Hello everyone!

I 've been a lurker here for a long time... but it's finally time to start my weight loss adventure back up!

I've been lifting weights for the last two weeks (a program that a trainer at my gym set me up with!) and I've been loving it.

But I've decided that on my days off I'd like to start the Couch to 5 K program! I've been doing 30 minutes on the eliptical, but I'd really love to learn to run!

My question is this:

I seem to notice that most people I've read do this program outdoors... is it possible to do it on a treadmill? And if so, what's the easiest way to do this?

Thanks in advance

You certainly can train on a treadmill, and it's a great place to start, but as I discovered, there's a huge difference between running a race outside and running on a treadmill. I did my first 5K on July 4, and it was the first time I'd run on pavement, and only the second time I'd run outside. My treadmill 5K time was much faster. So you can train inside, but I suggest that at least a couple of weeks before your first race you start training outside.

Good luck!! And be sure to go to a running store and get fitted for a great pair of shoes.

When I first started running I only ran on a treadmill and felt intimidated by going outside, firstly because it is much harder and secondly I was a bit insecure about it... NOW that I train mostly outside I LOVE it 100% more than inside... I actually call it the Dreadmill now if I have to go inside to run ... I don't see why you can't do the c25k on a dreadmill just use the same guidelines...

I love running inside, I use to run outside but weather would throw me off (days and even weeks). But everybody is different and running is running outside or inside....JUST STAY FOCUS and find something you can adhere too..Goodluck and definitely get good shoes. I thought that running on treadmill and not on the road, would be less on my ankles and my knees but my ankle has been sore couple of days had to tape up with ace bandage and continue ... the race .... hmmm 5k ... will look into that sounds like great goal i would love to accomplish

Thank You

I would love to run outside, but with 100+ degree days (not factoring the humidity yet!) and 100 extra pounds... just not able to do that! I'll take the A/C at the gym for now!

I suppose I'm just nervous about moving around the treadmill speeds, and also about what speed to jog at...

MrsQue - Just start by walking briskly if you must... when brisk walking is comfortable go to a light jog which can range anywhere from 3.5mph - 8mph depending on your fitness level... take is slow or you may injure yourself and then you're no further ahead... Make sure you warm up and cool down for at least 5 minutes, then stretch well after your brisk walk or run...

Just about the first time I ran outside was my first 5k race - I'd done everything up til then on a treadmill. I still mainly used the treadmill until I started running over an hour to prepare for a half marathon - and since then I've completely switched so that I mainly run outside. I love exploring new places and have seen parts of my city I barely knew existed. The treadmill is a great way to start, but once you get used to running please try outside - I bet you'll really love it!

I started the c25k program running outdoors and came down with knee injuries by week two. Now that my knees are starting to feel better, I plan to start back up on the program on a treadmill. I bought one just for that purpose. It is supposed to be easier on your joints. Good luck!

Totally agree with all the other posters. Treadmill should work for you. I agree with Ilene regarding your speed, etc. Take it first as a brisk walk and then slowly move up the speed. I don't own a treadmill so I can't give you any specific advice there, but before I started running I was power walking for a couple of months and then the running just evolved. I love running, even on the hot and humid days! And, this is coming from a 41 yo who hid out in the dressing rooms during Middle School PE because I HATED it with a passion. Brussel sprouts and running do grow on you, as mama said they would.

Best to you....

I am currently doing the couch to 5K program (W1D3) on the treadmill and I love it! I am able to monitor the time well and it's private. YOU CAN DO IT!!

As soon as weather permits and I get a little more comfortable with myself, I will be taking this party to the outdoors, or at least an indoor track. But for now, the treadmill is my friend!

I am on wk 8 of the c25k. I started it on the treadmill and still use it when I run out of daylight. The main thing that made me turn to running outside was that I wanted to learn to run to run in events not just for exercise. Now there arent any treadmill 5k's that I know about. I know that I have a mental block against running outside. Besides the treadmill actually being easier physically to run on it was also easier for me mentally...Being up for the challenge I started doing just one run a week outside and the sense of "I'm conquering the world..." I got from actually running OUTSIDE made me want to start doing ALL my running outside. I say whichever you choose as long as you can stick to it GO YOU! Who cares if it is on a treadmill.