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    • CommentAuthorjunebug1
    • CommentTimeMar 12th 2008
     
    junebug1
    Hi all- I am fairly new to running, and am up to about 3 miles at a time.  Due to the weather most of my running the last few months has been on a treadmill but with the better conditions I am ready to get outside.  Any advice for me?  The particular route I'm going to try is somewhat hilly so I'm expecting that I will need to slow my pace somewhat.  Thanks in advance for any advice.
    • CommentAuthormollyt
    • CommentTimeMar 12th 2008
     
    mollyt
    Where do you live?  I live in Minnesota and I find that there is often times a difference in your times based on the weather outside. Even though it warming up outside, because it is not 68 degrees like when you run inside, this may add to longer times.  So, don't be discouraged, running outside is much more enjoyable.  I just finished a 4 miler at lunch and at 30 degrees, it was beautiful!
    • CommentAuthorwestconn
    • CommentTimeMar 12th 2008
     
    westconn

    The key thing to remember about hills is to make sure the effort going up the hill is the same as the effort going down.  This does NOT mean your pace should be the same.  Instead, accept that your pace will drop down as you climb the hill.....just make sure you are keeping a steady effort.  Likewise, as you descend the hill you will likely go faster with much less effort.  Don't turn the effort off completely as you come down.....even effort.

    Too many people get freaked out by hills because they try to keep the pace steady on both sides of the hill.

    • CommentAuthorjunebug1
    • CommentTimeMar 12th 2008
     
    junebug1
    thank you both for your responses.  I am in Kansas, today is a beautiful day and about 70 degrees.  It was a tough run but I got through and look forward to getting outside more. 
    • CommentAuthorjoshlitt
    • CommentTimeMar 12th 2008
     
    joshlitt

    If you wait for 70 degrees to go outside, you're missing some of the best outdoor running! I grew up in Florida, so on moving to the northeast 30 years ago, I was very hesitant about winter running.  But, aside from occasional icy roads, I have found running outside in the winter a pure joy, even in the single digits.  I hit the treadmill very rarely (like low-30's, rain, driving wind) because I find outdoor running so much more invigorating.  For me the key is not to overdress for the temperature.

    From my point of view (mostly outdoors, little treadmill), the biggest differences from indoors are that treadmill running is generally faster than a flat road (unless you use some incline), and that the treadmill paces and pushes you (to the extent you let it).  Off the treadmill, you may need to focus more on pace (unless, of course, you want to relax, which I find hard to do on a treadmill).  I run as much for mental relaxation as fitness, and I find that more elusive on  a treadmill.

    Enjoy your time outdoors!

     

    • CommentAuthorjunebug1
    • CommentTimeMar 12th 2008
     
    junebug1
    Thanks Josh.  I guess I am kind of a wimp with the cold weather, but we get some pretty windy conditions here too that tend to keep me indoors.  I will definitely look into getting outside more often, you all are making it sound like a lot more fun than the 'dreadmill'.  Laughing
    • CommentAuthoralcapeachi
    • CommentTimeMar 12th 2008
     
    alcapeachi

    running out side is much more entertaining than on a treadmill by far. the only time it is nearly as good i when i can see myself in the mirror Tongue out hehe, well i would say run all weathers they all have there benefits. driving wind makes u run harder. hot weather makes it harder as the heat can take its toll. but my personal favourite is in the rain, especially with the driving wind. it makes you run so much harder for two reasons, a) because u have to push against the winds and b) just to keep warm!

     when ever it rains i always try to run in it, after all,

     

                  ' its not tranin' unless its ranin' '

     

     

    alcapeachi,

     

    Good luck and keep up the running (Y) 

     


     

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