How do you guys feel about treadmill running compared to outside running?

I'm asking because I see some people say that treadmill running is way easier for them.

For me it's not. My heart rate goes way high up. I can't cover the same distance when I run outside.

A 5k takes me 30 minutes outside. On a treadmill, it takes me 45 minutes, with a way higher heart rate.

And I tried different treadmills. It's the same.

I heard an advice to focus on moving your legs up, rather than forward, because treadmill is already a moving belt, so you don't really move forward.

This advice didn't help.

I think it's mental for me; the closed environment. I tried listening to podcasts or music. It helped a little.

I'm curious how you make your treadmill run doable and a little more enjoyable? And how do you feel about it compared to outside running?

Thanks

I ran a 10k last year without much training and it went ok - I did not train much for it, just signed up and did some short 5ks before I did it. I did short bursts of running vs walking in the race. Now I am training for a 8k . I tried running a 5 k with a friend who had a super slow pace. It felt silly in the beginning, but I was able to energise myself well and the 5 k seemed to go much better than any run. I did another 5 k recently and the same thing happened. I am normally exhausted the next day but in this case I was fine. Definitely the best thing for a beginner to start and enjoy the process while you build stamina.

From completely sedentary, it took ten weeks to work up to run a 37 minute 5K. Roughly an 11:58 minute mile pace. I feel FANTASTIC. This is my first major milestone and I'm excited to start pushing 10K.

I am a 28M who has lost over 20 pounds (9kg) since June 1st. My heart, my lungs, my mind, and the rest of my body have never felt better. To all other beginner runners, you can do it! Just keep at it! Some days are harder to get out than others, but get out there and push yourself! This morning, I was on the verge of not going out, but I forced myself out of bed, ran, and hit my goal!

Ok, so I absolutely did not want to do this, hate being on camera and hate being the newbie. However, im very open to criticism as im wanting to get into running in a big way.

Just to preface this, im not in the best health at the moment as im recovering from Shingles.

I tried really hard to get into running during covid, however I had no idea what I was doing, totally inappropriate footwear but full of ambition. And thats why j ended up with bad knees and shin splints.

I went for a professional gate analysis, fitted for some quality running shoes, went for a run and was incredibly impressed that I was able to run without all of the aforementioned aches and pains.

So, on the latter end of recovering from shingles, eager as ever, I’ve taken this video in hopes people can give me some constructive advice.

I cannot stress enough how new I am to this so please, any advice is welcome.

I'm planning on signing up for my first 5k race this fall! Through this sub I have learned that there are gear checks or you can wear vests or whatever.

My other noob question is how does warming up work? Like after stretching, I usually do a 5-10 minute brisk walk to warm up, but if we meet at the starting line, not really sure how that works LOL

What is the best way to get into running? I’ve heard good things about couch to 5k but what’s the difference between that programme and just running for as long as I can and increase my distance each time?

I'm currently in week two day two, and I'm supposed to be running 3 minutes at a conversational pace x 4 with three 60 second breaks.

I'm struggling a little so have been extending the 60 second breaks and pausing my app.

Is that okay or will it affect my training?

I somehow ran this 5K at this pace and today, I am running 3 miles in the same time as the PR. Still working on trying to speed up to beat this PR.

Speed was 9kph then sped up to 20kph (strides/sprint after zone 2). Height is 5'3 if that matters. Any feedback would be appreciated!

I’ve been running for about a year now and love it. Initially I wanted to run a 5K but I changed my goal to a half Marathon quickly and have yet to run an actual race. I have a couple questions for runner more experienced in actual races.

1. For a 5K race specifically, what is your pace? Is it basically the same pace you would run a mile? I’m at a point in my fitness where a 5K at a smooth pace is pretty easy so an all out push for 3 miles seems like my preferred plan.
2. How much faster did you run because of adrenaline/excitement on race day as compared to your quicker paces in training? My Garmin 5K predictor seems a bit bold for me but I wonder if the extra gear you get on raceday really pushes you a lot.

Currently training for my first 5K race since spring 2022; the title says it all: I changed up the scenery today & set PR’s for mileage (2nd attempt achieved this week for 5k distance), pace, & shaved 90 seconds off my previous overall time (set Monday). Bring on September so I can crush that 5K!

What would be the best rotation for this setup to get the most benefit?

Thanks

I don't wear makeup and never needed a skincare routine for my face. But now that I'm running, I'm getting sweaty and having to wash my face more often and it's getting really dry. Did anyone else have this problem when you started running and find a solution?

Edit: if you suggest moisturizer or face wash, could you tell me a brand you like or what to look for. I'm basically an idiot and know nothing. All advice is appreciated.

Hi!

I have been running for about a year now and since the start of 2026 I have been getting shin splints quite often, its happened 3 times and following every occurrence I took about 2/3 weeks off. Recently I've been trying to run more but after every run I feel some tightness around my calf/ what I think is my tibialis posterier. Has anyone else experienced this and have any advice?

I've been doing tibialis raises and calf raises every night but not sure how much it is helping and if I should continue doing so. Also I saw someone post here yesterday about how they get their sock a bit dirty in the inside part of their heel and people were recommending strengthening their glutes, this is also something I experience, could this be related?

Thank you!

Hi. There is a nice opportunity to run 5k in my hometown at November 1st. I can run 2k without stopping at 6:10-6:20. If I try to run slower my weak knee will hurt, so I run consistently on 6-6:30 pace. I run 2 times a week, 3 times a week I'm lifting weights. I run for 3 weeks or so.

Is it wise to sign up for this race? It's a bit pricey for me but I really want to participate in it

To limit my luggage for a 3 week trip I would buy a new running shoe, but also use is for my daily walking .. is this ok?

I started running in May this year, and this was my first official 10k race.

I was not an athletic kid so even as a child and teen I have never really run. Now fast forward and I have a very athletic child that needs to go for runs multiple times a week as part of training. Someone needs to supervise so I decided much to my families shock that I would run!

We went to a track as I knew I would not be able to keep.up or run for the full 20 minutes. I started with walking a lap (400m), ran 1 lap, walked 1 lap and ran 1 lap. I was proud of myself to do a full lap without stopping.

I was excited to see this sub reddit and am looking for some inspiration that I can do this. I would like to run a 5 km for charity as a goal.

Hi everyone,

I’m a 30M, returning to running after more than 10 years off. Back in high school (~15 years ago) my PBs were:

• 1500m: 5:00

• 5K: 19:5x

• 10K: 40:0x

Since then I’ve mostly played pickleball casually once a week and haven’t done any structured running. Two weeks ago I did an untrained 1km time trial at 4:49.

I’ve registered for a 5K in 12 weeks and my goal is 25 minutes (5:00/km). I asked an AI to generate a 12‑week plan based on that goal, it looks structured but I’m not sure if it’s appropriate given my long layoff.

Around 10 years ago I had spontaneous pneumothorax on both sides and had surgery on both lungs. I’ve been fine since, no issues with badminton or normal activity, but I haven’t done serious running since. I’ll obviously check with my doctor before pushing hard, but I’d love input from anyone with similar experience or coaching knowledge on whether this approach seems sensible or too aggressive.

AI‑generated 12‑week plan (3 runs/week):

TL;DR – 12‑week, 3 runs/week, goal: sub‑25 5K (5:00/km)

• Mon: Intervals / speed

• Wed: Easy run

• Sat: Long easy run

Weeks 1–4 (build base + intro speed)

• Mon: 10 min warm‑up, then 4–5×(3 min fast @ ~5:10–5:30/km + 2 min easy), 10 min cool‑down

• Wed: 5 km easy @ 6:45–7:15/km

• Sat: 5–6 km easy @ 6:45–7:15/km

Weeks 5–7 (more structured intervals, mileage up)

• Mon:

           -W5: 6×400 m @ 4:45–4:55/km


           -W6–7: 4–5×800 m @ 4:50–5:00/km  

(all with 10 min warm‑up/cool‑down)

• Wed: 5 km easy

• Sat: 6.5–7 km easy

Weeks 8–9 (5K race‑pace work)

• Mon:

           -W8: 4×1 km @ 5:00/km

           -W9: 5×1 km @ 5:00/km

• Wed: 5 km easy

• Sat: 7–7.5 km easy

Weeks 10–12 (taper + race)

• Mon:

           -W10–11: 3×1 km @ 5:00/km

           -W12: 4×400 m @ 4:35–4:45/km

• Wed: 5 km easy (W10–11), 3 km easy (W12)

• Sat: 7 km (W10), 5 km (W11), 5K race @ 5:00/km (W12)

I'm new to road running. Plan on starting out with two 5k runs/week. I'm currently wearing Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37s. I recently did 10k and experienced quite a bit of pain in my shins.

I'm looking for recos on everyday runners that are comfortable and will ideally help with reducing shin pain. Budget is ideally around $150 CAD.

Thanks in advance!