Guilty! I've never ran on a treadmill before.

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Replies

  • Squamation
    Squamation Posts: 522 Member
    I don't think your missing anything training-wise.

    Why I use the treadmill: I don't pace myself well when I run off treadmill, the weather here is not good for outdoor running, and there are no sidewalks in my neighborhood and I get nervous running on the streets with cars.
  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    Another outdoor runner here.......I used to train on my treadmill until I discovered the joy of running outside all year 'round. We go from -40C to +35C (and humid), the only thing guaranteed to keep me inside is freezing rain.

    Not only is running outside more fun and interesting it provides you with a better workout.

    You run, outside, at 40 below?
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
    Another outdoor runner here.......I used to train on my treadmill until I discovered the joy of running outside all year 'round. We go from -40C to +35C (and humid), the only thing guaranteed to keep me inside is freezing rain.

    Not only is running outside more fun and interesting it provides you with a better workout.

    You run, outside, at 40 below?

    My coach lives in Fairbanks, AK. He runs outside at 40°F below. You just have to have the right gear.
  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    I don't think your missing anything training-wise.

    Why I use the treadmill: I don't pace myself well when I run off treadmill, the weather here is not good for outdoor running, and there are no sidewalks in my neighborhood and I get nervous running on the streets with cars.

    ^^^This. Especially in the Podunk little town I live in where cars aren't exactly observant of runners. I go outside for some interval stuff and distance Apr-Oct, but that's it.
  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    Another outdoor runner here.......I used to train on my treadmill until I discovered the joy of running outside all year 'round. We go from -40C to +35C (and humid), the only thing guaranteed to keep me inside is freezing rain.

    Not only is running outside more fun and interesting it provides you with a better workout.

    You run, outside, at 40 below?

    My coach lives in Fairbanks, AK. He runs outside at 40 below. You just have to have the right gear.

    I live outside Minneapolis... I know what 40 below feels like, and know what "gear" is out there. Not a choice I'd personally make.
  • fitnh
    fitnh Posts: 238 Member
    Ill use it, but while I am running all I can think about is a hamster wheel!
  • thatjeffsmith
    thatjeffsmith Posts: 110 Member
    2 things:

    + it quit raining in Cary, NC for a few minutes so I ran out and got my 3+ miles in :)
    + it's cool that RunKeeper is integrated with myfitnesspal now!
  • sjp_511
    sjp_511 Posts: 476 Member
    I do tend to run on the treadmill a lot in the winter - the hours of daylight are just too short and I don't find it safe to run in the dark. To maintain my sanity I still run outside on weekend afternoons and take off work early one day a week to run with a group at sunset.

    When on the treadmill I get really bored and start pushing a lot of buttons so I end up doing hill workouts with a lot of speed intervals.

    I also take a spinning class twice a week to mix it up.
  • kganc001
    kganc001 Posts: 317
    You're not missing anything. Except my gym just got super fancy treadmills with giant screens that simulate walking whatever global trail you wait...and gives you little factoids about the trails. Idk, satisfies my geek factor.

    I'm also obsessed with the XFiles and the gym is the only time I'm free to watch it...so I treadmill it up! haha
  • MissingMinnesota
    MissingMinnesota Posts: 7,486 Member
    I like to do my speed training intervals on a treadmill and steady runs outside. My gym has a cardio cinema so when a good movie is on I can go in there.
  • 9jenn9
    9jenn9 Posts: 309 Member
    You may not be missing anything but I use mine for a few reasons. I have an adjustable deck that makes it easier on my joints and back and feet (injuries are an issue for me). I can do 5 miles on my treadmill that would be impossible outdoors. Also there are few sidewalks where I live. I can be boring, but I rely on thumping fast music (podrunner podcasts, usually) and play with speed and incline to keep it challenging. Hill repeats and HIIT keeps me working hard.
  • __Di__
    __Di__ Posts: 1,660 Member
    Without a treadmill, running outdoors in Ohio means running across ice, snow banks, and through freezing rain for a good portion of the year. It just makes more sense to get my cardio in indoors instead of busting my *kitten* on the ice or exposing myself to pneumonia.

    Actually treadmill running is not bad if you are listening to music or an audio book or watching TV - it is up to the runner to find a way to mentally endure it.

    This ^

    I will not run on ice or snow either and in the UK we have had some of that for the last few winters.

    I find the treadmill excellent for intervals and as the quoted poster said, listening to music or watching TV definitely helps.

    Personally, I am very thankful for my treadmill.
  • CLFrancois
    CLFrancois Posts: 472 Member
    A few reasons I prefer the treadmill, in order of my reasoning-

    I have kids I am home with, they are too young to leave and too young to run with me. I can run and break up fights while on the treadmill.
    I live in Phoenix. I also have asthma. When it is a cool 110-115 out I prefer life over death.
    I injure easily due to medical issues. If I am out 3 miles and hurt myself, well, that would suck.
    I HATE people seeing me run.

    But it does get boring.

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