C25K Fail

[Miel]

I started doing the C25k Program, again, a few weeks ago and finally got to Week 7 Day 3 where you have to run for 27 minutes straight. I decided to run outside for the first time today, previously all my runs had been on a treadmill. I totally bombed it. I couldn't even run for 20 minutes! I'm super disappointed because I felt like I had been doing really well, at the gym. 

I made sure that when I was running on the treadmill to have some incline going and didn't think that changing to running outside would be that big of a deal.


What am I doing wrong? Should I go back a few weeks in the program and run them again outside?  Or just keep trying until I succeed at it?

[shauni27]

I remember switching from running on the TM (when I started running) to going outside and it was SO hard. The TM moves your legs for you, and is flat and "easy" where as running outside to me was much more challenging! Even now, in the spring after running inside all winter it is a hard transition to make. Just stick with it. Repeat the entire week you are on outside (that is what I would do) and continue from there. Good luck!

[agswife]

I agree with Shauni - switching from the TM to outside was hard. Stick with it - it will get easier!

[livinitup]

You probably just have to run a lot slower. If you're getting winded in 20 minutes, you're running at too fast a pace to sustain 27 minutes. The TM has been good at working your muscles and breathing but it is a come rely different speed and foot fall. Obviously, right.

If you are on week 7, you are doing well. But you're not on week 7 of outside running. Get your sneakers back on, slow down your pace and hit a nice, easy stride that let's you run = 2 feet off the ground st the same time for 27 minutes.

The whole point of C25K is to teach you how to listen to your body and run for a 5K. Speed comes later, much, much later. After you've got the 5K, running slowly, under your belt, work on a Personal Best time. Maybe you'll shave a few minutes, a little at a time. But that's for later. Learn to run first. And be aware that outside feels very different than inside.

[demandypants]

i agree, it isn't you it is the change between where you are running! Slow down more than you think you have to and just enjoy the run!

[Miel]

Thanks for encouragement. It's nice to know that I don't have to totally start over. I didn't think the transition would be this hard. I plan on heading out tomorrow and trying again, just slower.