Transition from treadmill to outdoors

shaydon80

I've been running 5K or more three times a week on my treadmill since before Christmas and now that the weather is getting nicer I'd like to move my workouts outside. How do you make the transition from treadmill to outdoor running? I'm so nervous that I won't be able to do it that I keep psyching myself out and finding excuses not to get out there!
Any advice for a nervous Nelly?

SueInAz

* Run with some incline while on the treadmill to help simulate the resistance of the road.
* Resign yourself to the fact that it IS going to be a little harder running on your own without the help of the backward moving belt.
* At first, run at a slower pace than you normally run on the treadmill. It's not about speed, it's about making the transition.
* Enjoy the fresh air and the fact that you won't be as sweaty while you run!

jacksonpt

Why do you care so much? Are you training for something that makes hitting certain distances so important? Just get out there and run, it's a totally different experience. For most people it is harder physically, but easier mentally.

thepetiterunner

If you're worried about pavement, try running on a trail. It's softer than concrete/asphalt, but still outdoors and often more scenic and prettier (IMO). Nothing to worry or fret about - running is still running whether you're on the hamster mill (treadmill) or running under glorious sunshine.

You will need to get your legs used to running on the ground though, which you may notice will make you a bit more sore than usual, but try running on an incline or just start off with some sort runs outdoors for now. Stretch after and just see how it goes.

Running outdoors is a wonderful, wonderful thing. Really, nothing to be scared of, I promise.

RNmomto4

I am in the same boat. I have always been a treadmill runner. I have 4 kids and we live out in the country on gravel roads, and I dont feel comfortable running on the highway. I will have to drive into town to do my runs. I am thinking I will run on my treadmill during the week, but run outside on the weekends so my husband can stay home with the kids.

I am nervous about not pushing myself as hard...and I am doing a 10k in May, so I know I need to start doing outdoor running now that our temps arent -0 anymore

missyj1115

I just ran outside for the first time last night I ran while my 5 year old son biked it and it was actually really refreshing!!! If you have one of those droid phones I would suggest getting the app. Endomondo a chest heart rate monitor & GOOD MUSIC! Endo tracks your time, distance and has a gps so you can see the route you took (very cool). The heart rate monitor was a great tool to not only make sure I was pushing myself to get my numbers higher but also tells me how many calories I burned. I won't lie is was challenging but so worth it, go slow and I am told speed will come in time. I have to say after last night I can't wait to do it again kinda grows on you. I am so happy I liked it I was afraid I wouldn't and be stuck running on my treadmill forever. My goals are to do 5K's, 10k's and eventually a marathon (can't really do that on a treadmill now can you) at least if you want to be in an actual race :laugh: I did a 5K last November which really inspired me, ran the whole thing 3.2 miles slow and after crossing the finish line I was shaking so hard with excitement. In that moment after that 1 little accomplishment I new I could do anything I put my mind too!! Get out there and do it, if you don't try you will never know how good if feels!!!

seekingstrengthX2

I find running outdoors easier, actually. It's different for every person. Don't psych yourself out before you even try. Just do it. RUN.

RNmomto4

You can get endomondo free on the iphone as well...the endomondo pro is a charge. But I have the free app on my iphone

batlou

@OP: Don't over think it. Just put on your shoes and go for a run. If you are just concerned about getting lost or how far to go perhaps find a local park with a 1 mile or so loop and run there. After a few times outside you will curse the bad weather that may force your indoors to run on the "dreadmill".

madamepsychosis

I'm doing the C25K plan, 3 times a week and a mix of both treadmill and outdoors. I make at least one of these runs outside to get used to the different sensations of running outside. I run on a 6% incline on the treadmill to make it a bit more challenging. Where I live is really hilly, but I run in the public park which is relatively flat. It's definitely harder to get used to since you don't have the moving belt to help propel you forward, but it's also a lot more scenic and usually cooler than my often stuffy gym. I'd suggest jogging at a slower pace to begin with when you start running outside than you would on the treadmill and - for your treadmill workouts - running on a slight incline if you don't already.

LastMinuteMama

Funny, I'm just psyching myself up to hit the treadmill today...I loathe it!

Running outside is tougher because of the pavement and as someone mentioned, if you can find trails to run on, definitely do that. My feet are always a bit sore after I run on the pavement.

And as much as running outside is physically tougher, it is a million times easier mentally!!! You are going to love it!!! If you can already run 5K on the treadmill, then I think this will be an easy transition for you! Have fun!!!

KimH313

Hi - Im in the same boat, just started running outside and trust me just do it and you'll be glad you did im sure! i was a little worried that i wouldnt be able to do it but i like it a lot better than being on the treadmill. i dont know if you're into apps on your phone but i got one called RunMeter and i think it was a couple bucks, cant remember for sure but it keeps track of your pace, fastest pace, average pace and mileage, time, it maps your route and does a bunch of other stuff i havent even had a chance to look at yet. it is really cool. or just get out there and run. it is awesome

Chagama

Don't make too big of a deal out of it. It is tougher outdoors due to hills and weather, wind in particular, but it's not like it's 100 times harder. You will do fine, maybe a little slower for a couple of runs until you get used to it, but that's about it.