Gym running to outdoor running

[Anonymous]

New runner here. I've mostly been running at the gym, minus one morning last week where it was GORGEOUS outside. Going on vacation soon where there's great places outdoors to run, but it's outdoors lol. it's on the ocean, so I'm hoping that will help (cool breeze), but how bad will this be?

I'm doing a Couch to 5k program and will hit the 5k mark days before we leave, and I'd like to keep it up while we're there and run 6-7 times over the 2 week period. I'm not a fan of humidity (I mean, who is lol), but how bad is it trying to run in it? Anything I can do so it's not as bad? Planning on running around 6am, earlier depending on the night before lol.

And yes I know, I'm on vacation, but I have a wedding in August and while I will indulge a bit, I want to keep my fitness level up. If I stop running for 2 weeks it will be hard for me to start again. It's FAR easier for me to stop doing it than to continue, so I need to continue

[Anonymous]

You will be fine. Depending on the temp/humidity and the elevation, you will likely need to go slower than usual and may need to cut back a bit on your distance. Running early in the morning is a great idea to combat the weather. Just modify your expectations a bit for the first few runs. Going slower or a shorter distance doesn't mean you aren't in good enough shape, it's just the reality of switching from indoor running to outdoor.

And make sure to bring water with you! I like the handheld sports bottles where you just slide your hand into the handle (so that you don't have to grip the bottle itself). At a gym, you're used to having your water bottle on the treadmill or a fountain easily accessible but when you go outdoors, you need to bring it with you. I would bring water even if you're only going for a short run because you might find yourself getting dehydrated a lot faster than when you run inside.

[Anonymous]

^^PP here. Also, give some thought to what you normally wear when running inside to determine whether it will work for outdoor running. If it's really hot and humid where you are going, you may need to get some running shorts and a tank or sleeveless running shirt. Technical, moisture-wicking fabric is key.

I also like to wear a baseball style hat when I run because I hate having the sun in my eyes when I run. I think mine is from Nike so it's made with the moisture-wicking tech fabric. It also keeps sweat from dripping down into my eyes.

Lastly, sunblock!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:^^PP here. Also, give some thought to what you normally wear when running inside to determine whether it will work for outdoor running. If it's really hot and humid where you are going, you may need to get some running shorts and a tank or sleeveless running shirt. Technical, moisture-wicking fabric is key.

I also like to wear a baseball style hat when I run because I hate having the sun in my eyes when I run. I think mine is from Nike so it's made with the moisture-wicking tech fabric. It also keeps sweat from dripping down into my eyes.

Lastly, sunblock!

OP Here - I know I will forget this at least once hahaha, and then pay the price! Water bottle is ordered. Thanks for the suggestions!

[Anonymous]

Try not to slack on the distance. I’m a runner of 24 years and I struggle in the heat. I never try to cut the distance too much but I do often leave my watch at home so I don’t even worry about time or pace, or if you can simply ignore it while running your watch (like, I know we all want the Apple Watch workout credit!!) just ignore the pace. Accept it will be hot and sucky.

I generally try to plan a route past a water fountain, or carry one of those small 8 ounce water bottles I can maybe refill along the way (I hate belts that carry the bottles). I have a cooling towel I’ll tuck in the tank top straps that helps, especially if I can go by a fountain and re-wet it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Try not to slack on the distance. I’m a runner of 24 years and I struggle in the heat. I never try to cut the distance too much but I do often leave my watch at home so I don’t even worry about time or pace, or if you can simply ignore it while running your watch (like, I know we all want the Apple Watch workout credit!!) just ignore the pace. Accept it will be hot and sucky.

I generally try to plan a route past a water fountain, or carry one of those small 8 ounce water bottles I can maybe refill along the way (I hate belts that carry the bottles). I have a cooling towel I’ll tuck in the tank top straps that helps, especially if I can go by a fountain and re-wet it.

OP Here - I just snagged a small water bottle, which I'm sure will be fine. I'm not at any sort of great distance (3 miles), but it's more than I've run in a very long time, so I don't want to lose it. Completely flat road that is exactly 1.5 miles long, so pretty easy to run down to the end and back. I'm pretty sure I can get through the distance okay, maybe a tad slower but none the less

[Anonymous]

Definitely try to go as early as possible. If its humid and/or hot, don't be ashamed to have to stop a couple times. You're still getting a great workout regardless. You got this.

[Anonymous]

Running in the sand is hard and can feel totally defeatist, like you have sludge for legs. Feel the burn the next day tho!!! I lost serious weight on my beach runs that felt like slogging...mad calorie burn. Wish i had a beach nearby.on the reg....