trail runs, be prepared to be slower due to changing inclines.
I always prefer running outside, I feel I run way stronger and faster! So good luck.0 -
I absolutely hate the treadmill. Running outside is so much better.
My suggestion would be not to run for time, run for distance. So don't plan a 20 minute run or a 40 minute jog where you go out and back. Plan (and map out ahead of time) a 4 mile or 7.5 mile loop that starts and ends at your home instead.
0 -
I absolutely hate the treadmill. Running outside is so much better.
My suggestion would be not to run for time, run for distance. So don't plan a 20 minute run or a 40 minute jog where you go out and back. Plan (and map out ahead of time) a 4 mile or 7.5 mile loop that starts and ends at your home instead.
Yeah, you can't just push the stop button when you're tired. If you ran 8 miles away from your house, you have to run 8 miles to get back. A nice loop is a good idea for sure. Personally I like something that's around a mile. It's not so big that you can't stop at a certain point but not so small that you feel like you're running in circles.0 -
Wrap up and watch your step.Also be very aware of traffic.and oh yes Enjoy0
-
Find some trails and hit them! Start slow and build to a solid base. Whatever that is for you. Here are some of my tips, of course some of them are just preferences!
1) Good running shoes are a must.
2) Ditch the music, it sucks at first but after a while I find it so much more enjoyable.
3) A good GPS watch is all you need to track runs.
4) Don't worry about your speed at first.
5) If you really want to improve running sign up for a 5k, or a 10k and find a adequate training plan for you. It always helped me to have a race on the books.
6) log your miles and keep track of them. I have logged every run for 3+ years. It's great to see improvements. You can also see times you were in slumps and that they do pass.
7) Most of all ENJOY yourself. Running should be fun and relaxing! For me there is nothing better then a 2+ hour run. It's alone time that I get, almost a form of meditation.0 -
Dress for the weather and go slower than you would on a treadmill. You don't have the ground propelling you like the treadmill belt does.0
-
Thanks for the advice everyone
I usually do my runs before work so I am kind of time constricted. Maybe I'll take a route that I know I can walk in 30 minutes and start there. I hope the weather gets warmer soon. I miss running and don't want to lose the progress I had made. 0 -
If you're going to be running in the dark, bring a headlamp or flashlight and make sure you have bright/reflective clothing on. I use RunKeeper on my phone to track my runs and I really like it. Good luck 0
-
Thanks for the advice everyone I usually do my runs before work so I am kind of time constricted. Maybe I'll take a route that I know I can walk in 30 minutes and start there. I hope the weather gets warmer soon. I miss running and don't want to lose the progress I had made.
That sounds like a great plan. If it really sucks the first time just know it'll get better pretty quickly.
I run in the mornings before work in the summer because I can't run when it's 110°F without dying and the temps are almost always triple digits between May and October. (In the winter I run after work because it's usually in the 60s or 70s.) There are no street lights, so I get up just before it gets light, run my 3.1 miles, go home, shower, get dressed and head off to work. There are no long races here in the summer because of the weather so I'm mostly maintaining a running base and burning some extra calories.0 -
Once you start running outside, you'll never want to run on the dreadmill again.
A helpful tool on what to wear:
runnersworld.com/what-to-wear0 -
midnight419 wrote: »Once you start running outside, you'll never want to run on the dreadmill again.
A helpful tool on what to wear:
runnersworld.com/what-to-wear
This is pretty awesome, thanks!!0 -
If your phone has decent GPS then I find runkeeper to be a handy app. It's estimated calories burned are pretty accurate to my HRM, you can set verbal cues that tell you when you hit specific distances or times, you should be able to set up routines in it if you want to do a HITT type run, but I have never used it.
P.S. its also FREE!0 -
I actually AGREE with this. I have found being left with my thoughts is amazing. I pray, get inspiration for work projects, contemplate my next race, plus I am aware of the sounds and environment around me... with is a safer way to run!
0 -
I actually run with music but without headphones. The speaker on my phone is pretty decent. It allows me to hear what's going on around me and for my mind to wander when it will but I still have some background music.arussell134 wrote: »
I actually AGREE with this. I have found being left with my thoughts is amazing. I pray, get inspiration for work projects, contemplate my next race, plus I am aware of the sounds and environment around me... with is a safer way to run!
0 -
I actually run with music but without headphones. The speaker on my phone is pretty decent. It allows me to hear what's going on around me and for my mind to wander when it will but I still have some background music.arussell134 wrote: »
I actually AGREE with this. I have found being left with my thoughts is amazing. I pray, get inspiration for work projects, contemplate my next race, plus I am aware of the sounds and environment around me... with is a safer way to run!
As long as you don't do that in a race. I hate it when people run with music and without headphones during a race. I don't want to listen to your music!0 -
map my run try to keep a steady pace. Find a good playlist or station on Pandora. I enjoy outside much much better than the treadmill. Good Luck0
-
Never during a race! I don't use music at all then.
I actually run with music but without headphones. The speaker on my phone is pretty decent. It allows me to hear what's going on around me and for my mind to wander when it will but I still have some background music.arussell134 wrote: »
I actually AGREE with this. I have found being left with my thoughts is amazing. I pray, get inspiration for work projects, contemplate my next race, plus I am aware of the sounds and environment around me... with is a safer way to run!
As long as you don't do that in a race. I hate it when people run with music and without headphones during a race. I don't want to listen to your music!
0 -
I listen to music during a race, but I can outrun the complainers 0
-
I'm a "none music" runner. I prefer to be media free and I find it's safer.
Secondly- I agree with slow down- be mindful of your body and your gate. I know I run differently on the treadmill than outside.
I'd also say- push past the first 5 -10 min- there is always a period of time (and it's length varies per person) where you think to yourself self- I can't possibly do this- this feels impossibly heavy and way to difficult today- but push past- even if it's super slow- don't stop and walk- because usually you'll settle into a stride and be okay.
Just slow down and breath- and talk yourself into meeting mini goals- the light- the gas station- etc etc- usually very helpful for me.0 -
Never during a race! I don't use music at all then.
I actually run with music but without headphones. The speaker on my phone is pretty decent. It allows me to hear what's going on around me and for my mind to wander when it will but I still have some background music.arussell134 wrote: »
I actually AGREE with this. I have found being left with my thoughts is amazing. I pray, get inspiration for work projects, contemplate my next race, plus I am aware of the sounds and environment around me... with is a safer way to run!
As long as you don't do that in a race. I hate it when people run with music and without headphones during a race. I don't want to listen to your music!
I used to run with music.....until I ran in a race that prohibited headphones/music - it mentally threw me for a loop, because I would pick music with specific BPMs to pace off. After that, I took two months to phase out training with music, and have been running completely sans tunes ever since (including my half marathon training/race). Yes, it IS possible to run for 2.5 hours without music. I actually find that I enjoy running MUCH more without the music, as I can get really in tune with my body and with nature (my favorite is running after a beautiful fresh snowfall). Also, running without music means no electronics to worry about getting wet if I am running in the rain. 0
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.4K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.2K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 426 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.7K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions