Why do I run faster on a treadmill than outside?
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bnmoyler
Posts: 133 Member
So about a year and half ago, I discovered that treadmill running and outdoor running was different. While I had worked myself up to a 6.3mph on a treadmill, I could barely run 3 minutes outside. I noticed these differed as far as the muscles being used. A few months ago, I revisited outdoor running and was happy to know that I had improved and could run the same two miles I was running on the treadmill- just at a slower pace. I was running more at 5.5mph for my two mile segment. I am convinced that I will increase my speed naturally and gradually but here lately, I'm much more interested in longer distances. Has any else experienced the contrast between the two? I mean, while I go much farther distances now doing intervals, is it better or just as good as cranking up the intensity for a much shorter distance? My usual last year was 2 miles per day 4 days per week as 6.3mph on a treadmill. This year, I go to the trail and do 8 miles (intervals averaging 5-5.2 mph) for 3 days per week. The good thing about the trail is it's very hilly. I have no doubt in my mind that I have improved because I am not a runner nor have a ever been a fit person so this is big for someone like me.
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Because it's easier.0
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LoneWolfRunner wrote: »Because it's easier.
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Definitely. I can run 7 miles easy on the treadmill but have to take a walk break after 2 miles outside. I read somewhere that you should set your incline at 1% to mimic the difficulty outside, so I do that now. It's better but I still think the treadmill is easier.0
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Definitely. I can run 7 miles easy on the treadmill but have to take a walk break after 2 miles outside. I read somewhere that you should set your incline at 1% to mimic the difficulty outside, so I do that now. It's better but I still think the treadmill is easier.
Ok I can see that. So in order for my to do outside what I was doing on the treadmill, more would be required.0 -
The treadmill basically offers an "assist"...you don't get that "assist" when you're outside...it's all you.0
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You use more muscles and you tread more carefully outdoors, as you have to watch for uneven pavement. I like outdoors running more; greater variety.
To gradually get faster, go longer at your regular pace as you are building up your cardiovascular capacity.
I still do intervals and I run three times a week with breaks in between to allow my tendons and muscles time to catch up with the changes.0 -
cwolfman13 wrote: »The treadmill basically offers an "assist"...you don't get that "assist" when you're outside...it's all you.
This
Also, you aren't fighting wind and terrain0 -
I put in about 3564343743343876764 hours on the elliptical machine, so I thought I would have a pretty good jump on running outdoors.
Nope.0 -
Thanks guys. This helps alot. I understand and it's true- It's harder but much more enjoyable. I want to keep going because I enjoy nature and those long distances have been building my capacity. So I'll take my treadmill days as a tool used to prepare me in a sense for outdoor running. :-)0
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jennifer_417 wrote: »I put in about 3564343743343876764 hours on the elliptical machine, so I thought I would have a pretty good jump on running outdoors.
Nope.
Thats funny. Yea, outdoors is a totally different thing. I figured if I can do it on a treadmill, then surely I can handle the terrain!!! Boy I was terribly mistaking.0 -
To add onto it..the first 10 mins running outdoors tend to be the hardest, always. After that initial rough patch, it's smooth. I also find treadmil running to be easier but when I go outside, those 10 mins (compared to treadmil) are a lot harder but the key is not to stop and push through it and the rest of your run will be easier.0
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williamwj2014 wrote: »To add onto it..the first 10 mins running outdoors tend to be the hardest, always. After that initial rough patch, it's smooth. I also find treadmil running to be easier but when I go outside, those 10 mins (compared to treadmil) are a lot harder but the key is not to stop and push through it and the rest of your run will be easier.
oh my god yes. and sometimes it's even twenty minutes if you're going for a long run.
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Capt_Apollo wrote: »williamwj2014 wrote: »To add onto it..the first 10 mins running outdoors tend to be the hardest, always. After that initial rough patch, it's smooth. I also find treadmil running to be easier but when I go outside, those 10 mins (compared to treadmil) are a lot harder but the key is not to stop and push through it and the rest of your run will be easier.
oh my god yes. and sometimes it's even twenty minutes if you're going for a long run.
We just had this discussion on a facebook group I'm a member of. Apparently "the first mile is a liar" for almost everyone. lol For me its miles 1 and 2 (though 2 is better than 1), and after that, I'm in the zone and in my happy place. Haven't run in a few weeks, so miles 1 and 2 are going to especially suck tomorrow.0 -
The belt is moving your legs along....................whether you want to or not which is why it's easier to do on a treadmill. IMO, if you want to mimic it more, move the incline to 3.5 level then run.
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The belt is moving your legs along....................whether you want to or not which is why it's easier to do on a treadmill. IMO, if you want to mimic it more, move the incline to 3.5 level then run.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
Yep, I don't think I can run on a treadmill at 6.3 with a 3.5 inline lol0 -
Capt_Apollo wrote: »williamwj2014 wrote: »To add onto it..the first 10 mins running outdoors tend to be the hardest, always. After that initial rough patch, it's smooth. I also find treadmil running to be easier but when I go outside, those 10 mins (compared to treadmil) are a lot harder but the key is not to stop and push through it and the rest of your run will be easier.
oh my god yes. and sometimes it's even twenty minutes if you're going for a long run.
We just had this discussion on a facebook group I'm a member of. Apparently "the first mile is a liar" for almost everyone. lol For me its miles 1 and 2 (though 2 is better than 1), and after that, I'm in the zone and in my happy place. Haven't run in a few weeks, so miles 1 and 2 are going to especially suck tomorrow.
On a 8 mile day, I start feeling good after about 1.5-2 miles. If I can make it to 2, then I know I will master the 8.0 -
On a treadmill, all you have to do is make sure you pick up your feet fast enough. When running out side, you need to propel yourself forward - uses more calve action as a result.
Next time you're on the treadmill, be more aware of pushing off with your feet while running. You'll see a difference.0 -
Okay. This is strange. I just posted the opposite! I actually run faster on the street! I feel like it is the same pace as my treadmill.0
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Oh I'm sure you could, but the duration wouldn't probably very long to start with.The belt is moving your legs along....................whether you want to or not which is why it's easier to do on a treadmill. IMO, if you want to mimic it more, move the incline to 3.5 level then run.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
Yep, I don't think I can run on a treadmill at 6.3 with a 3.5 inline lol
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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