Just started couch25K - Treadmill okay?

jennifleurb
jennifleurb Posts: 97
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi there,

I've just started the awesome couch to 5 K. I was wondering however whether the treadmill is best or outside or both? I have a treadmill in my house and prefer it as it rains a lot here. I was wondering however if I am missing out by using my treadmill?

Please let me know your thoughts.
Jennifer
«1

Replies

  • therealangd
    therealangd Posts: 1,861 Member
    Whatever is best is whatever keeps you motivated enough to finish the program and keep you running and burning calories.
  • eesuperstar
    eesuperstar Posts: 41 Member
    In my experience, treadmills are deceiving because their distance isn't completely accurate when comparing yourself to running outside. So, what I do (I just finished the couch25k and moving onto a 10k) is set my treadmill goals in terms of time and not distance and then compare that with your actual 5k time when you get to that point. Also, I read yesterday on a marathon site that setting the incline to zero (which is what I normally do) is equivalent to running downhill in real life so for training purposes it's better to increase the incline to 1%.

    Finally, since you're just starting out you should go to a running store to get a gait analysis (especially if you're feeling discomfort when running).

    Good luck
  • klynn81
    klynn81 Posts: 178 Member
    I'm not a runner but I've read lots about running, and the C25K.

    For me personally I find it easier to run on a treadmill. I find the impact less, and it just seems easier, as easy as running at 240lbs can feel I suppose.

    The only thing is...If you are wanting to run races outside, then I'd suggest that you get some outside running in because if you do the program all inside on a treadmill and then try to run a 5k outside, it's not gonna be easy. From what I've read. Of course you could always start with the 5k inside, and once you have that mastered then work on taking it outside.
  • jessical1982
    jessical1982 Posts: 4
    I've been doing the program for 3 weeks. I've been using the treadmill for 2 days each week and then doing outside for the 3rd day. The treadmill let's me keep my pace up, but because I want to eventually run a 5K (which will be outdoors) I try to do the one day outside.

    It's exercise either way, so I don't think one is necessarily better than the other!

    This site has a Counch to 5K treadmill conversion: http://www.c25k.com/c25k_treadmill.html
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
    Treadmills are great for training you to run 5K on a treadmill, but if you plan to run or race outside, it will not fully prepare you. Personally I'd die of boredom doing all my runs on a treadmill!
  • Giraffe33991
    Giraffe33991 Posts: 430 Member
    Treadmills are great for training you to run 5K on a treadmill, but if you plan to run or race outside, it will not fully prepare you. Personally I'd die of boredom doing all my runs on a treadmill!

    I 100% agree with this. Treadmill runs are so boring! Don't set yourself up for failure from boredom! Switch things up by running outside on those non-rainy days! Your body will thank you for the change as well!

    Good luck! :-)
  • katicasi82
    katicasi82 Posts: 121 Member
    I started on the treadmill and now I run a little on an indoor running track (Ireland = rains all the time, it's raining now) I feel better when I run on the track but I would never have been able to do it without the treadmill. When I have finished C52K and am able to run for 35 minutes I'll move it outside (when it's not raining) which I know is going to be tough...but you have start somewhere!
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    I started on the treadmill, but didn't fully enjoy running until I took it outside. Now, I'd rather run in the cold, heat, rain, or snow than run on a treadmill.
  • mwilke
    mwilke Posts: 378 Member
    I just finished week 5 day 3, but I do all my running/ walking outside- even in the cold. When I first began exercising, my husband and I had a gym membership and I used the tread mill there- just never ran on it. But like others have said, whatever keeps you going is what's best for you. It's all a matter or personal opinion. Good luck!!
  • ChristyRunStarr
    ChristyRunStarr Posts: 1,600 Member
    You can do it but running outside is a lot different than running on a treadmill so if you can, I'd try to throw some days outside every now and then just to keep yourself motivated and to change it up a bit. You're gonna love C25K! I want to run more often than it tells me too lol Feel free to add me if you want
  • jennifleurb
    jennifleurb Posts: 97
    Thanks all for your replies. I'll starting mixing in some outside runs when the weather's nice then. Sounds like a plan! :)
  • katicasi82
    katicasi82 Posts: 121 Member
    I started on the treadmill, but didn't fully enjoy running until I took it outside. Now, I'd rather run in the cold, heat, rain, or snow than run on a treadmill.

    Maybe some day :)
  • Crimson_
    Crimson_ Posts: 60
    whichever one keeps you moving is the best one! but for me there is nothing like running outside.
  • jfoster85
    jfoster85 Posts: 90 Member
    I agree that there's a big difference between outside running & treadmill running. The distance measurement isn't accurate for one and I get so bored running on the treadmill. I like the change of scenery during running outside. On the other hand, way to go for starting C25K! I finished week 8 and need to do week 9 but I actually ran a "practice" 5K last night in preperation of my first official 5K Saturday!
  • petergarcia82
    petergarcia82 Posts: 122 Member
    Whatever works for you. I mainly started on a treadmill but I try to do most of my actual running outside now... it's way different but to me it feels better and keeps my attention longer.
  • BetterMike
    BetterMike Posts: 131 Member
    Like most suggest, running outside is probably physically harder ( if only slightly ). It is also mentally a bit easier because of the visual stimulation.

    You should try running in the rain if it's warm enough. I think it may be the most enjoyable runs when it's raining slightly.
  • jennifleurb
    jennifleurb Posts: 97
    I agree that there's a big difference between outside running & treadmill running. The distance measurement isn't accurate for one and I get so bored running on the treadmill. I like the change of scenery during running outside. On the other hand, way to go for starting C25K! I finished week 8 and need to do week 9 but I actually ran a "practice" 5K last night in preperation of my first official 5K Saturday!

    Good luck :)
  • jennifleurb
    jennifleurb Posts: 97
    I started on the treadmill, but didn't fully enjoy running until I took it outside. Now, I'd rather run in the cold, heat, rain, or snow than run on a treadmill.

    Maybe some day :)

    Me too :) The cold and rain really puts me off going out the door at all- I could not imagine running in it. It's also very windy here at times while it's cold and raining in the winter. I hope one day that I A) either love it so much I'll be like you and run whenever or B) move to a much nicer climate.
  • meerkat70
    meerkat70 Posts: 4,605 Member
    There's nothing wrong with using the treadmill. But running outdoors is much more fun. (I learned to run through the UK winter, outdoors, so I know what you mean about the rain!)
  • oOMusicBabii
    oOMusicBabii Posts: 494
    I do C25k on the treadmill (don't have any good outside running areas near my house). When/if I can run outside, I do because it's much better mentally.
  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
    I've never used a treadmill before. I always think of it as being something to do while watching TV. IDK why that is. :laugh:

    I agree with some of the other posts though to do whichever you enjoy the most. If you are enjoying your exercise, you won't look for excuses to avoid it.
  • bluefox9er
    bluefox9er Posts: 2,917 Member
    Hi there,

    I've just started the awesome couch to 5 K. I was wondering however whether the treadmill is best or outside or both? I have a treadmill in my house and prefer it as it rains a lot here. I was wondering however if I am missing out by using my treadmill?

    Please let me know your thoughts.
    Jennifer

    if it is at all possible, do it outdoors. you will not only have fresh air ( unless you live in LA), but also face lots of different terrain and environments like wind,weather, etc that a treadmill simply won't give. I know people who have finished c25k and still won't step off the deadfall. Liberate yourself and run the way running is meant to be...in the open.

    Of course, you might have extreme heat etc in which case running on the deadfall is better than no run at all, but I'd strongly advise you to take it outside and ENJOY it!
  • meerkat70
    meerkat70 Posts: 4,605 Member
    THe OP is in Edinburgh... :-)
  • cwelch2677
    cwelch2677 Posts: 69 Member
    I loved, loved, LOVED my treadmill when I first started running. If I hadn't had one I probably wouldn't have kept it up. Been running for about 3.5yrs now and would much rather go outside. Sometimes I'll still do intervals on the treadmill because I'm lazy :/. Do whatever keeps you motivated and consistent. Good luck :)
  • predent
    predent Posts: 95
    I just started today and I am using a treadmill. It is way too humid and rainy here in Florida to do it outside. I have no intentions of ever joining a race, so it's not a concern for me :) If you have an iPhone, there is an awesome, free app that works with C25K. No idea if it's on Android or not, but I totally recommend it!

    Edit: Forgot to mention that I raised the incline to 2% to make it a little harder.
  • theshow4jsu
    theshow4jsu Posts: 380 Member
    I run on the treadmill all the time, where I live there is not an area that is conducive to outside running. One of my friends is a personal trainer, he said that putting the treadmill at a 2% incline best simulates running outside. He also said that treadmills are good for new runners because it helps pace so that you don't wear yourself out in your first mile. I also alternate long runs with hill training on the treadmill.
  • MtnKat
    MtnKat Posts: 714
    Running outside is mind blowing awesome. Just sayin'
  • SabrinaJL
    SabrinaJL Posts: 1,579 Member
    Yes, it's totally ok. I, personally, love my treadmill. If I had to run outside every time, I'd never get it done. I hate running outside because I hate being in the sun, my neighborhood isn't nice enough to do it at night and my allergies act up really badly sometimes. I do it every now and then just to change it up though (and to use my zombies, run! app).

    I agree with what others said about the incline. I started c25k in March of last year after not ever running in my life. I did did it only on my treadmill and at a 2.5 incline because if I had it flat, my treadmill would shut off. It definitely helped because when I did my first 5k, I ran it 4 minutes faster than I'd ever done on my treadmill. I even did a half-marathon after doing about 95% of my training on the treadmill. Do whatever you enjoy most and will keep you going.
  • jennifleurb
    jennifleurb Posts: 97
    There's nothing wrong with using the treadmill. But running outdoors is much more fun. (I learned to run through the UK winter, outdoors, so I know what you mean about the rain!)

    Okay, I am sold! Looking at how much you've lost, I am so inspired. Well done you :). I am really motivated by so many on here and this is why I LOVE this site :D
  • msmith2020
    msmith2020 Posts: 365 Member
    I LOVE the treadmill. I'm aware that my first run outside will probably put me under, but I'm ok with that. I get up at 6:30 am to run in the mornings and having that treadmill keeps me motivated. Don't let "not being able to run outside bc of whether etc" keep you from running, jump on the treadmill, build yourself up and then migrate outside at some point. I haven't gotten outside yet. I do plan to start using the inside track at my college when school starts back to get me "self" moving and get more used to not being so dependent on the treadmill. But I wouldn't bash the treadmill for nothing. I love it!

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