Transition to run outside

mustangtessie

Been training on a treadmill since December. Today is day 1 if outside .Does anybody have any tips for my transition I am training for a half marathon on June 24

Thehardmakesitworthit

No tips for training per se except to say ....it suprised me how much harder I had to work once I was on actual pavement. Hang in there...be patient with yourself. Invest in really good running shoes and keep at it!!! Good luck! I cannot bring myself to run on a treadmill anymore now that I have been in the great outdoors!

dewd2

Go easy. Your feet are going to be landing in ways they are not used to. The dreadmill is flat, cushioned, and even. Outside it is hard, soft, uneven, slanted, etc. Give your legs time to adjust. And if you haven't already, now is a good time to visit a local running store and get proper shoes.

Good luck.

Jthanmyfitnesspal

Exciting!

spiriteagle99

At first I found running on the street harder than running on the TM. It took a week or two to get used to it. Now I find it much easier to run outside because it feels more natural to me. My pace varies based on the terrain or my energy level, while the TM just keeps on pushing me at the same pace all the time until I change it.

Best suggestion for starting out is to start slower than usual. Let your body warm up naturally. Make sure you don't push yourself too hard. I find I run much faster outside, which isn't always a good thing.

juliet3455

@mustangtessie Welcome to the Outdoor runners club. I think everyone above has the general concepts covered.
If there is a local running club in your community you should join in. The local club members will know where all the local hidden gems are when it comes to Trails. They also will be a good source of advice on finding a running specialty store in the area. Every person will have a differant feel for what is the Right Shoe for them, which is why getting a good store is important. Bring your old shoes ( walking and running ) in when you go to get fitted, they will look at the wear pattern and that helps determine what style of shoe ( stability, neutral, pronation etc ) and what drop might be best for you at this point in your training. They should have you run barefoot on a treadmill while recording then play it back in slow mo to show you how you are landing. Also you should be able to do a 5-10 minute run in the shoes on the treadmill to test drive them so come prepared with running gear.
As I have gained experience and made small technique changes my shoe needs have changed.

A word of warning about Running Gear and the associated addiction.



As a member of a small club we are always looking for more people to join and we have all demographics - skill and knowledge sets. From 16 yr old 5km speed demons, Boston Marathoners and 100k Ultra runners. Enjoy the transition.