Treadmill Running vs. Road Running
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emuravyeva
Posts: 103 Member
I need some input from you runners out there. I started Weight Watchers in January and basically overhauled my life style. I started running again, but, winters being what they are in Nova Scotia, I run on the treadmill. Now that the weather is getting nicer, I'd like to get outside. But my friend has me running scared (sorry, no pun intended) because she says that running on a treadmill is 100% different than running on a sidewalk.
I'm not entirely sure that I believe her, but I also don't want to get on the trail, run 3k out and then collapse (though I'm sure I'd probably stop long before it came to collapsing). But you know what I mean. I guess, what I'm asking is this: how much harder is it running outside than on a treadmill (if at all)? All insights appreciated
I'm not entirely sure that I believe her, but I also don't want to get on the trail, run 3k out and then collapse (though I'm sure I'd probably stop long before it came to collapsing). But you know what I mean. I guess, what I'm asking is this: how much harder is it running outside than on a treadmill (if at all)? All insights appreciated
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Replies
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Yes it's different, but certainly not enough to worry about in the least bit.4
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As a newbie runner, I agree with rybo, just go outside and run. I started in the treadmill too, but once you go outside is no go back to the treadmill (except for some hard winter days perhaps). Outside is so much better, and if you 3K in the treadmill, you should be able to run a similar distance (maybe less). I was able to run 3 miles in the treadmill and when I went outside that translated into 2.75 miles, so yeah, you need to expect a little variation.
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It's absolutely different, but I think they're both hard tbh.
I would plan to do a shorter route than whatever you can currently do on the treadmill. And, if you find it's way more tiring than you'd expected...you can always walk home!
~Lyssa2 -
Do you put your treadmill on an incline? I run mine between 8-15%, depending on speed and it is definitely more work than running around town. If you run on zero incline, then the treadmill will be easier.0
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Actually, I find running outside much easier than the treadmill and am actually a bit relieved when winter ends! It's also a lot less tedious4
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I've seen some research done that said running outside is equivalent to running on a treadmill at a 1% grade (which I assumed the 1% grade is more used to account for wind resistance). Give that a go first and see how you do.
I personally see running on a treadmill to be easier because you do have the belt assisting you with leg turnover. Also, pacing yourself isn't as much of a challenge (at least for me).
Running outdoors isn't necessarily hard and I highly recommend it if you've never tried. Start with a shorter run and give it a try1 -
The other thing is that running outside (which I assume means concrete or asphalt)has is the extra impact it will have vs a treadmill. You might experience at little soreness until you get used to it.1
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Ease your way into it. On a dreadmill every step lands the same (flat). Outside you have to deal with uneven surfaces, uphills, and downhill (which you can't do on a treadmill). It will take some time for your body to get used to it. Take it slow and enjoy the view.
Good luck.1 -
Yes, they can be completely different things. Does that mean that one should be feared? Absolutely not. Treadmills are boring, but can assist with interval and hill work. Outside is more calming and distracting, but you have things like wind resistance and uneven surfaces to deal with. Not to mention, the treadmill does the work for you with the belt where as outside, you are projecting your body forward.
Do not be surprised to see your pace slow for a bit. Once your body accustoms to the new workload, it adjusts quickly. Otherwise, outdoors is just so much more stimulating than treadmill, which is something to be excited about.1 -
They do feel different, and your first couple of runs outside may feel harder, but after a while it is easy to switch back and forth. I much prefer running outdoors. I am faster outside and my runs are more interesting as I deal with varying hills and surfaces and weather. I enjoy exploring new routes and seeing my neighbors' gardens change with the seasons. I like doing some runs in town, some in the country and some on trails. OTOH, if it's raining, or hot and humid or really cold, I'm quite happy to run on the TM. I usually do speedwork on the TM because I can be sure of the paces though fartlek runs are more fun outdoors.
If you plan to do any racing, you will need to do some of your runs outdoors so that you are used to running on harder surfaces. I prefer the street to sidewalks, but our sidewalks tend to be very uneven. Most road races are on asphalt.0 -
It's different and I found it harder at first but you'll get used to it in a very short time. There's nothing to it that should stop you from getting outdoors. Give it a try; you'll find it's a lot more fun running outdoors, even if it is a bit harder at first.
You may be one of the lucky ones who don't notice a differenct. I use a treadmill every winter and get outside as soon as I can. It takes a couple of runs to get used to it again but it's so well worth it.
Let us know how it goes. You'll like it.1 -
Walk home if you need to, but go outside!0
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It's definitely different but you'll build the stamina, start small, know your limits!0
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It is different but I think your friend has scared you off. Go outside, give it a shot, go easy. I think you will enjoy it. BTW, congratulations on your "life overhaul"!0
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Theyre both very different, and personally I much prefer running outside. I find it hard to run on a treadmill, it makes me quite tense. But, you'll easily transition between the two with practice, but running outside will feel harder until you build up. Don't think you'll be able to run as far on the road as you can on the treadmill right from the start. And make sure you have the right trainers on!0
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It's a long winter in the North. Go forth and run.0
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2 things will affect your performance wind resistance and joint impact... when you are on a treadmill... zero wind... so your body isn't pushing against thag resistance... 2nd... treadmills are designed to absorb som impact from your foot fall... so moving onto an actual unforgiving and uneven surface will present some early challenges... on an aesthetic note...it's easy to spot treadmill runners on the street, they're the ones that run with their hands up high to avoid smacking their knuckles on the grab bar and taking timy little strides1
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On the treadmill, you have the belt pushing your front leg backwards, thus less energy required0
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It is different, but I use a treadmill a lot during the winter because weather conditions make running outside a lot more of a hassle which makes me less likely to do it. The other thing I use a treadmill for is pace consistency. For me, it helps me to know what a consistent pace feels like. Outside I have a tendency to vary the pace a lot more.
The treadmill doesn't make you propel yourself forward, so in that way you're using less energy and its easier. I balance this a bit by setting the incline to 1%. Strides are shorter on a treadmill, too, so there's some impact there.
You can, however, incorporate both into running and use them as effective tools.1
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