Which do you prefer? Treadmill, stepper or running outside?

SueInAz

saylorkw wrote: »

Ok, thanks for all of the comments. So can i ask another question in this thread or should I start another? How do you get to the point that you actually LIKE to run. I have tried running. I ran cross country in High school and hated every second of it. If it starts to hurt (chest, back, knees, ankles) i quit. Thought?

Hurt in what way? Running doesn't hurt for me, beyond the occasional tired legs right from the start, and then I usually just take walking intervals or cut the run short.

I always hated running. I was forced to run in high school and hated every second of it. In adulthood, I joked that the only way you'd see me running is if I were being chased. At age 45 I decided to give C25K a try and I haven't looked back. If you haven't been running, start slowly, and I mean actually run slowly. So slowly you don't think it qualifies as running. You should be able to hold a conversation with another person at the speed you should be running. If you get out of breath, you're going too fast. Try a program like Couch to 5K and build up running times with walk intervals in between. If, when you finish the C25K program you still hate running then find another activity. At least you will have given it a fair shot.

Dofflin

running!
edit: agreed with SuInAz, I used to say I hated it, until I decided to give it a proper go. I started by running 1km/day for 7 days, then 2km/day for 7 days, and by then I had a feel of where I was at and started changing it to suit myself. Now I just run a few days a week about 10km each time

Emilia777

saylorkw wrote: »

Ok, thanks for all of the comments. So can i ask another question in this thread or should I start another? How do you get to the point that you actually LIKE to run. I have tried running. I ran cross country in High school and hated every second of it. If it starts to hurt (chest, back, knees, ankles) i quit. Thought?

Why would you want to run if you don’t like it? There are other forms of exercise out there. I personally run through the pain (as long as it’s not an injury), as I get some discomfort when I haven’t run in a while, but that’s just the kind of person I am. I still love running.

Side note: I found strength training made me a much better runner.

MoiAussi93

outside

3AAnn3

Stepper. Really helps to define legs and it doesn't bother my knees. Running does.

WhatMeRunning

If you are hurting you need to address those causes. It sounds like you wish to run somewhat long distances as opposed to sprints. If your chest is hurting you are running too fast. Slow it down. To build up your system for endurance running you should run at a conversational pace, where you can talk with someone without having to gasp for air while talking. It can be hard to run slow, so you have to actually work at it. Your back, knees and ankles might be due to shoes. If you wish to run long distances do your body a favor and get running shoes that are fit for you at a running store. The rubber meets the road at your feet, so your main focus for any money should be there. Your back, knees and ankles could also just be worn down from running too fast and need a break for a while. It could be a combination of both shoes and fatigue. Running fast takes a bigger physical toll over long distances than running slow (seems obvious if you think about it). You can run quite a ways if you slow down to the proper pace, you will likely surprise yourself.

girlwithcurls2

Slow down. Use an app like C25K, and while you're running/walking, listen to podcases. Learn something new from a TED Talk or Radiolab, listen to compelling stories from The Moth, or get stared at by strangers while you laugh at Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me. Somehow, I went from "needing to go for a run" to "needing my run."

bluepotatoes66

If I'm doing a long cardio session - elliptical.
If I'm doing cardio as a warm up for weight lifting/strength training - treadmill.
If I'm doing it just to get moving that day - walking outside.

saylorkw wrote: »

Ok, thanks for all of the comments. So can i ask another question in this thread or should I start another? How do you get to the point that you actually LIKE to run. I have tried running. I ran cross country in High school and hated every second of it. If it starts to hurt (chest, back, knees, ankles) i quit. Thought?

I'm not quite to the point I love it, so feel free to take my answer with a grain of salt, but I have heard that one of the good ways of doing it is to work up to it slowly by doing something like a Couch to 5k program. Heck, if you don't like doing it outdoors, you can do this on the treadmill.

Also, might be worth going into an athletically oriented shoe store and having your stride analyzed. They can recommend good shoes for you that might reduce the pain.

zdyb23456

My gym doesn't have the stairmaster anymore I used to do that on off running days. I think they have something similar, but it seems to work more like an ellipitcal than a stairmaster, which I cannot get used to.

I prefer running outside, but I'm picky about the temperature. I prefer cooler, non-humid weather. As soon as it hits 80, I'm done, I'd rather run a treadmill in a wonderfully air conditioned gym

AsrarHussain

I asked this before I would say outside is better fresh air and on machines the machine assists you

blobby10

Outside for running all the time. Ran on a treadmill yesterday morning and hated it. Also suffered from the 'do I REALLY look like that when I run?!' as I had to see myself in the mirror directly in front of me!

I only began to enjoy running when I took the pressure off myself. For a few years I ran 5 days a week, never improving, really berating myself if I walked, and ended up hating it. Now I run one day a week, run faster, further and if I feel like walking I do! Hell its only walking for a minute but who cares! And if I wanted to walk for 5 minutes - who cares! At least I'm doing something. That attitude has helped me love running and now I often go out for a 4 miler after work especially if Ive had a rough day and it helps me just switch off.

Becky03026847

I love to walk our nature trail or the road beside my house when it's pretty. I also have a eliptical in the garage that I use when it is raining. I don't run...never have been able to even in high school but I do walk at a very fast pace.

p_cisneros2

Treadmill because I can run for longer distances and is less impacting on my knees. I do like running outside occasionally, but if it's too hot or humid I know I will be walking more than running.

amyj514

Elliptical is my usual, sometimes I run outside but it hurts my knees to do it too much, and the thought of the treadmill makes me want to cry.

mitch16

SueInAz wrote: »

saylorkw wrote: »

Ok, thanks for all of the comments. So can i ask another question in this thread or should I start another? How do you get to the point that you actually LIKE to run. I have tried running. I ran cross country in High school and hated every second of it. If it starts to hurt (chest, back, knees, ankles) i quit. Thought?

Hurt in what way? Running doesn't hurt for me, beyond the occasional tired legs right from the start, and then I usually just take walking intervals or cut the run short.

I always hated running. I was forced to run in high school and hated every second of it. In adulthood, I joked that the only way you'd see me running is if I were being chased. At age 45 I decided to give C25K a try and I haven't looked back. If you haven't been running, start slowly, and I mean actually run slowly. So slowly you don't think it qualifies as running. You should be able to hold a conversation with another person at the speed you should be running. If you get out of breath, you're going too fast. Try a program like Couch to 5K and build up running times with walk intervals in between. If, when you finish the C25K program you still hate running then find another activity. At least you will have given it a fair shot.

This is totally me, too. I ran track in middle school (sprints/hurdles) because it was an easy way to earn a letter. Didn't really run much after that. Was in pretty good shape (swimming, cycling, kickboxing, yoga, aerobics), but just not a runner. Didn't run again until I was in my 40's--my son had a parents versus kids lacrosse game and the running nearly killed me! Set a goal to run a 2-mile race with my son. Did it. Set a goal to run a 5K. Did it. Kept running. Set a goal to run a half marathon so I could earn a medal (because it's not likely that I will actually ever win a shorter race). Did that last fall. Running the same race again this fall, and running a 5K race each month this summer.

I like running now. I like having the time to myself. I like pushing myself and seeing my pace increase. I like sweating. I like being able to eat more and still lose weight. I like to think that since I waited so long to really start running that my knees and hips might hold out a little longer (we have a family friend who needed double knee replacement in his early 60's because he ran all of his life).

When you say "it starts to hurt"--is it pain, or just discomfort? If it's truly pain, then you should get it checked out by a doctor. If it's just discomfort, then push yourself through it a bit. Run another 100 yards or 3 more minutes. Slow your pace down if your lungs are screaming. Walk for a minute and then run some more. Find somewhere interesting to run (probably not on the treadmill). We moved to a new town and I like to run and look at the houses. Maybe find a running buddy--the running store near us has a group run (all paces) on Thursday nights. Set goals and run towards them.

Definitely invest in quality running shoes (get fitted at a running shoe fitter if possible).

Good luck!

jrline

Running outside is my favorite

Docbanana2002

Outside as long as the weather cooperates. I move inside it it is super hot, below freezing, or storming.

saylorkw

This is totally me, too. I ran track in middle school (sprints/hurdles) because it was an easy way to earn a letter. Didn't really run much after that. Was in pretty good shape (swimming, cycling, kickboxing, yoga, aerobics), but just not a runner. Didn't run again until I was in my 40's--my son had a parents versus kids lacrosse game and the running nearly killed me! Set a goal to run a 2-mile race with my son. Did it. Set a goal to run a 5K. Did it. Kept running. Set a goal to run a half marathon so I could earn a medal (because it's not likely that I will actually ever win a shorter race). Did that last fall. Running the same race again this fall, and running a 5K race each month this summer.

I like running now. I like having the time to myself. I like pushing myself and seeing my pace increase. I like sweating. I like being able to eat more and still lose weight. I like to think that since I waited so long to really start running that my knees and hips might hold out a little longer (we have a family friend who needed double knee replacement in his early 60's because he ran all of his life).

When you say "it starts to hurt"--is it pain, or just discomfort? If it's truly pain, then you should get it checked out by a doctor. If it's just discomfort, then push yourself through it a bit. Run another 100 yards or 3 more minutes. Slow your pace down if your lungs are screaming. Walk for a minute and then run some more. Find somewhere interesting to run (probably not on the treadmill). We moved to a new town and I like to run and look at the houses. Maybe find a running buddy--the running store near us has a group run (all paces) on Thursday nights. Set goals and run towards them.

Definitely invest in quality running shoes (get fitted at a running shoe fitter if possible).

Good luck!
[/quote]

I have been walking at a brisk pace. I try to do 2 to three miles, at least 3 times a week. I have been trying to run a little at a time. I realize it will take time to build up my fitness level to get to a point where I can run. Right now the "Pain" i was speaking of is just discomfort and being "winded" I will take the advice of several of you whom have responded and just take it slow. Thank you to everyone who has responded! I appreciate the advice and support!

dramaqueen45

I used to run, but have since discovered cycling and I enjoy it a lot more because although hills can be work, it is so much fun to coast downhills. I live near a lot of rail trails so it is a lot safer than riding on the roads. When the weather is bad I cycle indoors on a stationary, but obviously outdoors is the best. Oh and I ride a recumbent trike- very stable, great on the back, AND nice large soft seat. Ahhhhhh.

KrysGettinFit

In regards to your first question: Outside for me! It's the best because I go early in the morning and there isn't a single soul out and barely any cars..just me, my music and the open road. Your second question, I've been getting back into it and I'm just starting to like it now and I'm 8 weeks in, so it just takes time. That being said, if you're in a lot of pain when running, you want to get that checked out. You should be SORE but it shouldn't actually HURT..know what I Mean? If it hurts, there could be some underlying issues you want to take care of. If you really don't like it and don't think you ever will, maybe find something that you DO like? The worst is when you are miserable and having to work out. Good luck!

T1DCarnivoreRunner

SueInAz wrote: »

Outside! I only use a treadmill occasionally for speed intervals (because I can exactly control the speed) or to get in some extra steps while I'm waiting for my lifting partner to show up at the gym. Otherwise, I do all of my running outside. I've never used a stair climber and don't really feel the need.

Same here. I enjoy the outdoors, but I can't control running speed without the treadmill. Most of my miles are from hiking, though, as I just started running a few months ago.

BuckyArden33

treadmill because the whole going outside scares the *kitten* out of me lol

jaynord

I swing and snatch kettlebells for my conditioning. Running is ok if you like it, but there are other and better ways to get healthy.

jchite84

beemerphile1 wrote: »

Outside, outside, outside, outside, outside, outside!

All day, every day. This this this. Kill the dreadmill

As far as your other question. I generally say build up slow. Do C25K, but if you ran in high school and hated it, chances are you've given it enough of a chance. Perhaps the shift for you could be running non-competitively, try running just for the enjoyment of the activity, not focusing too much on pace/distance. Alternately, try another sport. I run and cycle. You might enjoy cycling more.

JenAndSome

Absolutely outside.

If it hurts you are probably pushing yourself too fast. Try slowing your pace down and focus on your breathing. Make sure you stretch well before and after, also.

dpwellman

In order 1) outside, 2) outside, and 3) outside. If I can't run outside, I don't run.

Unknown

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JustSomeEm

I like to run outside, regardless of weather. I have more running clothes than regular clothes!

saylorkw wrote: »

Ok, thanks for all of the comments. So can i ask another question in this thread or should I start another? How do you get to the point that you actually LIKE to run. I have tried running. I ran cross country in High school and hated every second of it. If it starts to hurt (chest, back, knees, ankles) i quit. Thought?

You need to slow down. When you're doing your run intervals during your walk, try running only slightly faster than you walk. Once you start doing longer running intervals, the pace will pick up naturally on it's own. BUT, if you don't like to run, don't do it. Find an exercise you DO like and do that instead.

I'll tell you a secret of mine: I don't like running either... even if I don't mind it. What I DO like is the feeling of accomplishment I get once I'm done. And the endorphins. Love endorphins even more than chocolate

Bshmerlie

Inside my home on a treadmill. I do 30 min every night while watching TV. Gets me off the couch and breaks some bad habits. You can't eat while you're running. That's the only time I watch the TV.

MeanderingMammal

Outside, on a trail. As upthread, there is no bad weather.

Personally, once I could comfortably run for 30 minutes I started enjoying it. Even now the first 10-15 minutes tend to be a bit uncomfortable until I've loosened up and got into the swing of it.