running

Interesting. I have the opposite issue. On the treadmill I get bored, and I have a hard time finding my comfortable pace. Outside I will adjust to a comfortable pace which varies daily based on how tired I am, morning vs evening, general health, general stress level, allergies and asthma, etc. I just kind of listen to my body and settle into a comfortable pace for the day. If I know it's a long run I'll pay attention and make sure I slow it down a bit, or if it's a short run I may push myself more. I run so much longer and further outside.

Do you have a GPS watch type device so you can see your pace while you are running? If not, it may help you monitor how you are doing and let you adjust your pace.

I think using a heart rate monitor is a good way to pace yourself. With it, you can keep to a constant effort rather than a constant pace.

I have the same problem. I realized what I think it is. 5.5mph on the treadmill feels much faster than when I'm running it outside (I have a garmin that tells how fast I'm going). So when I'm running outside I start off running too fast without knowing it because it feels sooooooooooooo slow compared to when I'm on the treadmill. So I really have to pay attention to make sure I'm running what seems like very slow, otherwise I end up tiring out and having to take walk breaks because I can't maintain the faster speed I was going.

It is harder to run outside. A treadmill is softer. A treadmill propels you. A treadmill has 0 incline.

Do you use a running watch? Garmin, Timex, Runkeeper etc? You can use those tools to keep your pace under control.

If you don't, then when you run, slow your pace down if you get too tired. If you are still having a hard time, go slower again.

It is so much better to run outside. Especially at this time of year. Don't give up on it. You will get used to it.

That's interesting that you think it's harder to run outside and the treadmill propels you. I find the fact the the treadmill provides no visual stimulus of movement that it's more difficult because I'm not being propelled anywhere but have to remain stationary.

I would say slow down. I like the App Pod Runner, because it's tempo music. The other thing you can try is a metronome, set it at X steps per minute. Not sure your pace, mine is at 90, which is a fast turn over and a shorter stride.

All good posts above. I would also say slow it up a little, and you can use Nike+ or Runkeeper, or whatever app (I prefer my Garmin Forerunner first, then Runkeeper) to pace yourself. The runkeeper app will call out audio cues to you as well on intervals that you choose (1/2 mile, 2 minutes, whatever).

I do not like running with music ever, so I tend to focus on my actual running. On the TM, I get bored quickly, so I resort to intervals or watching TV (sort of).

You did not mention the distances that you were running. There was another thread somewhere on MFP regarding the toughest part of people's runs - and more often than not, people indicated it is the first part of the run (i.e., first 10 minutes, first 3 miles, etc). I found that my first 2-3 miles is out of rhythm, and my heart rate is adjusting. By mile 3-4 or 5, I am steady. I have really tried to focus on starting slower and easing into a stride, then even negative splitting. Maybe just getting through those first couple of miles will allow you to find the proper stride.

For your 5K coming up, pacing is important. Most runners (and I am as guilty as they come) start off the first mile way too fast and have no juice left for mile 2 or 3. When you train for your 5K, focus on knocking out some miles first for endurance (running more than the 3.1 will condition your body to think 3.1 is somewhat easier), then work on pacing either evenly or with whatever strategy works best for you. Finally, work on speed so that you can burst when needed, and sprint at the finish.

I always run harder and faster when i run outside. I need to slow down and find the right rythm. Hang in there and give yourself sone time and you'll get there.

Run more outside. Developing a sense of effort and pace while running comes with experience.

Thanks for all the help. I am not very far into running. I can only run about half a mile straight at this point, and am just trying to push myself a little further every time I go. I try to go for 2 miles total at this point, and just take quick breaks when needed. I like to run outside rather than inside, but my pace is killing me lol. Its amazing how fast you end up running when outside and you don't even realize it. I was running at a 8:30 pace the other day and tired out within a minute or two. I didn't feel like I was going very fast, and I try really hard not to look at the app to see how many minutes or how far Ive gone, because Im afraid if I look I'll decide to quit when its not as long or as far as I thought. I'll try working on listening to my feet and breathing. Breathing is another killer for me, and I'm hoping it will come with time.

I have heard other runners talk about how the first couple miles are the hardest...so I am hoping once I build up to running 3-4 miles, nothing is going to stop me and ill be able to feel more comfortable. I'm still working on liking running at this point

I'm a naturally fit person, but couldn't run worth 2 bits when I started! I swam with ease but running more than a kilometer killed me! My coach in high-school said just start by running/jogging 20 minutes without stopping. It doesn't have to be fast, it could be a slight bit faster than a walk, but make it 20 minutes and you'll be on your way.

After that I just started running one day to clear my head, and didn't stop. This was 10 years ago when they're weren't any apps, and actually it was really nice just getting lost in thought. I didn't like running long distances at all, and yes the first few kilometers (miles) even now kill me if I'm not in the right mood, but as soon as I'm past them it's the most freeing thing in the word. I now run marathons, and I am looking into ultra-marathons.

My mother said something one day when I was talking about running, she said "I could never do a marathon". That's a lie, any of us could. It's nothing to do with physical make up, it's all mental. We all have the tools to run. Really! Any person big or small, old or young. Our bodies are made for running! So don't let those first couple of miles stop you, and get lost out there! Breath in that air! It's not going to be glorious all the time, even after you get better, but when you're finished there will always be a sense of accomplishment!

Also I definitely recommend the book "Born to Run" it's about a non-runner turned Ultra-marathoner. Have fun running!

I've found that music selection can play a big part in helping me set a good pace and rhythm.
Depending on what you like, if you make a play list with music that has a similar tempo it can help you keep in the zone. Also find I can run further listening to music especially if it's a song you really like