C25K: starting on treadmill then going outdoors?

I started the C25K and complete it running on a treadmill. I could run for 30 minutes but never achieved the 30 minute 5K. I did do some runing outside but wasn't really a fan. Then I joined running group and can't imagine going back to the treadmill.

To each their own do what feel comfortable to you.

nicola8989 wrote: »

I'm too embarrassed to run outdoors and I'm already a gym member - I was thinking I'd start off on the treadmill then when I'm a bit more fit/look less silly I could transition to outdoors - is that feasible?

Other than being profoundly boring, there's no reason not to. I'd just moderate your expectation of the transition though, running on a dreadmill conditions you to running on a dreadmill, moving outside is likely to be much more difficult and you'll find that both pace and distance suffer until you're more used to it.

It's up to you what you do, but be aware that running outside you will be slower than you were on the Dreadmill, so don't be disappointed when you move outside.
I love running outside, I couldn't care less what people think, I tend to run the forest trails and the dog gets dragged along with me, have never came across anyone that wasn't anything other than encouraging, other runners know how much work it is, the walkers that I meet always admit they just couldn't do it (I keep telling them they can, they just don't want to, which is fine as well).

I started on a treadmill, and like you I was too embarrassed to run outside. When I'd got used to jogging a reasonable time, I started running outside. At first I would jog in the dark, or drive somewhere a bit away from my home - yes I know it sound mad now, but that was all I could do then. Once I'd got more confident I started running round the lake near my home where I knew there was a good chance I would meet people I know, which was a bit scary still, but it was ok.
My 11 year old who has autism and learning difficulties has just asked to start jogging with me, so we've done it the last 5 Sundays. He's a chunky lad, and we have did have some comments from some teenagers but in general people have been really supportive, and I am so proud of him for wanting to do it.

Get a few practice runs in on the treadmill, then give it a go.

Obviously the most important thing for you right now is to feel as comfortable and confident as you can so it doesn't matter where you do it. Good luck.

nicola8989 wrote: »

I'm too embarrassed to run outdoors and I'm already a gym member - I was thinking I'd start off on the treadmill then when I'm a bit more fit/look less silly I could transition to outdoors - is that feasible?

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step!

If you think the treadmill is a good option. Go for it. It will get your heart rate up and start building some of the right muscles. If you want to run outside later, you can take that on whenever you feel comfortable.

When the day arrives that you want to go outside, recognize that it will use muscles differently. Back up from wherever you are in the C25k program. Maybe start off with a few good walks outdoors before you even attempt running. You could completely start the C25k over from the beginning or jump in part way, depending on where you are.

Do not worry about how you look while running. Other runners will wave and say "Hi." As for the treadmill, if that's what works for you, that's good enough. I prefer to run outdoors during daylight. My schedule does not allow me to do that during the week, so I treadmill for an hour (tempo runs and progression runs) on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Then on Saturday I go outside for my long runs of 8 to 22 miles. I also cross country ski on my Nordic Track on Monday, Wednesday, Friday for cardio and upper body toning.

stumblinthrulife wrote: »

That's what I did. Just be aware that running outdoors is harder than a treadmill (especially if you keep the treadmill at 0 incline), and you may fail your first 5k attempt outdoors even after achieving it on the treadmill (I did).

My advice (assuming we can't convince you to do it outside from the start) -
Put the incline to 1.0 or 1.5 for all your workouts.
On your first outside run, only do 2 miles. Do that a few times. Then go to 2.5 miles for a few runs. Then go for 5k at a slightly slower pace than you achieved on the treadmill.

This!

I also started running indoors, as I started C25k in February in Wisconsin (last winter we had multiple -10 degree days...running outdoors was NOT happening). The transition to outside was tougher than I expected, but just like increasing your mileage/speed on a treadmill it happens!

nothing to be embarrassed about. I'm not a veteran but seasoned runners love seeing new runners. so get outside and inspire people to get out and run too.

When I did the C25k, I started on a treadmill when you do the walking/run intervals as I think I would have felt a bit stupid stopping and starting outside (just personally for me) but now I try to run as much as possible outside now I'm not doing that.
Time goes so quicker, you have more distraction from nice scenery and the fresh air.
Try not to wrry about other people and what they think, you can at least feel happy knowing you have got up off your bum and got moving doing some exercise! We all start somewhere and you will get such a sense of achievement when you start reaching the goals!

In terms of hills, dont be afraid to slow down and walk for a bit, just think of the glutes getting tone up

Just for the record, a large percentage of runners look silly while running. I know I certainly do.

Hit the pavement. You can do it. Dont psyche yourself out. it'll be hard at first but eventually you'll be surprising yourself!

Don't be embarrassed at braving the wider world!! I'm only a few weeks into 'learning' to run and am doing c25k, I am one pretty chubby bird and I also felt everyone would be laughing, but I found a nice local park where there aren't many folk around at the time I run, and I have had no nasty reactions at all! A lot of elderly dog-walkers remarking: 'I wish I had your enthusiasm/energy' etc etc and the discovery of several other equally unfit people staggering round has worked wonders for my self-image. The icing on the cake was a lady of similar age and size who started three weeks after me saying: "I wish I could run like you!!" when I still feel I am staggering round wheezing and panting!! So just remember, there's always someone looking worse than you - and either way, at least you've got off your *kitten* and tried to DO something! Tomorrow I am hoping to attempt my first full mile with my nephew - a tiny thing to some, but for me it will be a huge achievement! Good luck xxx