C25K....just kill me now

[hollieplus2]

So I started C25K a couple weeks ago. I've been working on my treadmill and it's been challenging but nothing I couldn't handle. So.....yesterday I decided to try running outside on a trail. It's relatively flat but OMG I couldn't even finish 1/2 of my run. I was huffing, puffing, wheezing and flat out died out there. I tried slowing down so that even the walkers were going faster than me but I barely made it to my car. Today I can't even walk my calves hurt sooooo bad. tomorrow is my run day again and I just don't know if I can do it. I know if I skip or quit I'll never start back up again. I really really really want to finish. Any helps, tips or info would be appreciated.

 

[VernRDH]

If I may ask, what kind of trail was it? Like a bike path (asphalt) or a dirt trail? And what speed do you usually go on the treadmill?

Another question would be about your shoes-have you been fitted for good running shoes? The cushioning of the treadmill can hide the sins of shoes that do not offer you the right support.

Give us a little more info, maybe we can come up with a solution.

 

[hollieplus2]

It was a bike path. I am running the treadmill w/ no incline. The bike path isn't hilly, it's fairly flat. I did change running shoes a couple months ago. I had some cheap Adidas and was getting bad shin splits. Changed to a stability shoe and haven't had any problems. I run extremely slow 3.5 on the treadmill but I'm also short at 5'. I know I started out a little fast but slowed down after the first interval. I'm only on week 3 day 2. I am overweight and maybe the hard path plus the weight???I am dying over here though. Took a hot bath and my calves feel a little better but I cringe getting up from the couch. I wonder if I'm just used to the cushioning of the treadmill vs. the asphalt. Still motivated though.

 

[VernRDH]

Ok so the shoes and the terrain aren't necessarily the problem.

Running outside is a bit different from the treadmill as you found out. Most people will tell you to set the incline on the mill at 1-2 to make it comparable to running outside. I would ease into that, start at 1 for a couple weeks then bump up in the smallest increments the mill will allow (mine is 1/2, so 1, 1.5, 2 etc)

I did my C25k strictly on the treadmill, I am 4'11" and overweight as well. Now I did mine a few years ago, and have since run 7 half marathons, training for my first full this year. I swore I would never like running outside, but now I hate the treadmill. I am stuck on it for now, as winter here in the NE is dicey most of the time, plus I dont like running in the dark.

You are only on week 3, and while I get why you want to go outside to run, stick with what works for you for now. Hurting yourself or getting discouraged doesn't serve you, and once you have graduated, then you can adapt to running outside.

Don't give up-it is a process. And get yourself some "runners candy"-also known as Advil And don't be afraid to ask for advice-thats what we are here for.

 

[Ariel484]

Ok so the shoes and the terrain aren't necessarily the problem.

Running outside is a bit different from the treadmill as you found out. Most people will tell you to set the incline on the mill at 1-2 to make it comparable to running outside. I would ease into that, start at 1 for a couple weeks then bump up in the smallest increments the mill will allow (mine is 1/2, so 1, 1.5, 2 etc)

I did my C25k strictly on the treadmill, I am 4'11" and overweight as well. Now I did mine a few years ago, and have since run 7 half marathons, training for my first full this year. I swore I would never like running outside, but now I hate the treadmill. I am stuck on it for now, as winter here in the NE is dicey most of the time, plus I dont like running in the dark.

You are only on week 3, and while I get why you want to go outside to run, stick with what works for you for now. Hurting yourself or getting discouraged doesn't serve you, and once you have graduated, then you can adapt to running outside.

Don't give up-it is a process. And get yourself some "runners candy"-also known as Advil And don't be afraid to ask for advice-thats what we are here for.

I agree with the part in bold above. The treadmill doesn't mimic outside conditions too well - you don't get the slight elevation changes (up or down), wind resistance, etc. Plus, the treadmill belt pulls you along a bit, is softer than the ground outside (although this is most likely a bigger difference going from treadmill to concrete, rather than treadmill to trail...though it's still something that's different) and forces you to stay at whatever pace you choose so you don't start out too fast. I've heard the incline rule too...a lot of people swear by 1-2% as Vern said. If your calves still hurt, try foam rolling...it hurts so good!

I'm sure once you get to running outside a bit more you'll grow to love it. I used to be strictly a treadmill person, then HATED the treadmill in favor of running outside, and now I split my time between the two due to my schedule. Don't get discouraged...you'll get the hang of it!

 

[Elleshoodat]

I would advise running outside as often as possible (I know it can be difficult depending on your schedule, whether you have kids, etc.).

Also, stick with it. The first month or so can be really challenging, but YOU CAN DO IT. I'm speaking from experience. I've never been a runner, but I'm now halfway through Week 7 of C25K. I don't always love it, I admit, but it's amazing to see how your endurance progresses.

Don't be afraid to repeat days and even weeks until you feel comfortable moving on.

Good luck!

 

[hollieplus2]

THANKS for the everyone!!!! I was really really sore this morning so I didn't run outside. I was actually late for work so I'm going to run when I get home. I've been stretching all morning hoping to get back outside. If I'm still too sore I'll move back to the treadmill again tonight and then take another bath. I don't want to give up. I'm leaving for vacation in the morning and I've packed my running stuff. This will be the true test to my motivation. I'm trying to stick w/ it. Hoping to run/walk the ToT 10 Miler in September!!!!! What better motivation than a Disney race.

 

[Tabetha]

We all have bad run days. It sucks, but give yourself a break. Don't let it get you down - the next one will be better.

If you have anything on hand that will keep track of your pace while you're running, I'd say keep a close eye on it while you run outside so you don't over-extend yourself right away. And afford yourself the grace of starting off a little slower when you're outside than you run on the treadmill. At first, anyway.

And people may say it's overkill for short runs, but I'm such a huge fan of compression socks to fend off calf pain and shin splints. When I finished the Princess Half in February, my calves were the only muscle in my legs that *didn't* hurt thanks to my compression calf sleeves. I wear them for most runs.

 

[kirstie101]

I'm currently in week 6 and for whatever reason, week 3 was the hardest for me. Just stick with it and you'll be fine! Running outside vs a treadmill are defnitely different. And at least for me, its hard going from one to another. I'm used to running outside. When I started using the treadmill I hated it! But after a few runs on it I'm now comfortable with it. You never know, after a few more runs outside you might love it!

 

[afnaechiquita]

If your soreness is in a targeted area (ie just in your calves), pick up some Tiger Balm. It's more expensive than IcyHot for a little jar, but well worth the price. Rub it onto your calves and you'll get some relief. I use it on every pain!!

Keep up the good work!!

 

[MightyDuck001]

I think this falls under the category of "support" rather than advice. I just finished my first 5k on Sunday, and wanted to say getting there was tough. I did all of mine outdoors, but it definitely gets easier as the weeks go on and don't worry too much about speed and who's passing you. (oh the horror and shame when the high school track team took to the road near me!)

Go figure the only thing that could get me to do this was Disney.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Also make sure you are getting plenty of water before hand, my legs cramp up so bad if I don't hydrate before I run.
Keep up the good work on C25K!! I used it to run the Everest Challenge 5K at Disney last year. Now I've restarted to use it to build towards the Donald 1/2 in January.

 

[dara00]

I'm with you! I'm almost done with the c25k - on the treadmill I have successfully done 3 25 minute runs. However when I went outside last week I could barely run for 5 minutes! My first 5K is in 10 days and it's outside, so I really need to figure it out before then!

 

[10dedfish]

I was on week 9 of my C25k, and have lost about 14 lbs so far. I run mostly on the treadmill, as the Y is only about 2 miles from my house. The bad part, is that the Y is so full, I hate to run on the track. I was only jogging at about 5 mph on the treadmill, and was able to get my fitness up to an acceptable level. But this week, I decided to drop myself back several weeks and try to get my speed up, so I started with 6.5 mph. I will run that for while and see how bad I hurt at the end of the day.

I had not heard about 1-2% incline, but I may try that out since Im pretty much starting over. I was planning on running a 5k in a few weeks, but I don't think its going to happen due to scheduling (ie I dont have the time).

But, like everyone said, just keep swimming,er running! The important thing is to stick with it.

matt

 

[hollieplus2]

OP here back from vacation. I was supposed to run 2x while I was gone but only got 1 run in. My grandparents don't have a treadmill but they do have flat trails near their house so that's what I did. I tried W3D1 again on the trail. I still couldn't get through it but I did go a lot farther.

I've been running in the evening and on the treadmill. Every time I ran outside it was in the morning. I think I'm slightly dehydrated from not drinking for 8 hours and on a nearly empty stomach. I really think that's part of it.

So I came back yesterday and decided to try W3D2 today back on the treadmill. I got up and drank a full bottle of water and some eggs w/ 1 piece of bacon. I waited about 45min stretched really well and hopped in the treadmill. I finished the entire run. It wasn't easy but doable!!!!! my legs were very very tight but I pushed through.

I vacationed in FL but didn't hit up Disney. I did however make the 2 hour drive from grandmas to DTD to go to team Mickey and get a rundisney in training shirt. I love it!!!! Gave me motivation today when I ran.

Just wanted to update my progress.

 

[hops&dreams]

OP - Great job keeping it up - even on vaca! Also, I think it's good to test different times of day and take into acct your hydration and food/energy levels. This is something I didn't do until I started DOing races, and learned very quickly that I shouldn't pop a chicken nugget in my mouth right after doing a half... (I work well with a banana right after a race, then food at least 30 mins later).

Anyhoo - you're giving me the bug to start back on C25K (i've done it before), so I think I'm going to start up tonight, while DD is at softball practice. I'm also doing Jillian Michaels' 30 day shred, and I'm supposed to be run/walking a half with a friend in early May. Guess I should work on the run/walk stuff, huh?

I noticed when I did c25K before, that I did really well on the treadmill, but when I went outside, I had to virtually start over. I was on week 5? when I made the transition, and I went back down to week 2 and stalled on week 3. I just kept doing week 3 over and over, and never really felt as good as I had on the treadmill. So I just went with it, and eventually fell off the running wagon. But I'm back. We'll see how I do this time. My goal right now is to really train for a half in Sept. It'd be my first race with a time goal. (other than keeping ahead of the sweepers.)