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Why am I more successful on the treadmill than outside?
Goal179
Posts: 314 Member
Ok, so I THINK I know the answer, but maybe some of you experienced folks can help me. I do really well running on the treadmill. Well not really well, but not horrible either. I am on week 2 day 1 and it feels good with no major problems other than painful knees. But when I try to do the same workout outside in the park, I feel so much pain, I get cramps in my legs. I just struggle. I think it is beacause I am running outside and using a slightly different set of muscles to actually propel myself forward. I also have a few hills in the run and I am running on hard concrete. Is that why it is so much more difficult outside? My sister did really well running on a treadmill but when she ran her first 5k out doors, she almost died and ended up walking most of the way. What gives?
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...I think it is because I am running outside and using a slightly different set of muscles to actually propel myself forward. I also have a few hills in the run and I am running on hard concrete. Is that why it is so much more difficult outside? ... What gives?
I'm no expert, and hardly experienced, but I think you have nailed it with your own comments. It's just different. My personal experience has been that every neighborhood has a lot more variation in elevation than we think and that even the slightest of slope can really make a difference. You might want to go to a nearby middle school or high school, and run on their track. Many are made of a much softer surface and they're flat!
As far as what gives...I'd say its gonna be the 5K, because you're gonna get it and show it who's more determined! Good luck!0
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