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outside vs. treadmill?...

kikiboniki
kikiboniki Posts: 398 Member
edited December 2024 in Social Groups
I started my c25k on the treadmill and found that while it kept me on track as far as not slacking on speed, it was quite boring.
I did the first day of week 2 today, outside, using a window's app to help me with the timing. It was so much more enjoyable, running and walking through neighborhoods and the park... BUT i averaged 3.7 mph.... Should I try to push myself to run faster... does it ever matter?

Replies

  • jlbay
    jlbay Posts: 473 Member
    It is different, running outside vs treadmill, so give your body a few weeks to adjust. I wouldn't push for speed during the C25k at all. You should work on endurance and conditioning, first. Speed will come naturally (to some degree) and more advanced running programs begin to incorporate speed work.

    And, I totally agree: running outdoors is so wonderful. I find it much more motivating and enjoyable.
  • Char_marcus
    Char_marcus Posts: 141 Member
    running outside is much harder than on a treadmill as you can't keep a constant pace, there are things to take into account such as wind resistance, weather, and the evenness of the ground and the gradient. I started out on c25k outside, and i love to run outside but if the weather is a bit poo i will run on a treadmill and just daydream haha:laugh:
  • tinana_RN
    tinana_RN Posts: 541 Member
    I'm in week 8 right now. I've only used the treadmill twice (for the program) and I find that I do much better outside. On the treadmill I get bored, feel clumsy, and really just want to give up. Outside it's easier to change things up and go different routes, see different things. And the speed-- I wouldn't worry quite yet.
  • secretlobster
    secretlobster Posts: 3,566 Member
    Outside is SOOO much more pleasant!! I am fortunate enough to live in Connecticut very close to the shore :D so my runs are beautiful with a nice ocean breeze! Makes me wonder why anyone would be inside on a treadmill!

    It's been said that it's hard to keep an even pace outside and that is very true. There are times though when I run on the track at one of the local universities, and on the track (even ground, no hills) I regularly run less than a 10 minute mile whereas on the road, I run more slowly.

    If you're training for races, running outside is essential.
  • blynn2708
    blynn2708 Posts: 262 Member
    I ran most of c25k on a treadmill, but now the weather is nicer, so I try to run outside whenever possible. It's much harder outside, but much more pleasant! More distractions, fresh air, I just get lost in my music and surroundings and my run is over before I know it:bigsmile: I do run slower outside! But I feel I have done much more then I would have on the treadmill! My legs definitely feel it more! Have fun!
  • FloridaAimee
    FloridaAimee Posts: 295 Member
    I don't have a treadmill. I run outside only. I am not above 3.5 mph yet, but that's OK :)

    I use the C25K app on my phone, alongside a GPS app that tells me my average speed, current speed, calls burned, etc. LOVE this app.
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