Road Running - Making the Transition

Martha Gallagher said:

Ok, here's the thing - I can run ok on a treadmill. (well, not at the
moment, but mostly) I'm not setting any speed or endurance records, but I
can go at a pace that I'm happy w/ for long enough that I don't feel like
I'm completely unfit.

The problem is that when I go outside to run after about 5 minutes I'm
looking at my watch thinking "surely I must be done now." Ok, I have those
5 minutes on the treadmill, too, but usually it gets better after that,
whereas when I'm running outside I usually find I'm *really* ready to quit
after 20 minute, max. And that's kind of pathetic, really.

Where are you running outside that makes quitting at an arbitrary time an
option ? If you are running up and down your block, I can understand why you'd
have a hard time staying motivated -- find a longer route to run on.

Quoted message said:

I assume part of the problem is that I'm not pacing myself as well as I
can when the machine does it for me, but even when I try to run really
slowly just so I can keep going longer I still seem to run out of
enthusiasm much sooner than I'd like.

Easy. Run slowly. If it gets boring, do some strides (or run fast). Then go back
to running slow.

Cheers,
--
Donovan Rebbechi
http://pegasus.rutgers.edu/~elflord/

Martha Gallagher said:

Ok, here's the thing - I can run ok on a treadmill. (well, not at the
moment, but mostly) I'm not setting any speed or endurance records, but I
can go at a pace that I'm happy w/ for long enough that I don't feel like
I'm completely unfit.

The problem is that when I go outside to run after about 5 minutes I'm
looking at my watch thinking "surely I must be done now." Ok, I have those
5 minutes on the treadmill, too, but usually it gets better after that,
whereas when I'm running outside I usually find I'm *really* ready to quit
after 20 minute, max. And that's kind of pathetic, really.

I assume part of the problem is that I'm not pacing myself as well as I
can when the machine does it for me, but even when I try to run really
slowly just so I can keep going longer I still seem to run out of
enthusiasm much sooner than I'd like. I can't tell if it's a motivation
problem because the feedback from the machine makes it more gratifying to
push to get to an even number or if it really is physically more
challenging to run on real surfaces. But I'd be grateful for any thoughts
on how to start to do more running outside.

Is there any trick to making the transition to running out of doors or
should I just accept that nature designed me to run on a treadmill?

Thanks,

Martha

Hi darlin',
Yes running outside is harder, for a few reasons. One is you are
probably right, you aren't pacing yourself as well outdoors as the
machine does for you. Your statement that it's a pace you feel
reasonably fit at, tells me you're probably running too fast for your
gorgeous body. Another is that you use far more muscles in your feet
and legs to run outdoors, than on a treadmill. Another is that we tend
to run faster when people are around.
Try it again, slow down, and stick it out. You'll get there
eventually.
Bill

Martha Gallagher said:

Ok, here's the thing - I can run ok on a treadmill. (well, not at the
moment, but mostly) I'm not setting any speed or endurance records, but I
can go at a pace that I'm happy w/ for long enough that I don't feel like
I'm completely unfit.

The problem is that when I go outside to run after about 5 minutes I'm
looking at my watch thinking "surely I must be done now." Ok, I have those
5 minutes on the treadmill, too, but usually it gets better after that,
whereas when I'm running outside I usually find I'm *really* ready to quit
after 20 minute, max. And that's kind of pathetic, really.

I assume part of the problem is that I'm not pacing myself as well as I
can when the machine does it for me, but even when I try to run really
slowly just so I can keep going longer I still seem to run out of
enthusiasm much sooner than I'd like. I can't tell if it's a motivation
problem because the feedback from the machine makes it more gratifying to
push to get to an even number or if it really is physically more
challenging to run on real surfaces. But I'd be grateful for any thoughts
on how to start to do more running outside.

Is there any trick to making the transition to running out of doors or
should I just accept that nature designed me to run on a treadmill?

Thanks,

Martha

Just the opposite for me. I normally run on a woods trail, been doing
so for years and never get tired of it. In the worst of the winter
weather, the trail becomes too difficult to run on because of standing
water. forced inside to run on that dreaded tenth of a mile padded
track. Or on business trips forced to run on that hotel health club
treadmill.

You need to find a pretty place to run and get in the zone. won't
take long.

Martha Gallagher said:

Ok, here's the thing - I can run ok on a treadmill. (well, not at the
moment, but mostly) I'm not setting any speed or endurance records, but I
can go at a pace that I'm happy w/ for long enough that I don't feel like
I'm completely unfit.

The problem is that when I go outside to run after about 5 minutes I'm
looking at my watch thinking "surely I must be done now." Ok, I have those
5 minutes on the treadmill, too, but usually it gets better after that,
whereas when I'm running outside I usually find I'm *really* ready to quit
after 20 minute, max. And that's kind of pathetic, really.

I assume part of the problem is that I'm not pacing myself as well as I
can when the machine does it for me, but even when I try to run really
slowly just so I can keep going longer I still seem to run out of
enthusiasm much sooner than I'd like. I can't tell if it's a motivation
problem because the feedback from the machine makes it more gratifying to
push to get to an even number or if it really is physically more
challenging to run on real surfaces. But I'd be grateful for any thoughts
on how to start to do more running outside.

Is there any trick to making the transition to running out of doors or
should I just accept that nature designed me to run on a treadmill?

Thanks,

Martha

Just the opposite for me. I normally run on a woods trail, been doing
so for years and never get tired of it. In the worst of the winter
weather, the trail becomes too difficult to run on because of standing
water. forced inside to run on that dreaded tenth of a mile padded
track. Or on business trips forced to run on that hotel health club
treadmill.

You need to find a pretty place to run and get in the zone. won't
take long.

Martha Gallagher said:

Ok, here's the thing - I can run ok on a treadmill. (well, not at the
moment, but mostly) I'm not setting any speed or endurance records, but I
can go at a pace that I'm happy w/ for long enough that I don't feel like
I'm completely unfit.

The problem is that when I go outside to run after about 5 minutes I'm
looking at my watch thinking "surely I must be done now." Ok, I have those
5 minutes on the treadmill, too, but usually it gets better after that,
whereas when I'm running outside I usually find I'm *really* ready to quit
after 20 minute, max. And that's kind of pathetic, really.

I assume part of the problem is that I'm not pacing myself as well as I
can when the machine does it for me, but even when I try to run really
slowly just so I can keep going longer I still seem to run out of
enthusiasm much sooner than I'd like. I can't tell if it's a motivation
problem because the feedback from the machine makes it more gratifying to
push to get to an even number or if it really is physically more
challenging to run on real surfaces. But I'd be grateful for any thoughts
on how to start to do more running outside.

Is there any trick to making the transition to running out of doors or
should I just accept that nature designed me to run on a treadmill?

Thanks,

Martha

--
Sig pending

There are two fundamental differences between road running and
treadmill running. One is that the road doesn't move under your feet,
so some additional exertion is required at push-off. The second is
that, when running outside, you're running through air and that creates
some resistance. On a treadmill, you're running in place so that
doesn't happen.

For me, there's no comparison between X miles at X minutes per mile on
a TM and the same pace and distance on the road. The former is much
easier.

I find the answer for beginning runners who are struggling is almost
always the same: SLOW DOWN.

John B. said:

There are two fundamental differences between road running and
treadmill running. One is that the road doesn't move under your feet,
so some additional exertion is required at push-off. The second is
that, when running outside, you're running through air and that creates
some resistance. On a treadmill, you're running in place so that
doesn't happen.

True, but that wind also provides cooling that is not present in the
treadmill (unless you are using a fan). When I run on the treadmill I
sweat a lot at a pretty constant rate, however when I run outside I
sweat moderately while running and sweat much more in the first few
minutes after I stop, when there is no colling effect from the wind and
I haven't actually cooled down yet. Hmm... I may not be doing enough of
a cool down...

Quoted message said:

For me, there's no comparison between X miles at X minutes per mile on
a TM and the same pace and distance on the road. The former is much
easier.

When I first started out I also found the treadmill much easier. But now
I find that for X miles at X minutes I prefer the road... if only
because of the changing scenery.

--
Ylan

"The universe is not required to be in
perfect harmony with human ambition"
- Attributed to Carl Sagan

"John B." <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I find the answer for beginning runners who are struggling is almost
always the same: SLOW DOWN.

even <gasp!> take walk breaks!
It really does help.

I use several neighborhood "loops" that I can rotate/repeat/add or subtract
or extend, depending on my mood & how I feel that day. I'm rarely
"committed" to a particular distance by my route as I would be on an out &
back route -- but I'm not limited either.
bj

"One is that the road doesn't move under your feet,
so some additional exertion is required at push-off"

Oh my. I wish you hadn't said that. This old chestnut should have
roots by now.

Now, let me address the OP. As a beginner, you are learning pace.
What speed do you go on the treadmill and for how long? Not your
longest fastest ever, but what have you been doing regularly and for
how many months?

Let's say you're going 5 miles an hour for a half hour on the
treadmill. Check you heart rate immediately you complete the half
hour. What is it?

Now do your outdoor run as you usually do. Don't try to change it yet.
Stop when you usually would run out of motivation and check your heart
rate. Check it quick because it will slow down rapidly when you stop
moving.

Post this info and maybe some advice will be useful. Don't bother
listening to folks telling you to slow down when they don't even know
how fast your going or how hard you are pushing yourself. Some hard
facts. Then you might get some meaningful responses.
....thehick

Martha Gallagher said:

Ok, here's the thing - I can run ok on a treadmill. (well, not at the
moment, but mostly) I'm not setting any speed or endurance records, but I
can go at a pace that I'm happy w/ for long enough that I don't feel like
I'm completely unfit.

The problem is that when I go outside to run after about 5 minutes I'm
looking at my watch thinking "surely I must be done now." Ok, I have those
5 minutes on the treadmill, too, but usually it gets better after that,
whereas when I'm running outside I usually find I'm *really* ready to quit
after 20 minute, max. And that's kind of pathetic, really.

I'm assuming you're familiar with the "conversational" effort concept so
that you aren't running too hard. If not, that could be an issue.

Quoted message said:

I assume part of the problem is that I'm not pacing myself as well as I
can when the machine does it for me, but even when I try to run really
slowly just so I can keep going longer I still seem to run out of
enthusiasm much sooner than I'd like.

A long shot, but since you mention "enthusiasm" rather than being out of
breath, do you do many activities outdoors? For instance, do you walk
some of the roads / trails that you run so that you're familiar with
them? Or do your running routes take you in areas that you're not that
comfortable running alone? (either traffic levels, lighting,
neighborhoods, dogs, hiding places in bushes, big hills, or whatever) On
a tm, you're in a constant comfort zone. Outdoors you may be in some
areas where you aren't as comfortable running. I know when I run in a
place that I'm not familiar with, 1 hr seems much longer than when I'm
on my familiar trails, and I may not have gone as far either (aside from
picture taking).

Quoted message said:

Is there any trick to making the transition to running out of doors or
should I just accept that nature designed me to run on a treadmill?

Just run on trails! Forget the roads. Provides better workout for more
muscles also.

You may just need to get out there and run, and over time it will seem
easier to you.

Good luck.

Dot

--
"A winner is just a loser who tried one more time." -Captain George M.
Moore, Jr., United States Air Force (retired),
http://www.avdlm.com/press.php?page=stories&storyid=1

John B. said:

There are two fundamental differences between road running and
treadmill running. One is that the road doesn't move under your feet,
so some additional exertion is required at push-off. The second is
that, when running outside, you're running through air and that creates
some resistance. On a treadmill, you're running in place so that
doesn't happen.

Oh god, another moron with the "air resistance" BS.

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thehick said:

Oh my. I wish you hadn't said that. This old chestnut should have
roots by now.

He's on dope. Ignore him.

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TxRengade said:

Two things: 1.- There is no shame in being a treadmill runner. If you
enjoy it and are good at it then do it.

Oh, yes there is, that's why it's done inside. Ever see anyone outside
in their backyard on a treadmill? I rest my case.

Quoted message said:

2.- Make sure that some of your treadmill runs are done at an incline
to better simulate the level of difficulty of road running. A 1%
incline is the bare minimum.

It's still fake running.

Hugh

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bj said:

even <gasp!> take walk breaks!
It really does help.

I agree with this -- one does get a sense of achievement from running nonstop,
but as far as quality of the workout is concerned, there really is nothing
wrong with taking a walk break. Getting in the miles is what counts, and what
will ultimately lead to being able to run nonstop.

Cheers,
--
Donovan Rebbechi
http://pegasus.rutgers.edu/~elflord/

John B. said:

There are two fundamental differences between road running and
treadmill running. One is that the road doesn't move under your feet,
so some additional exertion is required at push-off.

Completely wrong.

http://tinyurl.com/cxtue

Cheers,
--
Donovan Rebbechi
http://pegasus.rutgers.edu/~elflord/

Donovan Rebbechi said:

Completely wrong.

Yes, you are completely wrong Dummyvin.

Hugh

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Many "real runners" dont consider using a treadmill actually running
because there are enough differences from outdoors running in the
muscles used, they way impacts the joints, wind resistance factors,
etc.
This is akin to any cross-training: there is some cross-over benefit,
but not 100%.

I have the reverse problem 60-90 minutes outdoors is nothing for me,
but 30 minutes on a treadmill feels like an eternity. And my joints
hurt bit,
because I'm using them a little differently. I'd guess by two weeks
these
issues would go away completely.

this past month winds been high:
dress better;
and watch your feet and legs. ground not level like a tead mill. so
when they say SLOW they mean you might get hurt. so better to run into
it.....
you need to dress wear the sweat leaves the skin to a middle or outer
layer
cotton good. in wind the plastic type or poly is good..
wind need a plastic or poli layer/ the wind can drain you fast.... you
need longer runs to warm up.this is why all the racers are running befor
a race..to be warm thru it.not warm up to it......
butt you now this... QAlexander the great 10,000 mile 4 year journey.so
did I make it. and guest what
i get food stmp now.....

Point is in ? here........
if you think your rep is doing me justice...
well tell that to your [censored] ROCK......
i don't need you.... you came to me...

there are store bought wind jackets that can cotton some inside and
wind outside.
you not super long so inside can be well the weather you are at.......
I like perse chicago white.
and the man with the shovel
you both can suv it till the day you die..
butt in the mourn you well still be a [censored]........

In God we trust.
and a bike.
and free to ride it.
and a place to live.

I wonder if any of you evan have carried a compass or secton or a field
bag or telescope backpack. or aything be on your thrill of victory.

df out of the game maybe and all you can do is play with your self.

I my self follow the 54 year old woman with the red white and blue hot
paints. and is paying the price still.....

POP.......soo sorry for the [censored] just of been a N Y t.v too much
I am shows.... and lcal news.......I am so bored and it i s is sr
still fall......don't this wind ever end........ man your irs never
ends do it greed in the verse of there perverted I am..... I am
not....

you all our probe water bottle only
she been here before she just pulling your leg darline.... alexander
the great 10,000 un move...did I do it.yes. did you. No......I am....
and I am never going to pay you you pervert....go home....

In God we trust.
and a bike.
and free to ride it.
and a place to live.

"rick++" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

Quoted message said:

Many "real runners" dont consider using a treadmill actually running

Nonsense.

cheers,
--
David Hirsh, director
www.absolutelyaccurate.com
Southern Ontario's Summer Race Series!