Need to rethink where I run?? (C25K)

MsStang02 · May 2013

I am two months into this new lifestyle, and my exercise of choice is running. I am very new to it, and I am on the C25K program. I have repeated several weeks, since I have pretty much never ran (except when forced in school). So I have slowly been working on my endurance and progress to the next weeks when I can.
I have been running indoors on a treadmill at the gym. I am starting to progress, and am having to spend less time repeating weeks. It is the end of week 3.
Unfortunately, the gym is closed today. So I decided I did not want to lose a day and wanted to take it outdoors and run my neighborhood. It was significantly different. The heat did not bother me (I live in Florida) as there was a decent breeze. It was so much more difficult to find a good pace, and I felt is was a much harder impact (Yes I realize it is, because it is concrete and not a treadmill), plus the different inclines of the road and sidewalks and the occasional grass. I ended up doing a brisk walk until I got home.
Would it be wise for me to start training outdoors instead of on a treadmill? Obviously when it comes to running a 5k it is going to be outdoors. Since I am gaining strength and endurance, maybe I can start working my way outside??

Thank you for any thoughts or advice you can give me. It is much appreciated :flowerforyou:

Contrarian · May 2013

I prefer running outside. Treadmills depress me. Having said that, you should run wherever you like. You are RUNNING!

MommaSari · May 2013

I did the C25K and started indoors. I was so nervous to go outdoors because I was afraid of people judging me. I definitely do not look like a runner. I began running, (and started the program over) in a cemetery by my house. It was strangely calming. Outdoors is completely different and it may be easier to "restart" outdoors. I am on Week 8 exercise 3. I haven't been able to go due to weather (I live in WI) but I have been doing other exercises. I am doing the C210K next. Though, the first few weeks incorporates the C25K. You can do it outside, just push yourself, it's harder, but worth it.

EricMurano · May 2013

I tranisitioned from using a treadmill to running outdoors a few years ago and now I hate using a treadmill.

It's too boring on the treadmill and you never get the sense for how far into it you are. Sure there's numbers on the panel but that doesn't give me the same sense as passing landmarks does.

It is a little harder running outdoors but that's good. It conditions your body.

BTW if you want to have roughly the same amount of resistence on the treadmill as you do running on the pavement try a 2% inline on the treadmill.

majope · May 2013

I far prefer running outdoors to treadmills--and you're right, if you're going to race on pavement, it's a good idea to get used to running on it. Since you've done virtually all of your running so far on a treadmill, you might want to take some time to transition to outdoors. Like, start with one run a week outdoors, and slowly work up.

Best of luck with your running!

fuzzball01 · May 2013

I prefer running outdoors. It is a little more challenging. I did train on the tread for a while but when it comes to the 5k's I prefer to run outside. And you are right, way different from running on tread and outside. If you are going to a 5k here shortly I would recommend start running outside when you can

MsStang02 · May 2013

Thank you so much for the feedback. It is definitely something I have never thought of until now. A lot of good advice. You guys are the best!!! I think I am going to start the transition to outdoors. I did enjoy the scenery much better. Much more to look at.

You all are the best!!:flowerforyou:

jknoell · May 2013

I totally think you should work your way to running outdoors! I love running and I love running outdoors. I think it might be a mental thing with the treadmill - I keep running but go nowhere. I hate it! I can run a couple miles outside, but struggle to run a mile on a treadmill. However, I am currently doing the C25K program too - to increase my speed and endurance since I stopped running due to a surgical procedure - and its on the treadmill. It hasn't bothered me too much, but since I just moved to a new location, I don't have too many places to run outside.

Best of luck to you and you're running - in the end, do what feels comfortable, but don't shy away from new things! You may grow to LOVE it!

carrietehbear · May 2013

I'm the odd person out. I prefer running indoors. I'm a wimp when it comes to the elements. I've been forcing myself to do a leisurely jog outside that's not recorded for exercise once a week. I'm sure that will stop next weekend when it is supposed to get up to the 90s.

leanne0605 · May 2013

I started running on a treadmill. I had to cancel my gym membership so I had to run outdoors. That transition is slightly depressing since I use to be able to run mile without stopping on the treadmill but can barely do .25 outside.

scottb81 · May 2013

Running outside is a lot more fun. Don't worry about the pace. Heat, hills, and other things all have an effect. Run the program and keep it fairly easy and soon enough you will be running the whole way without a second thought.

iWillGetCrowSomeday · May 2013

I definitely prefer running outdoors instead of on the "dreadmill!"

But, if the weather doesn't cooperate, set the treadmill to an incline when you run. The treadmill takes away the need for you to propel yourself like you do on concrete. Adding an incline will help balance that out.

nejaustin · May 2013

Outside!!! I run a lot - long distance and I can barely tolerate a mile on the treadmill. I started about 4 years ago (I am now 52) and had never really run. Now I have finished a 50k and aiming for a 50 miler early next year. The point being I NEVER would have stuck with it if I was just running on a treadmill. I would rather run outside at a slower pace and enjoy the journey and go longer then kill it on a treadmill. I am so excited for anyone starting a running program! Good luck!

MsStang02 · May 2013

Such incredible amounts of inspiration. Thank you SO MUCH for all of the feedback.

Ghlt4 · May 2013

I too started C25k about 5 weeks ago. I also live in FL, and am the opposite to you. I love running outside
, but the heat will soon send me indoors. I'm dreading having to continue on the treadmill, but I know the heat will be too much in a few more weeks:(( My first 5k is not till November so I'll have plenty of time to adjust again to outside.

Chieflrg · May 2013

I would advice only to use the treadmill as a last resort.

Stay off the concrete if you can. Its the worse surface for your joints.

If you have a HRM(heart rate monitor), its a pretty good tool to utilize your pace. I use it all the time to gage on how fast I am running. Or rather I hard I am working to go up that hill.

I am pretty die hard 85% of the time and will hit the trails,l go off through the forest, up hills, in & out of creeks, on the beach, into corn fields. I love making my own trails & jumping over or through things..

The only way I know if I am pushing to hard usually is with the HRM.

I usually do at least a 1/2 marathon a week, sometimes I look down and notice, I can step it up a notch, because my heart rate is lower than the pace I run most efficient at.

Happy trails!

Theresafinallygetsitright · May 2013

I started inside but MUCH prefer running outside now. I started c25k a year ago and am now using it for sprint intervals to work on my speed. Have fun!!

kristafb · May 2013

Hi there! I'm very much like you. Never athletic,unless forced, and wouldn't run unless I was being chased by a crazed clown with a meat cleaver. I'm on week 5 of C25K and have only done it on the treadmill. Outside is a completely different animal. I tried to run outside & hit the wall at the 1 minute mark. Its brutal!! My plan is to complete the C25K program on the treadmill, build up some stamina & inprove my breathing ( a big issue with me, i have exercise induced asthma) and then I'll start it over outside. Oh & I've had to redo quite a few runs, infact I'm repeating week 5 until I can get through both 8 minute runs without losing a lung & finally complete the 20 minute run. Best of luck to you!!

tcraw15 · May 2013

I prefer running outside. Treadmills depress me. Having said that, you should run wherever you like. You are RUNNING!

I agree with this. Running on a treadmill makes me feel like a hamster.

I would suggest running outside more often. It may take some getting used to, but it's MUCH better than running on a treadmill, in my opinion. You'll get accustomed to being able to run anywhere you want!

nejaustin · May 2013

Hi there! I'm very much like you. Never athletic,unless forced, and wouldn't run unless I was being chased by a crazed clown with a meat cleaver. I'm on week 5 of C25K and have only done it on the treadmill. Outside is a completely different animal. I tried to run outside & hit the wall at the 1 minute mark. Its brutal!! My plan is to complete the C25K program on the treadmill, build up some stamina & inprove my breathing ( a big issue with me, i have exercise induced asthma) and then I'll start it over outside. Oh & I've had to redo quite a few runs, infact I'm repeating week 5 until I can get through both 8 minute runs without losing a lung & finally complete the 20 minute run. Best of luck to you!!

Have you talked with a Doc about the Exercise Asthma? I usually use in inhaler - abuterol(sp?) before I start and I usually don't need to use it again even runs that take a couple of hours. Also, if I don't use it I often find I get my breath back after I have run a mile or so and my lungs have "warmed up."

joek5637 · May 2013

Ok you and I are in the same boat going to finish week 3 indoors going to start week 4 out side im on vac june1 so I thought that would be a good time to try an the last time I ran outside was back in high school which was many moons ago lol:laugh: so if I don't fall down or something it should be all good

kristafb · May 2013

Hi there! I'm very much like you. Never athletic,unless forced, and wouldn't run unless I was being chased by a crazed clown with a meat cleaver. I'm on week 5 of C25K and have only done it on the treadmill. Outside is a completely different animal. I tried to run outside & hit the wall at the 1 minute mark. Its brutal!! My plan is to complete the C25K program on the treadmill, build up some stamina & inprove my breathing ( a big issue with me, i have exercise induced asthma) and then I'll start it over outside. Oh & I've had to redo quite a few runs, infact I'm repeating week 5 until I can get through both 8 minute runs without losing a lung & finally complete the 20 minute run. Best of luck to you!!

Have you talked with a Doc about the Exercise Asthma? I usually use in inhaler - abuterol(sp?) before I start and I usually don't need to use it again even runs that take a couple of hours. Also, if I don't use it I often find I get my breath back after I have run a mile or so and my lungs have "warmed up."

Actually I did talk to the doctor after I discovered using an old ventolin puffer I had due to bronchitis last year was helping me with my run. she tried me on a turbo inhaler (forget the name exactly) but its not as effective and actually makes my heart race, which I don't need when its already higher than usual. I'm going back to see her this week to try another one. I'll mention the one you're on & see what she thinks. Thanks

Hexahedra · May 2013

Running indoor is less challenging and less fun, but for a beginner that can be a good thing. The basic advice to everybody doing C25K for the first time is to take it as slow as you can (in other word: in the least challenging manner) until you can actually reach 5K. Afterward you can start over and work on speed, inclines, outdoor challenges, etc.

kar328 · May 2013

I'm on week 2 of the C25K program and do most of it indoors, but have been trying to do it outside more. Thanks for the idea of using an incline when on the treadmill. I never though of it.

bluefox9er · May 2013

take it outdoors and free yourself from the treadmill.

nmmom2 · May 2013

This is my first week doing the C25K. I usually swim and walk, but felt I needed to take my fitness to another level. I love running outside, mainly because I get so bored on a treadmill. I am experiencing some pain and cramping in the arch of my foot and Achilles tendon. Any ideas on working that out?

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sunshinestater · May 2013

I would definitely train outdoors since you're in FL. I am, too, and I want to train in the same weather I'll have to run my 5K in. I recommend looking for shady areas as it makes a huge difference on hot days. I'm lucky enough to have a long, mostly shady boardwalk, and it's just about 5K if I run to the end and then back home. Scope out some nice, flat, shady spots and see how you hold up outdoors.

Hexahedra · May 2013

Pain in the very first week is normal, especially if it has been a very long time since the last time you ran. Just be sure that you have the proper running shoes fitted by a professional. Wearing the wrong type of shoes alone can hurt a new runner.

Pay particular attention to the kind of pain you have, especially around the 3rd and 4th week. If it feels like normal soreness or fatigue, then carry on carefully. If the pain feels like you dislocated or torn something then stop to rest for at least a couple of weeks. If it's pain at the joints (ankles or knees) then you need to stop and rest also.

This is my first week doing the C25K. I usually swim and walk, but felt I needed to take my fitness to another level. I love running outside, mainly because I get so bored on a treadmill. I am experiencing some pain and cramping in the arch of my foot and Achilles tendon. Any ideas on working that out?

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moondawg14 · May 2013

Before I fell off the running wagon, I used a mix of treadmill and outside running to get my workouts in. I would do speedwork and intervals on the treadmill, and my distance/maintenance runs outside. I like the "set it and forget it" setups on the treadmill to help with the intervals.

I think the longest run I ever did on the treadmill was about 8 miles and it was not all that fun. I don't have too much trouble doing a 10k on the treadmill, though.

Grr.... I need to get back to running.

wendyjoe82 · May 2013

Call me crazy but I prefer my treadmill on 2% incline. The first time I mustered up the courage to run outside was a disaster. I put on three sports bras but forgot to shore up my previously severely sprained ankle and fell but 6 strides into my jog. Derailed my C25K program for months. Plus, while jogging inside I don't have to worry about dropping things, jostling my ear buds out, robbers, hoodlums, and the various sort

I pull my treadmill close to a TV and catch up on my favorite shows sans injury and threat of physical violence. Just saying.

And if I pull the curtains just right I can sweat to death in just my shorts and bra, which I would never subject my neighbors to otherwise. But if you do go outside, watch for those spikey cedar burrs that lay on the ground. They're hateful.

Annerk1 · May 2013

I'm in Florida as well. I run outdoors, too hot and stagnant indoors, plus my gym requests no more than 30 minutes on the treadmills unless there is no one waiting. (Ie an empty treadmill).

I get up early and am out the door before the sun comes up in the cool, clean morning air.

As far as foot pain, I can't stress this enough, get professionally fitted for running shoes at a running shop. The right shoes--and inserts-- will make all the difference in the world.

Need to rethink where I run?? (C25K)

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