If I do 6 miles in 60 minutes on the elliptical, do you think I could handle...

[niceguy07]

...running a 5K outdoors? I want to build up to doing outdoor running. I'm currently not in training for any race at the moment.

 

[lestermount]

certainly. even though the elliptical should be easier than running you are going twice the distance of a 5Km.

 

[BentSnowman]

For sure, elliptical will increase your cardiovascular fitness, and while it is nothing like running (more like skiing), you can be comfortable doing a 5K. You will not be as comfortable as if you trained by running, but you can do it just fine given you are doubling the distance/time.

For longer distances, elliptical training will not work effectively (if at all) though.