Running question.....

[KarenB]

So lately I have wanted to try and run a 5K. I put the couch to 5k app (with the brown background, there are a few of them) or my iphone which has been working really well for me. I am running on a treadmill for now and plan to switch to outside as soon as it gets a bit warmer and more daylight hours. I just started week 4.

Anyway, my question is this. How do I get myself to look up when I am running. I focus on a spot on the part of the treadmill "panel?" that has the speed, time, etc. I don't watch the time, but focus on a picture. If I look up or around, I tend to get dizzy or off balance.

Any suggestions?
Karen

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Personally--there is a different sensation running on a treadmill than on the road. I have the best luck with watching a tv. But truly it takes practice.

On the road, we are accustomed to watching where we are going--but on a treadmill we are jogging in place. I'm sure there is some sort of equilibrium thing going on....but staying on the treadmill is the most important thing.

So just like they have you doing intervals to prepare to run continuously, I might use the walk breaks to practice looking up and then on runs, get your bearings and then practice looking up 5-10 seconds at a time. Slowly increase that.

Looking at the panel is fine as long as you don't do it continuously.

Even on the road, it takes practice to run upright and not hunched over staring at the ground.

 

[KarenB]

Personally--there is a different sensation running on a treadmill than on the road. I have the best luck with watching a tv. But truly it takes practice.

On the road, we are accustomed to watching where we are going--but on a treadmill we are jogging in place. I'm sure there is some sort of equilibrium thing going on....but staying on the treadmill is the most important thing.

So just like they have you doing intervals to prepare to run continuously, I might use the walk breaks to practice looking up and then on runs, get your bearings and then practice looking up 5-10 seconds at a time. Slowly increase that.

Looking at the panel is fine as long as you don't do it continuously.

Even on the road, it takes practice to run upright and not hunched over staring at the ground.

Ok-sounds like you understand what I am saying and I am not crazy. I noticed today that I could look up a little, but then I would kind of "startle" myself...kind of like that feeling when you are sitting on a stool and feel like you are going to go backwards off of it.

I do realize that there will be a big adjustment when I get off the treadmill and go on the road. I may have to backtrack a little on the program when I go out. That is okay though, a month ago I could not even run for 90 seconds. Today I am running half of my time!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Ok-sounds like you understand what I am saying and I am not crazy. I noticed today that I could look up a little, but then I would kind of "startle" myself...kind of like that feeling when you are sitting on a stool and feel like you are going to go backwards off of it.

I do realize that there will be a big adjustment when I get off the treadmill and go on the road. I may have to backtrack a little on the program when I go out. That is okay though, a month ago I could not even run for 90 seconds. Today I am running half of my time!

I have trained for a few long distance races (half/full marathons) on them.

And I might have stumbled a time or two or more...

If you have only been doing this for 4 weeks, the sensations will settle down eventually. Especially the one where it still feels like you are on it after you have gotten off.

The theory is that treadmill running is easier than road running b/c you have a machine controlling your pacing.

To compensate on the road, I find a GPS very helpful. That way if I start slacking, I have data that shows that and I can pick up the pace.

Excellent work on your training!

I had begun the couch to 5K to get back into it post baby, but am dealing with a shoulder issue (unrelated to the running) and haven't hopped back on since running requires arm motion which involves shoulder which equals ouch. I did get me some new running shoes. But can't break them in yet now that I am in occupational therapy to help with the shoulder. (injury related to baby carrying and awkward sleeping)

FYI--there are posters on the wish boards that you may help with support. Many have done couch to 5K and many are familiar with the treadmill vs. asphalt running.

 

[KarenB]

FYI--there are posters on the wish boards that you may help with support. Many have done couch to 5K and many are familiar with the treadmill vs. asphalt running.

I always forget about that board. I'll have to take a stroll over there.

 

[cepmom]

it just takes some getting used to...I started the couch to 5K on a treadmill too and didn't have that problem for too long. I never looked continuously at the panel though and usually looked forward at the window in front of me. At about week 8 or 9 I started running outside and I was hooked! It was an adjustment for sure compared to the treadmill but as the weather here is turning to winter, I am having to face running on the treadmill again and I'm dreading it. I'm hoping to only deal with that when the roads are truly icy or otherwise unsafe. Good luck!