Am I in for a rude awakening? *Running*

I actually find running outside easier b/c I don't get bored..I can go farther without wondering when I can stop. I am slow as crap, so IDK about the speed difference for 'normal' people, but I find that I'm pretty consistent wherever I run.

I would suggest running outside in the wind/rain sometimes just so you know how it feels b/c you never know what will happen on race day. If you know the race course elevation, you can try to mimic it with the incline on the treadmill just to make sure you know what hills do for you endurance/speed wise. My May race has one super huge hill so I make sure I crank up the treadmill incline occasionally so that I'm not completely dead after the race's hill.

overall, I think you'll be fine if you're at 5.5 now & your 10k isnt until may. have fun!

It will take you a while to adjust but you'll be fine in a few weeks. Although once I got used to running outside I find the treadmill next to impossible. I hate it. Now I run outside no matter how cold it is.

Just from personal experience, I find maintaining pace outdoors a lot harder than the treadmill. The motorized treadmill is forcing me to move, outdoors its all me.

They are just scaring you for no reason. I do find it easier on the treadmill, however my neighborhood has 103ft elevation change from one end to the other. Where ever they are hosing your 10k will be predominately flat with no hills. You're already miles ahead of me when it comes to how far you can run in one sitting, just keep up your good work, you'll do absolutely fine.

I'm with everyone else. Running outside is definitely a change from running exclusively on the TM. Make sure you get in a good amount of time pounding some pavement.

The incline thing is kind of controversial. Some say it replicates outdoor running, some say it's just a myth. Either way, it isn't as good as running outside (or as fun). If your race is on pavement, run on the pavement when you can. But i'd start with 3ish miles and see how it goes before you tackle 5.

Plus, running outside in the rain/wind/cold makes you feel ridiculously Bad A**!

It's different for sure, but for me it's much easier to run outside. I find myself "fighting" the treadmill trying to find the right speed. I naturally speed up and slow down during my runs and of course this is much easier to do when you are not being guided by a moving belt. I'm just trying to build my way up to running longer distances but I can go much further outside. For me it's easier to have visual cues or goals than time goals on the treadmill. AND race day is even more different...the adrenaline takes over and somehow you can run more/faster than you ever did in training. You'll be fine!

I think that MENTALLY it is harder to run on a treadmill. I ran on a treadmill for about 3 months before I ventured outdoors. I will NEVER step foot on a treadmill again. I just can't anymore. It's so much more inviting to run outdoors, see the sights, hear the sounds, feel the breeze and feel like you're actually MOVING somewhere. I wouldn't say it's "harder" with the inclines and the winds etc. The experience itself makes up for anything that might be slightly more difficult than running on a treadmill.

I don't know what to believe.

Start running outside and find out for yourself. There's no rule that says race day weather will be perfect. It might be windy and rainy that day too.

I'm not very fast nor am I a great (good) runner but here's how it works for me. Due to weather and timing I spend most of my time in teh gym (I won't run outdoors in the dark or extreme weather), I've been running four miles with mixed terrain once a week out doors and I seem to overall go faster outside. When I am on the treadmill I do 1-2 interval walk 4.0 and am working my running up to 5.7 (at this time). I actually think this is helping me run better outdoors. I've been doing actual (outdoor, at a highschool stadium) stairs every other week since Jan. I really want to run at 8 mph outdoors, and I'd like to be able to do a half marathon by the end of the year at that pace (possible, I don't know). I know if I don't have my music on I am super, super slow, I need distraction.

Last year when I started running I remember running to school to pick up my girls and another mom comes up to me and says, 'Hey, I saw you walking to school today. (and she was actually trying to be encouraging)" I was pretty sad because I thought I was working my but off and I was sweaty, and red-faced to boot. lol

You should also run outside to practice having adults/children/pets in your way. On race day, it's hard to run in a straight line as you'll be passing people and people could be stopping in front of you. You could sign up for a 5k just to get used to the feeling.

It's different. Your body will feel outdoor runs a little bit more. It's a little harder on your body, but you are doing a good job simulated it with the incline.

I live in Michigan and I am currently training for a May 10K. With that being said, I tend to train during the winter (snowy/icy) months on a treadmill and squeeze in outdoor runs whenever the weather permits. I run on a treadmill anywhere from a 1% to 2% incline. I don't see much of a difference between running on a treadmill vs. outdoors, physically. However, mentally, outdoors is SO much better. I love my outdoors runs during the winter months (probably because they are so scarce). Good luck on your race!

I agree that it's not particularly different in terms of effort. My wife runs like a metronome...her pace never varies outside. Me...I'm up and down in pace according to how I'm feeling, terrain, etc. I find on the treadmill that the constant pace is a bother because it doesn't allow me to vary. As well, although my tm has a fan, I struggle with heat. Outside at this time of year, it's way better for me. I like running in the rain for this reason. Good luck on the 10k!

It will take you a while to adjust but you'll be fine in a few weeks. Although once I got used to running outside I find the treadmill next to impossible. I hate it. Now I run outside no matter how cold it is.

^ This, and this:

Plus, running outside in the rain/wind/cold makes you feel ridiculously Bad A**!

I went through the same thing last year, training for a 5K. I started on the treadmill and was really freaking out about going outside. At first I found it practically impossible outside until I got fitted for new shoes and realized I was wearing a half size too big. The shoes made all the difference.
I would much rather run outside, it's much more interesting and since it's a bit chilly out most days I recover faster than on the treadmill. But remember to pick up your feet! I tripped over the sidewalk yesterday and went down on my knees and one hand, scraped and bruised up my knees. It was on a very busy street at lunch time so I was a bit embarrassed too. $h!t happens, I got up and kept running, but I was glad I had sunglasses on so I could believe nobody saw me... lol :embarassed:

ETA: one of my most fun outdoor runs was last summer in the pouring rain, it was awesome, I felt invincible and incredibly athletic.