Treadmill vs outside

Joshkilgore32

I've started running on a treadmill here lately and everytime I run and tell anyone my time they act like it doesn't count because it's inside. What's the big difference between the two? I ran 2 miles today one in 5:20 and the other 4:48 also is those a good time? I ran at full speed 12.5 the whole time no stopping. Anyone know how many mph that is?

mph323

I run on both the treadmill and outside, and certainly count them both as runs I mean, you're running, right? I'm not up for delving into maths right now, but someone more helpful will come along soon and help you figure it out. Keep doing what you're doing!

eta: As far as times go, when I run outside just for a set amount of time, I almost always end up running the exact same speed as my usual treadmill runs.

JaydedMiss

Had a guy tell me im a lieing fat whale when i said im into fitness and health because i dont go to a gym. Im a mover as work im lifting literal 10+ tonnes (i weighed it lol) on a light day and walking 10-15 miles while climbing stairs and carrying furniture 5-12 hours a day. Do you think my exercise counts? My body sure as *kitten* does and if i didnt then eat to accommodate my exercise id die.

Point being, Who cares what they say you and your body knows the work your putting in. As for good times and stuff i have nothing to add to that im not a runner xD So your doing beter times thn i am. Just do your best who cares what anyone says. Be your best you, Not someone elses version of the best you. Focus on you not others.

BryanHoffman74

Outside, love the fresh air

besaro

outside > treadmill

AMC110

I'm not a runner myself but I think if you're running outside you have to avoid obstacles and may have to climb steps or step on and off the sidewalk, so maybe that will give you more of a workout. Although on a treadmill you don't have to slow down or stop at traffic crossings so your pace is kept higher. I don't see either one as less significant than the other.

clicketykeys

BryanHoffman74 wrote: »

Outside, love the fresh air

But baby, it's cold outside!

(I vote treadmill!)

GemstoneofHeart

It definitely still counts, but for me I ran on a treadmill off and on for years and it never worked out for me. I would get bored and just generally hated running. Maybe that guy sees it as boring or something and is just an avid runner or adventurist?

I run outside almost daily. I love running now and it’s a huge part of my life. Running outdoors is seriously my favorite hobby.

TravelBear87

I'm a runner and prefer running outside but I like to do HIIT runs on the treadmill. I personally think both count but I run faster when I am outside.

I find running on the treadmill mentally draining so I don't do anymore than 3 miles on the treadmill but I can happily run 10 miles outside.

It's good to get a variation of both I think. I like the challenges of running outside a bit more, as you get little hills here and there and it makes me work harder.

Running is running and if you're choosing to run on the treadmill, it still counts in my book!

jamesakrobinson

Completely weather dependent with a significant bias towards the real thing.

CSARdiver

They both "count", but your time will likely be slower outside. Treadmills limit the variables provided by your environment.

Check your best times outside for comparison.

gexking

I don't like to freeze/ I do like to sweat. I live in Mn, so treadmills are necessary for my likes. However, I try run outside once per week to keep it real. Treadmill is not real: *too level *too soft *no wind I know this, but I do like how it makes me think I'm fast.

RGv2

Definitely counts, and I'm far faster outside vs in.

Tacklewasher

CSARdiver wrote: »

They both "count", but your time will likely be slower outside. Treadmills limit the variables provided by your environment.

Check your best times outside for comparison.

My times are better outside. I can't run the full 30 minutes on a treadmill so my 5K is ~ 5 mins faster outside.

I get that it's all in my head, but I can't wait for spring when I can run outside at 5:30 am.

mph323

My outside times are faster too when I'm running for a specific number of miles instead of an hour.

H_Ock12

Outside! My form, speed, and shins suffer greatly on the treadmill.

rybo

Joshkilgore32 wrote: »

I've started running on a treadmill here lately and everytime I run and tell anyone my time they act like it doesn't count because it's inside. What's the big difference between the two? I ran 2 miles today one in 5:20 and the other 4:48 also is those a good time? I ran at full speed 12.5 the whole time no stopping. Anyone know how many mph that is?

If you ran at the same 12.5 pace the whole time, wouldn't both miles be identical time?

Also, those are very fast times, they are still exercise. But as far as counting towards a PR or anything...no, not in my opinion. But for any general comparison of how fast you are they are fine and relevant, the outside difference is there, but this is a close enough estimate.

AMC110

Here is an online speed/distance/time calculator. If I input your distance of 2 miles and time of 5 mins 20 seconds it says you were running at 23 mph.

rybo

AMC110 wrote: »

Here is an online speed/distance/time calculator. If I input your distance of 2 miles and time of 5 mins 20 seconds it says you were running at 23 mph.

He didn't run 2 miles that fast. It's a physical impossibility. He ran one in 5:20 & the other I'm 4:48.
A 5 minute mile is 12 mph.

KeithWhiteJr

I can run on a treadmill for an hour and get a great workout, but, if I go outside, I end up walking and being bored.

I also watch TV or movies on the treadmill, so that may be why I like it better lol.

AMC110

rybo wrote: »

AMC110 wrote: »

Here is an online speed/distance/time calculator. If I input your distance of 2 miles and time of 5 mins 20 seconds it says you were running at 23 mph.

He didn't run 2 miles that fast. It's a physical impossibility. He ran one in 5:20 & the other I'm 4:48.
A 5 minute mile is 12 mph.

Oh I misunderstood his explanation, I thought he meant he ran 2 miles each time, not overall.

Bry_Fitness70

Running outside is always preferable, it is so much more interesting. I do use my treadmill when it rains (I run with electronics) and during freezing / snowy weather (I'm usually not about putting on 10 layers of clothing and then slipping and sliding and busting my a**)

cwolfman13

Joshkilgore32 wrote: »

I've started running on a treadmill here lately and everytime I run and tell anyone my time they act like it doesn't count because it's inside. What's the big difference between the two? I ran 2 miles today one in 5:20 and the other 4:48 also is those a good time? I ran at full speed 12.5 the whole time no stopping. Anyone know how many mph that is?

When people say it doesn't count, I'd assume they're talking about a PR or something. Of course it counts for exercise, but I'd never use an indoor cardio machine to mark a PR or anything.

The vast majority of people are going to have better times indoors than outdoors. For one thing, the treadmill gives you some assistance. Beyond that, you don't have to deal with other variables like weather, wind, grade changes and hills, etc.

I don't run, but I cycle...I get better times for the same watts indoors on my trainer or on the stationary bike at my gym than I do on my primary outdoor workout ride because I'm not dealing with those variables mentioned above. So I'd never go to a fellow cyclist and give him my time on the trainer or stationary bike...in essence, "that doesn't count." I do most of my winter riding indoors on my trainer...mostly interval stuff and use the winter to focus more on my lifting. I'm not a bundle up and brave the cold kinda guy...I'll get back on the road in the spring.

But does it really matter? You're getting your workout in...that's all that matters. My indoor intervals count towards my fitness...just not in the same way the my road rides count.

ladyflash20

Tacklewasher wrote: »

but I can't wait for spring when I can run outside at 5:30 am.

You totally can, just use reflection and lights and bundle up a little. I still run in the morning, earlier this week it was 19*F when I went out for my morning run.

GottaBurnEmAll

I prefer outside, but can deal with the treadmill just fine by listening to audio books or podcasts.

It still counts.

I tend to run faster outside.

boehle

I prefer the outside
..but I live in Ohio. I hate the cold so I use the treadmill when it is cold outside.
Both count just as equally.

Tacklewasher

ladyflash20 wrote: »

Tacklewasher wrote: »

but I can't wait for spring when I can run outside at 5:30 am.

You totally can, just use reflection and lights and bundle up a little. I still run in the morning, earlier this week it was 19*F when I went out for my morning run.

Too slippery for my liking. I'll do it later in the day on the weekend when I can see the icy spots, but not before sun up.

Kimblesnbits13

KeithWhiteJr wrote: »

I can run on a treadmill for an hour and get a great workout, but, if I go outside, I end up walking and being bored.

I also watch TV or movies on the treadmill, so that may be why I like it better lol.

My tv shows are the reason I use my treadmill haha. I tend to run faster outside than on the treadmill though. I enjoy both since I love the outdoors, and tv...win win for me!

4legsRbetterthan2

I would consider inside and outside both runs, outside is definitely more interesting and harder. Even if you do some sort of hill setting on the treadmill the belt helps your feet along a little bit which doesn't happen inside. If you only train on a treadmill don't expect to be as impressive outdoors.

Bry_Fitness70

Another consideration is physical resilience. Running on cement vs running on a treadmill belt is very different in terms of impact on your ankles, knees, and hips - there is usually an adjustment for me after a long winter of mostly treadmill running, as there is a lot of soreness for several runs until I am used to the cement again.

MNLittleFinn

Outside, unless the actual air temp gets below -20F, then I'll probably figure out something else to do.