Would you run loops?

BodyRockerVT

I have a loop around my neighborhood that is about half a mile.

I am working on Couch to 5K (middle of week 5). I have been doing it on the treadmill because I have IBS and I rather enjoy the security of knowing my bathroom is right upstairs if I need it (rather than being 2 miles away on a trail somewhere).

However, I would also like to run outside in the coming weeks as the temperature starts dropping here. So, I was *thinking* of using the loop...however during the course of a workout it would mean I lap the whole neighborhood probably 5 or 6 times (at least by the end when I am supposed to be running 5K)....does that sound ridiculous? It would provide me with the outside AND with my bathroom not far at all. Would my neighbors think I am an idiot or something?

jkeeling39

I have a loop around my neighborhood that is about half a mile.

I am working on Couch to 5K (middle of week 5). I have been doing it on the treadmill because I have IBS and I rather enjoy the security of knowing my bathroom is right upstairs if I need it (rather than being 2 miles away on a trail somewhere).

However, I would also like to run outside in the coming weeks as the temperature starts dropping here. So, I was *thinking* of using the loop...however during the course of a workout it would mean I lap the whole neighborhood probably 5 or 6 times (at least by the end when I am supposed to be running 5K)....does that sound ridiculous? It would provide me with the outside AND with my bathroom not far at all. Would my neighbors think I am an idiot or something?

Whatever works.

As far as your neighbors, how often do you look outside and note when people run by? I don't think it is something that anyone does unless they are out working on their yard. Do what it takes.

horsehockey

If the option made the most sense, sure.... i hate even going over the same tarmac 2x on my jogs however, not sure why that is

ixap

90% of my runs are on a one-mile loop at a park near my house. I know some of the others at the park think I'm a nutbar. I have heard people go "honey, omg, she's here AGAIN." Oh well. It's what works for me right now.

GypsyWillow22

Sounds boring. Go to the bathroom right before your run. Take different routes. When you get to the middle of your run, turn around.

ixap

Sounds boring. Go to the bathroom right before your run.

She has IBS. Having easy access to a bathroom isn't a trivial consideration.

marikevr

I often run laps. Our street. runs in a half-mile loop. When I do interval training I will often run the loop over and over and over and over... Not the most exciting run, but it serves a purpose!

LorinaLynn

I've done laps (in a park about a block from my house, not around the block passing my house), and there's some days they're ok, but mostly, it bores the pants off me and makes it easier to quit.

If I'm a mile and a half from home and I want to stop running, I'm going to get a three mile workout whether I want it or not.

omma_to_3

With IBS, I think it's a great solution to getting outside! Run the loop. Enjoy!

gshoemaker06

Your neighbors would be idiots if they think you're crazy. If anything, they should just think "There she is again, on another lap! Good for her"

If you're worried about boredom, better than a treadmill right?

BodyRockerVT

Sounds boring. Go to the bathroom right before your run.

She has IBS. Having easy access to a bathroom isn't a trivial consideration.

I wish I didn't have to worry so much about that stupid toilet.

RGv2

I do it, mainly because that gets a monsterous hill sprint involved 7-8 times. I go early enough where people aren't out, but who cares what other people think when you work out?

sarah44254

Sounds great to me! Easy to push yourself to new distance because you can say things like "Just 2 more circles around!" and it seems like a small distance but keep pushing and it gets more and more.

It is also great to be close to home just in case.

Mollydolly10

That sounds like a wonderful idea, I say do it! Running outside can feel so much better too. I use a similar tactic if there is a chance of thunderstorms about to happen, that way if I won't be miles away if it starts to get nasty out!

AdrienneKaren

I live 2 blocks from an elementary school with a large soccer field. I've run laps around it and seen a lot of other people do the same. I think it's perfectly ok especially if you're familiar with the route and won't be too far from home should your IBS cause problems.

JAllen32

I used to run laps too before I had access to a bike path. At first I was a little self conscience, but you know what. Who cares! You are out there running, bettering your health. If they want to sit there on their couches and judge you, screw them.

Alex_is_Hawks

I would use the loop...if anything they are going to be...

"wow she's sure serious about getting in shape"

Vaibhav_ace

I run loops around my neighborhood, with my dog. Its a 1 mile loop. Sometimes I know I will see other dog walkers on my 2nd loop, so to make it more fun, I try to imagine where I would like to pass them on second round. Makes it fun

GaryRussell123456

It makes perfect sense. Go for it.

Nikkei24

I run a loop in my neighborhood.... And i literally wave and pass some of the same neighbors a dozen times. They don't seem to mind and I definitley don't lol. Go for it!

Zylahe

I often go figure 8's or various windy ways round my block, and the next block.
I've also learnt alot of cut throughs so i can get bome by covering a short distance.
So i think it sounds like a grat plan,
Enjoy running outside, and who cares what others think.
They are either jelous , or thinking good on you.

Zylahe

I run loops around my neighborhood, with my dog. Its a 1 mile loop. Sometimes I know I will see other dog walkers on my 2nd loop, so to make it more fun, I try to imagine where I would like to pass them on second round. Makes it fun

Oooh i like it

Yanicka1

When I am stuck, I bring my 5 years old to play in a PARC and run around. Each lap must be about one minute so people see me doing the same lap 30-40 times. Sometime people look at me but I do not give a hoot.

Do what you have to do.

Clairblue2

I'm doing the Couch to 5K, too, and just finished the final workout of Week 3 on Sunday. Wouldn't you know, I strained my right gluteal muscle sometime during that workout, although I didn't feel it at the time. I've been limping around for the last 2 days, but as soon as it heals up, I'm going back on the program because I was feeling great while on it!

I would definitely run loops -- and already have. One day it looked like it was going to rain, so I ran several times around our neighborhood. We live on a street that bisects the center of a loop, so it would have been easy to zip home if it started to rain. It worked well and I'll probably do it again.

BodyRockerVT

I run loops around my neighborhood, with my dog. Its a 1 mile loop. Sometimes I know I will see other dog walkers on my 2nd loop, so to make it more fun, I try to imagine where I would like to pass them on second round. Makes it fun

That's a fun sounding game! We don't have many walkers/exercisers in my area, most people hang out inside all day. I figure outside has *got* to be less boring than the treadmill even if I am seeing the same stuff a bunch.

Whart0603

The loop around my neighborhood is also half a mile. I've done it. I count how many times my neighbors wave to me. lol Don't feel stupid, they should be out there with you!

CakeFit21

absolutely run loops. I have a perfect two mile loop in my neighborhood that I run all the time. I know the perfect cut to make it one mile. I can adjust my loops/mileage depending on how much time I have. If you feel comfy being near your house and this is what gets you off that treadmill DO IT! Your neighbors don't care. Remember, they aren't outside running, YOU ARE! YAY!

BrianSharpe

Why not? If it gets you running outdoors and you're more comfortable knowing the bathroom is never too far away it sounds like a win win to me.

One of the most enjoyable half-marathons I've run was a 4 x 5km loop (+1.1km tacked on to the end) on cart tracks around a golf course in the middle of January (The Hypothermic Half)

Pedalpush

I run loops. Depending on how I feel that day and how the run feels when I start, the loop gets bigger or smaller. I have a loop in the woods around the outside of the apartment complex that's a little better than a mile long. How sweet is that?!!?

Plus, I use MapMyRun and Walk Tracker apps for the iPhone.

love4fitnesslove4food_wechange

i would totally do it. I do it often actually. Not a problem--you might get some running buddies as they see you in the neighborhood.

Chagama

Run your loop, do what's best for you, who cares what the neighbors think.