Training for a 5k

newcs
newcs Posts: 717 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
on a treadmill...

Any suggestions? I've heard you should up the incline to train for more realistic conditions but what's a good #?

I can currently do 5mph for about 2.5miles at incline of 3. I might be able to do more but I usually run out of time at the gym.



For those of you that will say that treadmill and outdoor running are not comparable:

I have lung issues so if I push too far, it's sometimes not possible for me to walk home after (and I'll get bored doing a loop around my house)

The temp is single digits in Boston currently (which means it's cold and icy and my lungs do not approve)

I like running on the treadmill and having my headphones in without having to worry (I don't want to be someone who gets hit by a car/bike/person because they're running while oblivious)

Replies

  • Duck_Puddle
    Duck_Puddle Posts: 3,237 Member
    When is the 5k? Will cold weather/lung issues still be around? I do a fair amount of treadmill running because I'm a princess and hate cold/wind/rain/heat/humidity/whatever other reason you can think of. I don't have a problem switching between the treadmill and outside, but it takes some practice to learn to pace yourself outside. You'll want to be sure that you can cover the distance outside-with terrain changes and hills (up and down) and weather and pacing yourself so you don't blow out of the gate and run out of steam in 1/2 mile. All those are reasons you should run outside when training for a race. I log plenty of miles on the treadmill, I don't use an incline, I don't do anything fancy, I just go. I do try to get outside if I'm training for a race, but miles are miles to me otherwise-I'm going to run them where I'm comfortable (and crappy weather won't disturb my tiara).
  • newcs
    newcs Posts: 717 Member
    It's in July but because of my lungs, it can take me a long time to get anywhere with cardio goals so I was hoping to start now. I'll definitely be doing some running outside once the spring hits...there's a track and a cemetery near my house, both of which are good for running. I do a little trail running too.

    Thanks for sharing your experiences going from treadmill to outside :) I've heard mixed messages on how well it translates so I was hoping to figure out a bunch of people's experiences so I can get an idea of what to expect. I definitely have issues pacing myself outside so I'll be keeping that in mind.

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