Nervous about running outside.

katie_cj

The weather has started to warm up here and I keep thinking that I should plan one of my runs outside, but I seem to have a mental block.

I need my music to motivate me and I've been doing well on the treadmill, it just seems easier to do intervals on it.

I guess I'm scared of being hit by a car or something. 

Did anyone else have trouble adjusting from running on a TM to running outside?

shauni27

When I started running last year I was a TM only gal--it was the dead of winter here and too cold and snowy to run outside.  I was so nervous to run outside when spring finally came--hills, no magazines to entertain me, etc.  But I just bucked up and did it.  Mostly I started wtih really short runs in the neighborhood--1-2 miles.  But one day I just had my husband drive me 8 miles and drop me off, and I was forced to run home.  It was SO hard, but after that I was hooked!  Now I hate the TM and cannot wait to run outside in this beautiful weather

JReeds9

Don't be nervous! I was a little nervous at first too but I love running outside! I don't mind the treadmill but now I love running outside so much more :^)

Mrs.Handy

Years ago, I was a treadmill only person. But after I got pregnant, had a baby, and stopped having time to go to the gym, I dropped my gym membership and was forced outside when I finally decided to start running again last August.

I love running outside so much more now! Thanks to this mild winter, I haven't had to run on the treadmill once.

Just bite the bullet and you will grow to love running outside.

aswartzw

I love running outside.  I started just running in my subdivision because it's full of old people and slow driving cars so I felt safe.  Then I moved to the safe neighborhoods where it is full of runners/bicyclists so I know I will see someone else out when I run and cars are still driving slow and are friendly towards outside exercisers.  There is no better motivator than seeing someone else braving the elements just like you.  I even love running in cold weather now with crazy wind.  It is just fun.

jerseygirl81

Running outside is amazing, I loathe the treadmill. I actually find it easier, because the terrain varies more, there are things to look at, and when the weather is nice, it just feels great to be outside. I still do my intervals on the treadmill and longer runs when the weather is really bad, but I hate every second of it

kimsy

I'm the opposite. I love running outside, but I'm afraid of the treadmill. I get dizzy on it and am always afraid I'll go flying off the back. 

If you are nervous, try bringing a friend the first couple of times you go. I think you'll love it--it is so peaceful to be outside. 

BsNakedlady

I'm a newbie "runner" (I'm actually more of a jogger/walker). I started on the treadmill in January and ran outside for the first time a few weeks ago. I'm now sold on running outside.

The very first day was hard because I had a harder time pacing myself and started out too fast. Once I figured out a sustainable pace, it's became really enjoyable. I run in my neighborhood if I'm not going very far and I go to the local lake to challenge myself. The lake is man-made with routes for runners and cyclists. It's kind of fun to be out there with all the people. As a beginner, it's encouraging to be out with real athletes.

katie_cj

Thank you! I know I just have to bite the bullet and do it. I think I'm worried about being able to pace myself.

I think I'll start with a 2km run this week-end. That would be a run to the lights and back home. It will probably help break the ice.