Outdoor Running

So this is my first ever forum, and I hope it isn't a repeat. 

Last night I decided that I wasn't going to run on my treadmill as much and try to run outside more. So I set my alarm for 5:30 this morning, and to my surprise it was black outside. I waited until it was 6 and the sun had begun to rise and I pushed myself out the door. I began running thinking, "this is amazing, the birds, the air, just great!" Then I wore myself out to fast and had to walk, this has never happened to me on a treadmill and then my lungs began to hurt, the once amazing air seemed to be suffocating me! I walked for a bit and tired to get past the pain then saw my street and began to run again. 

So my question is, is this normal for first time outdoor running? Or is this just me out of shape? I've been running outside before but in the afternoon spring weather and went a little over 2 miles. 

absolutely normal, its not the same as running on the treadmill, been there done that, lol. Its gets easier, just take it slow at first. I enjoy running outside a whole lot more now, but at first it sucked, my legs hurt and I got out of breath like I havent ran a day in my life, lol. But  its acutually fun now, and I only started about a month and a half ago, just keep at it. HTP

Thanks so much! I'm glad I'm not the only one hah. You've really motivated me to do it again tomorrow.

Personally I can run faster the further outside then on the treadmill but the treadmill is supposedly easier.  You are at a set speed on the treadmill and outside you can run faster and wear yourself out more without realizing it.  Not to mention the wind can really wear you down as well.

Last night I ran 4.5 miles outside but it would kill me to do that on the treadmill!  LOL

The first five to ten minutes of ANY exercise is the hardest.  That's why the experts suggest you warm up by walking, then walking briskly, then some slow jogging, for about five minutes.  Then, take off running.  It gives your body and lungs time to adapt to the stresses you are putting on them.

Excellent work by the way.  Running outside opens up a whole new world of possibilities.

Thank you both, wesmckean and kelly827! I guess I just need to get into the habit everyday and it will become easier. I'm definitely going to take it slower in the beginning, great advice!

When I first went outside to run I freaked out.  I got less than 1/4 mile down our street and felt like the biggest loser.  I was out of breath, tired, and SORE.  On the treadmill I had been running 3 miles without blinking...outside is totally different but now I run 5 miles outside and it's the BEST.  Just takes a while to get your body acclimated to it.

LOL, but you brought back a very hilarious memory for me!  Keep with it!  It gets better!

Not sure where I read it but they suggest if you have to run on the "dreadmill" to set it at an inclide of at least 1%. If I can't run outside because of schedule and have to run on the treadmill then I'll do my warm up at 1% and increase by .5% till i'm comfortable. Today I went up as high as 3%.

I think it said that since roads or trails aren't level like the treadmill then rising the incline gets you ready for the different elevations you might run on.

Can anyone vouche for that?

Cheers!

It is absolutly normal. Running outside is a lot harder then running on the treadmill. Keep it up and you'll see you'll get the hang of it really fast! :)