treadmill vs outside running

MonkeyFlower

Hi am really new to running…as in 1 month ago i started and have just managed to run 1.5k without stopping – (admittedly almost dying and not being able to breath!) Its made me realise how incredibly unfit I have let myself become but also I realise that I really love running outside and getting some fresh air.

I have an office job so sit in aircon all day and then I spend time with my 3 boys in the evenings so I am trying to run every other evening at 7.30pm once my boys go to bed. The problem is it’s to dangerous to run around at night by myself so I can only go when my neighbour is free to go with me. I didn’t mind at first but now I REALLY want to go on the days ive allocated and hate it if I can’t get out of the house! (who knew that would happen!) My fantastic husband got me a treadmill for home but I cant seem to run on it…feel really stupid but is this something I need to learn? I keep feeling like im falling over or going to go off the sides…any ideas or is treadmill running just totally different that outside?

Anoetos65

Hold on to the sides at first, then free a hand to make normal running arm movements, then the other. Also, you might try to run a little slower at first.

Hang in there, you'll get it.

luvmypwds

It does take some getting used to. I'd start off slow and go from there. Good luck.

wiffe

Slow down a bit and even raise the incline.

nwhitley

I really dislike running on the treadmill and only ever run on it for interval training. And that's only occasionally. To me it's totally different b/c you don't experience the wind resistance outside, different terrain, and you aren't actually moving your body so its definitely easier. In my opinion when I run on the treadmill it changes my gait, plus it's boring :yawn:

But, I definitely agree that it is just too dangerous to run outside by yourself. Have you considered joining a running club? I run with my club sometimes and if there are days when I want to run and the group isn't meeting I call one of the girls and we set up a time. I also belong to a church gym with an indoor track so I use that when I don't have anyone to go with me or its too cold outside.

MonkeyFlower

thanks! i feel like such a muppit running on the treadmill...even my 3 year old told me he could teach me to run if i wanted as hes as fast as a superhero apparently!

kirstand

lol! yes it can take a bit of getting use to...as the others have already mentioned, go slow at first maybe holding onto handles...even a fast walk is a good start!! i used the emergency key for the first few times just in case i flew of the back of it or tripped.
good luck...love my treadmill but i'm too lazy to run on it so use the incline and walk fast instead.

MonkeyFlower

sorry don’t know how to reply to a separate person but @nwhitley im probably being silly but am a bit embarrassed to join a running group as everyone i know in one is super fit...was hoping i could get a bit better by myself first...also am really constrained with time as i don’t want to eat into my time with the kids as i don’t get to see them during the days at work...

shellebelle87

I adore my treadmill but prefer to use it for fast walking with the incline, I find running on it gives me sore shins and ankles - not sure why - but I dont want to run outside because I hate people watching me workout. Once I'm more confident I will be happy to run outside.

alwayswndrng

My chiropractor told me if I walk/run on the treadmill to have it on at least .5 incline as the 0 does not feel normal to our bodies. I live in WI so it gets dark pretty early. Whether day/night I have pepper spray attached to me and my cell phone. Believe it or not I had three teenage boys try to mess with me on trail in the mid afternoon. I also tell my husband which route I am taking he knows how long the route should take me to return home.

DMK710

I don't have the time in my schedule to run outside since I work nights and sleep during the day. I also don't have the room for a treadmill..so I use the "Free Run" on my Wii Fit. It lets me get the cardio, jogging and i'm safe in my home.

Be safe out there!

*I used to have a treadmill (loved it but wore it out) it is important to use the safety strap and hold on till your used to it.

MonkeyFlower

Thanks so much for all the advice, will try with a bit of an incline tonight and slow it down (although if I slow down my jog any more I may be walking ) just a shame as I felt like my speed was slowly improving outside...darn murderers/rapists/attackers hindering my weight loss!

adriankking

Good luck with the treadmill. You might want to check a local university as well because some allow you to run on their tracks or have well lit walking or running trails for students.