Getting over the fear of the treadmill...

Before I worked my way up to running 3-5 miles a day I started with a very fast walk. I think it was 4 or 4.2 mph on the treadmill. Before long I was adding 10 minutes of running and then 20 etc.

I just started running this summer. I hated hated hated running and never wanted to do it but my sister does marathons and finally got me inspired to try. I say if you want to run run and skip the treadmill. I tried to do the treadmill and was getting nowhere with it. It is alot easier to run outside. Now, I live on a nice size property so I do laps on a trail in our yard but I could run on the road. I started off on the treadmill doing run/walk but that really didn't help me improve. Instead what I did was run as slow as I possibly could run and worked on my distance. Once I got up to where I could run for 30 minutes, then I started working on improving my speed. That's sort of where I am now. I still don't run very fast and have just now gotten to 3 miles but I never thought I'd be able to run for 30 minutes so I'm happy with my progress.

Just try it. If you can find a place where you feel more comfortable, a private trail or something like that, then maybe you could do that.

I'm seconding couch to 5K. It's a really nice app that gets you moving.

And who says you have to start indoors? If you're worried about the treadmill, skip it. I personally like using the treadmill because I know I'm 100% in control of what's happening and I'm motivated by running the extra 15 seconds or .1 mph faster than the last go around.

Good luck! You can definitely do this.

The treadmill was an awesome tool for me when I didn't want to run alone in the dark or in running clothes in public in the light. I used it as a quad and foot strengthening exerciser by going slow and sort of steep, in my socks instead of running shoes. On the weekends I ran outside. I trained for a 10K in 6 months this way - incorporating intervals and cross training. All without hurting my knees or falling off the belt. The best exercise is one you are going to do. Good luck and have fun!

Seconding the Couch to 5k app. It's what got me running and these days I'm able to go the full 5k no problem. I am weird in that I like the treadmill so I do a lot of my running there during the week, but I also run outside on the weekends to make sure I can still do it. Having really good, motivating music is what keeps me from getting too bored on the treadmill. That, and throwing in some intervals now and then to mix things up.

I agree with the C25K plan, or look into Galloway method for simple interval training. Download a free interval app for your phone. You can start simple, like 3 minutes walking followed by 30 seconds running (repeat) and gradually add to your running time.

I do use both the real world and treadmill. I run faster in the real world. I was initially nervous about running outside, but once I got outside I loved it. Treadmill for me is sometimes just convenient as its in my basement.

niblue wrote: »

The best advice for someone starting running is to start off slow - nearly everyone starts off trying to run too fast.

I followed this thought while doing C25K: "If you can run any slower you are running too fast". There is plenty of time ahead to run faster.

Agreeing with all of the above. I realize that a treadrill is walking just as being outside is walking, but to me they are two different animals.
I love cycling, and I did it by just getting on a road bike. If my only option was a stationary bike, it never would have happened. Same with walking...I loathe treadmills, but could walk outdoors everyday.
The best way to train for an outdoor 5K is to walk outdoors. The inclines and terrain are different, which for me always seems to provide a higher calorie burn, too. Im not an equipment girl, I guess.