Whee, I ran a mile! And a Q abt running outside

[iamali]

If you want to stimulate running on actual ground you have to set the treadmill to as least a 1% incline, do you think that was the issue?

Congrats on your mile though - it's an awesome accomplishment!

[gnomesweetgnome]

Ugh, I tried to post but wasn't logged in. Here's what I wanted to say:

#1: 14 min/mi. pace is not crap.
#2: I have a harder time breathing in humidity than cold, but everyone's different. Be prepared to be more breathless than usual just in case.
#3: Maybe drive to a flatter area for your first few outdoor runs. Then start including hills/inclines both on the TM and outdoors to prepare for actual 5k conditions, if you plan on participating in a race at some point.

[iamali]

Just keep up the good work, it will come eventually if you keep doing it, I promise!

[Deleted]

May 15, 2012 17:31:14 GMT -5 iamali said:

Just keep up the good work, it will come eventually if you keep doing it, I promise!

I tend to agree with this. It will get you through summer and when it starts to get cooler, you will be more conditioned and it will be an easier transition.

[katiecj]

I started running on the treadmill too. When I transitioned to outside, I started the C25K again. It really helped to set my pace and get me going.

[keweenawlove]

I've been running since I was 13 and I still feel slow when it gets humid. I just have to remind myself that a run is a run. Same with the hills. If you get really tired, try power walking a little bit of it. You'll start seeing progress.

[runforcookies]

Congrats!!! To be honest sometimes I feel like the treadmill is harder. It's probably mental, but running and going nowhere is super exhausting to me!

[Deleted]

A mile you run is still a mile, no matter how fast! The speed will come with time, and do not force it. Focus on some distance and getting to know those hills!

[spunkypenguin]

I found the same problem when I started running outside. When I actually timed myself outside, I realized that I was running WAY faster than my Treadmill pace and getting out of breath faster. Could that be the issue?

[shauni27]

congratulations on your first mile! You did one, you will be able to do more in the future now. Keep working at it and you will eventually be able to run the hills, etc. I agree that maybe you should drive to another neighborhood to try running outside with less hills and then eventually when you are comfortable move back to your neighborhood, but just remember: the only way to get better at running hills is to actually run them! When I started running I could not run up any of the hills in my neighborhood, I would have to stop and walk. But over time I can now comfortably run hills. Because I practiced, practiced, practiced!

[Deleted]

May 16, 2012 7:33:27 GMT -5 @pennypie said:

Thanks, ladies. I might just attempt a few of the smaller hills in my 'hood before and get good at those. It will involve me looking like a crazy person and running back and forth on a few streets. Unfortunately, I cannot think of a neighborhood in our area that isn't hilly. Here is were I miss the flatness of Orlando.

The idea of basically starting C25k over outside sounds like a smart one...but psychologically starting over just seems so hard! Maybe I'll start back at some of the 5-minute runs and build back to where I am.

You can always just start by running a mile and building up. I think that is only about 4 weeks of the program by that point. This is what I had to do after my Achilles injury and when I broke my foot.

[FishChicks]

Congrats on your first treadmill mile, that's great! I'm like you, I run until I hit hills, even on the treadmill. The thing that helped me get over that was actually the stair stepper. I was able to slowly work up to a harder program on that, which translated into being able to run hills off the stepper. It wasn't easy, but it let me build up slowly. Good luck!

[theoriginalbean]

Yay for you! You should be proud, and that pace doesn't suck!

I would probably drive somewhere flatter. I live at the bottom of a hill and my 'hood is full of hills, so I try to avoid running there. I also use the TM at a 1% incline because it better mimics road running.

Running outside is definitely a lot more fun, I would get out there and give it a shot. You might surprise yourself!

[shorty20]

Congrats on your mile, and don't be afraid of those hills, they make you a stronger runner. Good luck!

[samiam]

There are days when I'm feeling brave enough to tackle any hill... and then there are days I'm not. Just want a nice flat run.

I've found that MapMyRun gives elevations for the runs you plan- so you can come up with just about anything to fit your mood.

As others have said, it gets better. Practice, practice, practice.

And CONGRATS on that first mile!

[stinkerbell6879]

Congrats!! and keep at it! and remember A MILE is A MILE no matter how fast!

[kams]

Congrats on your first mile!

I can run quite a ways outside, but put me on a treadmill and a mile is a challenge. Don't be afraid to run outside, & enjoy the beauty of your area from a different perspective. it might take some getting used to, but you might really love it.

[brittmk0922]

Congrats on your first mile!
I am in a similar situation, I have been running for awhile, but always on the TM. I want to transition to outdoors... Thanks to everyone for all the great advice!

[katieh]

I'd try to alternate, doing some of the easier/shorter runs on the hills. I live in San Francisco at the top of this hill (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wxrtlhltl/3667328760/) so any run I do will have hills.

When I first moved here 5 months ago, I couldn't walk up the hill without stopping to catch my breath, now I can run up it. Start slow - pick a hill and try to run up it (very slowly) or halfway up it and then each time try to go farther. Not only does it feel great to see that progress, but the hills make you stronger and then, when you do run flat, much faster.

[aurora]

Congrats--that's a great milestone!

Personally, I despise running on treadmills, and I always feel like I have to push much harder to achieve the same pace as I do outdoors. So, you might find it easier outside than you thought (though high humidity is never fun).

Another thing that helps me when I'm intimidated by hills or whatever is to give myself permission to walk a short distance if I need to. So for example if I have a long, steep hill I will set a goal to run to the tree part way up it and then to walk to the top, then run from there. Eventually you'll be able to run to the top, but it doesn't have to be on your first outdoor run.