Runners, thoughts on moving to treadmill over winter

[fitasafiddle]

This year I've really got into running and have been steadily improving. However, its now dark when I'm able to go in the evening after work and often raining and muddy. I've been out a few times with a headtorch but feel worried im going to fall or slip on leaves etc. Thinking about doing mostly running on a treadmill for the next few months. What do other runners do over winter?

[PaddingtonPaddington]

Have you considered joining a running club? It’s much more fun running with others and a great way to keep motivated over the winter.

[somewheresorted]

I run outside, in fact I prefer Autumn/Winter running much more than in the summer. I couldn’t imagine running on a treadmill as for me it’s about getting outside in the fresh air.

[shoebedobedobedobedoo]

I’m an on off runner. My husband wanted a running machine about 18 months ago. I was fairly against this. I have maintained for my whole life (without ever having tried them)that I hate running machines/the gym/any indoors exercise that could reasonably done outside. I’m a convert. I LOVE our running machine. I have run so much more since we had it. Weather rubbish? No problem. DH home late (means I can’t go out as dc still young), no problem. Only 30 minutes? I can squeeze one in. It’s been a life changer in our house and I couldn’t recommend it highly enough.

[madaboutrunning]

If you're worried about mud/slipping, get yourself some trail shoes. They have much better grips than road shoes and if you get a fairly generic pair you can use them on and off road. Get a decent headtorch so you can see where you're going too. They'll cost a lot less than a treadmill and you'll still get all the benefits of running outside.

[Runningonempty84]

I still run outside in winter. Mainly on trails, but on roads too. Usually alone. I just wear a headtorch and crack on. No way I'd switch to the dreadmill.

[Runningonempty84]

And if you fall over...you just get up again! Trips and slips are par for the course. Tbh I can't remember the number of times I've stacked it on fell and trail races.

[DirtyWindow]

I run outside (daytime weekends), if I run after work (not often) then I stick to roads. Treadmills are sooo boring and I'd rather be cold than sweaty.

[LeGrandBleu]

I like running outdoor in winter but not in the rain and not in total darkness even with a head torch. Falling during a race in daylight and falling alone at night is very different. I don't want to be hit in the face by a low branch and have an ankle injury because of a hidden root.
I am not a fan of treadmill, but in this case I would go for it. You need however a good quality one and they are expensive. Look for technogym second hands. Sometime they have warehouse sales.

[lljkk]

I run on roads if it's dark (trails in daylight).
Treadmill is fine if you enjoy it & have room for it, OP.

[AuntieStella]

I keep going no outside, but I have time to run in the mornings (when it's light) or I go with a group after dark. I just like running outdoors

I don't get on well with treadmills - and I think they can scent fear! But if you get on well with one, then I can easily see the attraction of running in a warm dry place, possibly with mindless catch up TV to occupy the mind when you need a long run. (It's sounding ever more appealing just from typing that!)

[FartnissEverbeans]

I live in the Middle East and a treadmill is the only option for me over the summer - running outside in 45C would be dangerous.

I’m not going to lie - I don’t like it much. 5 or 6k is fine but longer runs are so, so boring. The furthest I’ve managed on a treadmill is 14km. I’ve found podcasts make a big difference and I even started to quite enjoy my runs when I was listening to Serial.

It’s finally winter and I ran outside today. 9km in 35C at 7am and I can tell you I was longing for a treadmill and an air conditioned gym by the end of it! I honestly thought I was going to throw up at points. So the treadmill certainly has its benefits, not to mention the fact that it can be really convenient. It is super boring though.

[Knittedbear]

The dark nights have really messed up my running routine.

I don't feel safe running through the park at night, which leaves me with the pavements. I guess I just have to get used to it but I don't like it. I have considered joining a gym but running a treadmill just isn't the same, and I'm not really about paying for gym membership when I can exercise for free.

Just a question about running clubs, can anyone join one? I e googled but can't seem to find much info. I'm not very good or fast but I wouldn't mind running on a track during winter.