Jogging on Treadmill vs. Pavement Is it a mental thing?

mnardi123

I've started to jog at the gym, on the treadmill I can complete a 5K in 37.5 minutes at a beginners level of 2 (the treadmill goes from 1-10 on difficulty) so why can't I jog a mile non-stop when I try to jog on pavement? I know there are a couple of hills on my outside route but am I just psyching myself out or can the treadmill be that easy? Anyone else have this problem?

stfuriada

Treadmill is smoother, pavement is not = more friction, therefore harder.

Treadmill has cushioning, pavement does not = more pressure on joints

Treadmill is predictable, pavement is not really = more challenging.

Personal opinion of course.

CollieFit

Because treadmill running is easier than road running (physically rather than mentally). You need far more forward propulsion because the ground doesn't magically swish from underneath you.

http://www.runnersworld.com/beginners/how-effective-is-treadmill-running-compared-to-running-outside

I personally hate treadmills with a passion and only run outside.

lysslax

I am the exact opposite!!!

When I'm on the treadmill I am STARING at the numbers and totally psych myself out.

When I run outside there are no numbers and I'm able to run miles further!!

Sorry - that doesn't help you :-) but YES I think it's mostly a mental thing (either way)

CollieFit

An incline of 2 makes treadmill running a little more similar to road running.

umer76

I am a beginner and just ran my 3Km non-stop jog on the pavement last week. Whereas I cannot jog this distance on the treadmill. Walking and running outside is far better than spending 40-45 min on treadmill. I can walk/Jog outside on the road for 2 hours easily but not on the treadmill. Running outside is a great experience. Treadmill cannot match it.

omma_to_3

Mostly mental. I found it to only be very slightly harder outside. Mentally, I find it easier outside though.

sfdf40

Treadmill running is easier than running outside, the belt is moving and helping you go forward.
Change up the incline or speed to keep it challenging.

It's all in what you like to do/will do... I HATE running outside, but will do an hour on the treadmill any day...

SoDamnHungry

I just started running outside last week after months of running on a treadmill. The first time it was harder and I was exhausted. The second time it was easier and I completed three miles with relative ease and didn't even have to slow down. Give it another chance. I personally always find the first time is more difficult than the treadmill, and after that it's easier. Not to mention less boring.

lilbearzmom

Because treadmill running is easier than road running (physically rather than mentally). You need far more forward propulsion because the ground doesn't magically swish from underneath you.

http://www.runnersworld.com/beginners/how-effective-is-treadmill-running-compared-to-running-outside

I personally hate treadmills with a passion and only run outside.

QFT. Totally me. I ran outside today in 35 F and drizzle. That's how much a abhor the treadmill (or any gym cardio equipment, for that matter).

Someone told me the other day that you need to set the treadmill at a slight incline to get the same effect as running on pavement.

-Kendra

kittymoney

Yes it is mental. For me the opposite of you - treadmills boring takes me longer to run a mile than when running on the road. I hate treadmill running but don't have a choice during winter and have icy roads but got to keep up my conditioning for spring runs.

JesT23

I am the exact opposite!!!

When I'm on the treadmill I am STARING at the numbers and totally psych myself out.

When I run outside there are no numbers and I'm able to run miles further!!

Sorry - that doesn't help you :-) but YES I think it's mostly a mental thing (either way)

I'm in this boat, too. I can barely hack a mile on the treadmill. Outside, I can go miles further because I can set little visual goals instead of wait for the digital numbers to change. This is my outdoor thought process: "You can make it to that tree up ahead. Good, you're doing it. Now you can make it to that stop sign. Almost there. Sweet. Now aim for that fence post."

TwelveSticks

It's mental, one way or the other. I'm in the "treadmill is harder" camp. Outside, I run at a comfortable pace of about 11 kmh and I can easily cover 8-10km without a problem. whereas on my treadmill, I don't feel comfortable at more than 9 kmh and am fed up after 20 minutes (so only 3 km).

I think it's a combination of things that make the treadmill seem harder for me:

1. I subconsciously take shorter strides on the 'mill, so seem to be running faster than I am,
2, The presence of a clock gnaws into my brain,
3. I get hotter and drier in the mouth - presumably because there is no wind cooling me down.

PeaceHappinessBalance

I actually have a faster pace outside naturally, plus hills and uneven terrain make it harder on my body. Do you know what your pace is outside? I was surprised to find that I go faster outside but I obviously get winded faster as well. For me, it is definitely harder to jog outside, but a little more rewarding and I make better progress in "training" than on a treadmill because I am pushing myself more.

ntdrive

Mostly mental. I found it to only be very slightly harder outside. Mentally, I find it easier outside though.

^^^ this

MizTerry

Treadmill is smoother, pavement is not = more friction, therefore harder.

Treadmill has cushioning, pavement does not = more pressure on joints

Treadmill is predictable, pavement is not really = more challenging.

ZACKLY!

omma_to_3

I also typically have a faster pace outdoors than on the treadmill. You can just naturally adjust your speed faster or slower when outside while on the treadmill it's a conscious effort. So clearly I'm not pushing myself enough on the treadmill LOL

autumnblade75

I prefer to watch the little numbers climb and have all that data right there on the screen to keep me busy. Scenery doesn't really impress me, much. That said, I think the treadmill is easier because it helps you to control your pacing. If I'm running outside, I have to constantly remind myself to slow down. On the treadmill, I find myself bumping into the control panel... that slows me down. If I set the speed too high, I burn out just as quickly as if I were on pavement.

dsjohndrow

The treadmill is motorized and is always in motion. Your forward motion is not propelling you, and therefore, it's a little easier. The other thing is pace. Are you running at the same pace for your miles as you are for the TM? I found that an incline of about 2 was more equivalent to the effort of a reasonably flat run at the the track or around the neighborhood.

ChristineinMA

I have plantar fasciitis - walking on a treadmill has more cushioning and it is what I resort to when my PF is acting up or the weather is too yucky for walking outside.

However, I do more walking outside because I will vary my route on a whim whereas I never say on the treadmill "Oh this is so nice - I want to do more!" I am watching the clock on the treadmill and never do a second over the time I planned. :noway:

bekahlou75

I am the exact opposite!!!

When I'm on the treadmill I am STARING at the numbers and totally psych myself out.

When I run outside there are no numbers and I'm able to run miles further!!

Sorry - that doesn't help you :-) but YES I think it's mostly a mental thing (either way)

Me too! I have to run outside.
It does make a difference. My step daughter runs 4-5 miles on an indoor track with ease but struggles running a 5K outside. Maybe the breathing is different, the air, etc.

sevsmom

I'm faster, by far, outside. The treadmill makes my pace feel unbearable. But outside I can just chug right along. I USED to think running outside was harder, but turns out, at least for me, outside is way way WAY easier.

I am not distracted by other machines. I'm not hitting my hands on the rails. I'm not staring at the little red dot wondering why it's not moving any faster.

I see changing scenery, people, and wildlife while I run outdoors. I feel a breeze even on warm days. I feel the sun shining on me....much appreciated now that the temps are cooling off. Even when I run before sunrise, I see the stars and moon and enjoy the quiet.

Perhaps for you it will just take time to adjust????

MicheleStitches

The perception of difficulty may vary from person to person, but there is no doubt that the mechanics of running on a treadmill are different from running on outside terrain. Here is just one example I yanked from an article about it:

"Hamstrings: Because a machine powers the treadmill belt, the mechanics of your running stride differ when you run outside. When running on the treadmill, you use your quads to push off. But, unlike outdoor running, where you would typically rely on your hamstrings to finish the stride cycle and lift your leg behind you, the propulsion of the belt does much of that work for you. This means your hamstrings aren't firing as much and don't get worked running inside as they would outside. The extra effort demanded of your quads is also a factor to keep in mind.

grillnchill

Environmental conditions can also make a significant difference in your performance. Gyms have controlled climates, outdoor not so much.

contingencyplan

Treadmill running is different from pavement running. It demands a slightly different technique that doesn't necessarily translate from one medium to the other well. As far as which one is easier goes, the one you get the most practice at will be easier. Running on pavement is better in general because it translates more to other applications where you might be asked to run, such as in sporting applications, endurance races, or even having to run for your life from something/someone. Also, treadmill running magnifies the impact/wear & tear on the knees.

In general cardiovascular endurance is just like strength--specific applications are not an accurate measure of capacity. What you practice at, you get good at, regardless of fitness. I know many runners who could run marathons but could not jump rope for a minute straight. I on the other hand can jump rope for 45 minutes but could not run a mile.

Endurance can not be measured by a single activity. You get better at what you practice at.

kmoore02

I think when you first start running, you become obsessed with speed. You will be able to run further sooner than running faster, that takes time. I would focus on proper running, breathing and running slow to master the basics, speed will come over time. Running slow will allow you to condition your heart for exertion without elevating your heart rate to a pace that is difficult to maintain. Over time, your heart rate will remain lower and you will run faster and further without feeling exhausted. Your short runs will go from 5k's to 10k's or further.

umer76

Untill now outdoor running is winning and treadmill fans are losing:bigsmile:

rodneyderrick

You should put the treadmill on a 2% incline and focus on your stride. Your treadmill speed and street speed should be pretty close if you have a good stride. The reason you want to incline the treadmill is because you need to close the disparity between treadmill running and street running. I use the treadmill in the wintery months because I hate the cold and the end of daylight saving time means it'll be dark or getting dark by the time I leave work. Running in the dark is dangerous for several obvious reasons. In my opinion, treadmill running is superior to street running because of the ability to incline the machine; and on the frigid days of winter or the hot, humid days of summer, it's a great way to still get in a quick run without enduring the elements. After Feb early March, I do a combination of treadmill and street running, and then by April, it's all street until the end of September. Some people favour the street over treadmill, but I think a combination of the street and treadmill will compliment your diet, give you a svelte appearance, and increase heart and lung function. Keep running.

gobonas99

I MUCH prefer running on the street. I *ABHOR* running on the dreadmill. I do nothing but stare at the time. Not to mention that the vast majority of the population does NOT run at a constant speed throughout their entire run (taking a look at my run details, I vary anywhere from a 7 minute mile to a 13 minute mile, averaging about 11 min miles, over the course of my runs). So treadmills, by forcing you to maintain an absolutely constant speed, are unnatural - this actually tires me more quickly.

Pretty much the only time I use the treadmill is for some speedwork and "hills", where I'm changing the speed/incline every 30-60 seconds (I'd do hills outside, but don't have any in my area). I ran outside after work yesterday in 45 degree temps with drizzle/rain, in the dark with a headlamp and blinkies. I will take that (and colder/with snow) ANY day over the dreadmill.

Altruista75

I am a much bigger fan of actually running outside rather than on a treadmill! I can go so much further and faster I find. Not sure if it actually being able to distract myself with the view or not but I'll take running outside any day!! Treadmill is used when needed though!

syk731

I also much prefer running outside than on the treadmill. I also need to run on the treadmill half the time because on those days, I run in the morning before my kids are awake and I can't leave the house (and it's too dark now anyway), and when winter gets here with ice and snow all over the place, I'll be running on the treadmill even more.

I run about the same pace inside and outside, but I feel like I'm putting in a lot more effort to run that pace inside. I think it's because my stride is a little messed up and unnatural on the treadmill. Or something.