Broken treadmill = outdoor ****! ...

Support | Event Directors & Organizers

Search Cool Running Community

Browse Cool Running

CoolRunning.com > Cool Running Community > Newbie Cafe >

Up to Threads in Newbie Cafe

12 Replies Last post: Oct 21, 2007 11:34 AM by furseal

Guest

Oct 20, 2007 4:23 PM

Broken treadmill = outdoor ****!

I gotta say, I am completely new to running (except for the 4 years in the Army, but that was 10 years ago), so I started running about 6 months ago and strictly on a treadmill.

I can run 2 miles in about 21 min at around 5.7 miles an hour, I always disliked running but always enjoyed the natural high and sense of accomplisment after the run.

My treadmill broke yesterday and with the weekend comming up I knew I had to run and was dreading the thought of running outside, I started off and knew instantly this was not going to be easy.

I could not even reach the mile mark and I was breathing so hard my chest hurt, I had to walk the rest of the way and hung my head low, it was a real tough thing to accept.

Is this the way it is going to be? I had heard people stating that Running outdoors was much harder than on a treadmill and boy were they right!! I am on a tight budget and buying another treadmill is not in the cards right now, but I fear the thought of going back outdoors again.

Will it get easier?

RoxannaMathis

161 posts since
Mar 4, 2007

1. Oct 20, 2007 4:41 PM

in response to: Guest

Re: Broken treadmill = outdoor ****!

You know, I feel your pain. I completed the C25K on the treadmill, then went outside to get ready for my first 5K and it was completely different!!! I was out of breath after about two minutes!

But, it does get easier.......although I have still not mastered my treadmill time outside I am improving on my outside time.

Good luck to you and stick with it!!!

~Roxanna

Remember: if it was easy everyone would be doing it!

------------------
http://www.myspace.com/mrsmathis[/URL" target="_blank">

*´¨)
¸.·´¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*¨)
(¸.·´ (¸.·* Keep Running..and when you think you've gone far enough...go further *´¨)
¸.·´¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*¨)
(¸.·´ (¸.·*

dgb2n

139 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

2. Oct 20, 2007 4:45 PM

in response to: Guest

Re: Broken treadmill = outdoor ****!

It may be painful but it is really worth it to run outside. With fall here, the weather is cooler. The breeze sweet.

Get out there. After a few weeks it won't feel any harder than running on the treadmill and you can't beat the fresh air. Just slow down and give your body some time to adjust.

------------------
My Running Log[/URL" target="_blank">

My User Profile[/URL" target="_blank">

Penguin070

16 posts since
Sep 21, 2007

3. Oct 20, 2007 4:51 PM

in response to: Guest

Re: Broken treadmill = outdoor ****!

It might be that you're trying to run faster than you do on the treadmill, without even knowing it.

My limited experience has proven this for me. At the gym, I move from a walk to a run at about 4mph. 5mph feels fast and 6mph is virtually a sprint for me. (Yes, I'm a rookie and I'm overweight).

This morning in C25K class, on instructions from the trainer I slowed my pace to barely creeping along. I was honestly running as slowly as I could, so that I might be able to breathe better and complete the distance.

My pace, per the trainer's GPS was 5.2mph!!!!! Outdoors, that pace felt barely above a walk yet it was between 'fast' and 'sprint' (for me) on the treadmill.

laz22girl

21 posts since
Jul 1, 2007

4. Oct 20, 2007 7:29 PM

in response to: Guest

Re: Broken treadmill = outdoor ****!

I agree you may be starting out too fast and burning out...I have never run on the TM, so I am not experienced with that...but I have heard that running outside is harder. I don't think it's harder, per se--I just think you have to propell your own body...also, you have to make and keep your own pace.

Get out there again and run/walk...don't try to run the whole thing...I bet you see progress fast.

I started running in May/June and now I am running 3.10 miles 3 times a week and 5 miles one time a week--outside in a hilly area.

Get back out there and be humbled--that's part of the beauty of running.

Oh and I also agree, that you started running outside at a perfect time--fall!! The summer is sooo much harder. Maybe by the summer you will have saved enough money for a TM to beat the heat

GOLFNSKI

104 posts since
Oct 28, 2007

5. Oct 20, 2007 9:12 PM

in response to: Guest

Re: Broken treadmill = outdoor ****!

Lucky you. Just say NO to the dreadmill. Welcome to real running. You'll love it and won't want to go back.

cme

48 posts since
Jul 19, 2007

6. Oct 21, 2007 12:27 AM

in response to: Guest

Re: Broken treadmill = outdoor ****!

I just ran on the treadmill for the first time while I was on vacation. I thought it was harder than running outside. I was so bored I was ready to quit after about 10 min! Plus it just seemed harder to run at my regular pace for the same amount of distance. I think it is just whatever you are used to that seems easier.

melaniemae427

302 posts since
Oct 4, 2007

7. Oct 21, 2007 2:39 AM

in response to: Guest

Re: Broken treadmill = outdoor ****!

Woah...I have to take a little offense to the comment "welcome to real running". I really don't think that running outside makes it any more "real" than running indoors on a treadmill. Not everyone is able to run outside, due to where they live or small children or whatever the deal is. I do all my running on a treadmill, except for races. Running indoors means a constant temp, you can watch a movie while you do it, you can still have a conversation with your family....and by not doing it outside I avoid dogs, windy conditions, rain, snow, sleet, hail, creepy men who appear out of nowhere, and traffic. I'll enjoy my treadmill time while I'm "really" running.
As far as saving up for a new treadmill make sure to check the paper. So many people sell their exercise equipment and it's usually in excellent shape. You might find a really good deal!!

funrunsun

12 posts since
Aug 8, 2007

8. Oct 21, 2007 8:01 AM

in response to: Guest

Re: Broken treadmill = outdoor ****!

Keep up the outdoor running...it is just something new to you...but try to enjoy the fresh air and glorious fall days...and the enjoyment you get from running indoors will come to you outdoors!! I much prefer running outdoors to indoor runnning, but either run is better than no run at all. If you have a goal to race some day....they are outdoors! Watch out because the race bug could bite at any time!!!

blackfonzie

28 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

9. Oct 21, 2007 8:42 AM

in response to: Guest

Re: Broken treadmill = outdoor ****!

I personally prefer running outside to TM running, just because you get to see all kinds of great stuff in the neighborhood, but I agree that it's a little tougher. I think much of it is because of the surface--TM surfaces are softer and have a little bit of give and bounce, so that helps propel you. Sidewalk concrete is really unforgiving. I try to run in the street whenever I can, as the asphalt is a tiny bit softer on my feet.

------------------
4feetrunning.blogspot.com[/URL" target="_blank"> | blackfonzie.blogspot.com[/URL" target="_blank">

Guest

10. Oct 21, 2007 8:59 AM

in response to: Guest

Re: Broken treadmill = outdoor ****!

As a new runner my preference would lie with outside running. I like to have a physical destination to set my sights on. I get bored easily on treadmills and tracks. Unfortunatly, living in the northeast, I will soon be forced indoors for at least part of my running.

------------------

Guest

11. Oct 21, 2007 10:13 AM

in response to: Guest

Re: Broken treadmill = outdoor ****!

All I can say is WOW!! I just ran 2 miles in better time than I ever have on my TM, you guys were correct in saying I needed to slow down and pace myself. A couple of thoughts.

1. I did not sweat as much as I do on the TM but my breathing was MUCH heavier, how is that possible?

2. My legs (especially the lower part) are really hurting, I assume the pavement is to blame?

Thanks again for your words of encouragement.

furseal

56 posts since
Jan 13, 2005

12. Dec 25, 2007 10:06 PM

in response to: Guest

Re: Broken treadmill = outdoor ****!

1. You probably did sweat just as much, if not more, than you do on the TM, but outside there is more air circulation so you dry out faster. As for your breathing, you said you ran your distance in better time than you do on the TM, you were simply breathing harder because you were expending greater effort.

2. Not necessarily. The TM gives you some assistance, so you don't use all your muscles in exactly the same way as you do on the TM when you're outside. Also, you ran faster, so it stands to reason you'll be more sore.

And, for the record, yes the TM is "real" running. I'm running for fitness rather than speed right now, and I can achieve good cardio fitness on any machine, including the TM, just as much as I could running outside.

http://This message has been edited by furseal (edited Oct-21-2007).

Go to original post

Oct 20, 2007 4:23 PM

Broken treadmill = outdoor ****!

Actions

More Like This

New Runners

Training

Competition

Age Groups

Fitness

The Lighter Side

Feedback

Related Links