New Runner questions

[AnotherPrincess]

I have it in my head that I want to do the 2012 Wine and Dine Half. I'm currently on Week 5 of Galloway's 8 week conditioning plan for those who need more fitness before beginning a half plan. It's been going fine, and I'm progressing according to plan, which I feel great about. Now that it's getting cold, I find that I really don't like to run in sub freezing temps. Is it ok to run on a tread mill when it's just too cold for me? Do I need different shoes for the tread mill as opposed to outside? Do I need to scratch the tread mill idea completely and just suck it up? When it's icy outside, how do you keep from sliding down? I had that problem this morning and finally gave up on it, which is the first day I haven't completed the day's workout.

 

[timmac]

I have it in my head that I want to do the 2012 Wine and Dine Half. I'm currently on Week 5 of Galloway's 8 week conditioning plan for those who need more fitness before beginning a half plan. It's been going fine, and I'm progressing according to plan, which I feel great about. Now that it's getting cold, I find that I really don't like to run in sub freezing temps. Is it ok to run on a tread mill when it's just too cold for me? Do I need different shoes for the tread mill as opposed to outside? Do I need to scratch the tread mill idea completely and just suck it up? When it's icy outside, how do you keep from sliding down? I had that problem this morning and finally gave up on it, which is the first day I haven't completed the day's workout.

I use these for outdoor running in icy months: http://www.icespike.net/

Treadmill is certainly ok, just that it can be dreadfully boring, hence it's nickname by some of "dreadmill".

 

[rubato]

Yes, the treadmill will work, but try not to rely on it too much because it's not the same as running outside (it's easier). I am a weirdo who likes to run in the snow and ice, but it's not everyone's cup of tea. Do whatever keeps you running.

 

[loislane]

I run almost exclusively on the treadmill these days and I love it. To compensate for the fact that the treadmill is slightly easier because it moves your foot back for you instead of you pushing off your leg as much as you do when running outside, I just set my incline at 1.5 or 2 percent for a normal run and I also make sure to do incline work at least once a week.

And you don't need anything special to run on the treadmill. Same shoes you use outside are fine. I do have a fan set up near mine because it gets hot, even in an unheated mudroom, and I keep a small towel on the handrail for sweat wiping. LOL