outside running v treadmill running

linscave

Hi Guys,

A question for any wise runners out there; is running outside easier than treadmill running?

I seem to be able to run for longer out side than i can on a treadmill. i always end up having a stitch on the treadmill and then having to walk for a bit! Where i live is kind of hilly with up and down bits and a few flat bits in between. So i figure it should be harder than the treadmill which is always set on an 1.5 incline.

Thanks for reading, any advice readily accepted!

Lins

IanGiles

I'm the opposite, I find it much easier on the treadmill... That could be becuase the route I use has rather a large hill in it.


Ian

suzycreamcheese

i can go longer outside than on a treadmill and i prefer outside too

T0M0

You should burn more calories and get fitter quicker by running outside as you have to take into account the differences in terrain i.e.. gravel, grass, concrete, tarmac etc. You also have continuous differences in gradient.

Most people will say treadmill running is a lot easier but a lot more boring as the scenery doesn't change, at least outside you have the changing environment to occupy your mind along with all that fresh air.

EricMurano

Outside is way harder for me. What speed do you set the treadmill to?

I've heard you need to set the incline on the treadmill to 2% to simulate running outside.

jamiek89

I've heard you need to set the incline on the treadmill to 2% to simulate running outside.

Ive heard this aswell. But I can still run further outside, the scenary helps distract me from the pain =D

cbs1974

outside allways shows up as more cals on my hrm
allthough tread mill has less shock on your joints (if you have joint probs)

i prefer outside . if i get bored after say a mile i can turn round and have to run back = 2 miles
if i get fed up on treadmill i just press stop = 1 mile

oh and also if your im a full gym you may not want to go for a spirt in case you look a prat :blushing:
as when you outside you do what u like stop for a rest slow to a walk star jumps lol ect ect

ect ect

but its what works for you

EricMurano

I started C25K on the treadmill but I restarted week 3 outside. I want to be able to run, not move my legs so that the treadmill belt won't throw me across the room :P

CatseyeHardcast

I find tredmill alot easier. There is no "push" function when running on a tredmil like there is outside.

I am doing C25K also. I do 2 sessions on a tredmill and 2 (yes I throw in an extra to even it up) outside.

Thanks for the 2% incline tip though. Will try that tomorrow and let you know.

linscave

I set the treadmill to 9kmph. which is what I was advised to do by the gym trainer. they also advised the 1.5 incline to try and make it easier on the knees.
Some of my outside run is across fields as well as country lanes.

Maybe it is the scenery that makes the difference. it stunning this morning with a nip in the air but the sun shining. Definately lifts the spirits!

Lins

Barelmy

I've read that most people find a treadmill easier. Personally, I don't have one, but I do have a reservoir and an old railway path nearby.

I'm running out of routes, tbh, but I do hate running by roads where lots of people can see me.

linscave

It took me ages to get up the courage to run outside as we live in a small village with lots of outdoorsy people. I still won't run on the main road but can now run round the village without feeling everyone is looking at me!

AllyS7

I agree lins. I've been running for only 3 months now but I find it tons easier to run outdoors than indoors. It's definitely the "boredom" factor for me. All I do is watch my little line go slowly around the track on the monitor. I've tried watching TV, Movies and listening to my ipod but any more than 3 miles on the treadmill is torture for me. Outside I'm free! I love the sights, sounds, smells, wind...everything. I can go 8 miles easily.

I even beat my treadmill 5k time a couple of weeks ago in a very hilly course in pouring down rain.

LorinaLynn

I've mostly run on a treadmill. One thing I *hate* about it is that there's no breeze created as I run, and I sweat like mad. Yesterday was my first day running more than a mile outside (I ran 3), and I enjoyed it much more. Tomorrow is my first race, and it's further than I've ever run before, so that'll be the real test.

Atlantique

Physically, it's technically easier to run on the treadmill, yes.

When you're on the treadmill, you have a few differences (advantages):

-There is no "toe-off". As the treadmill is moving underneath you, you just lift your foot to keep going. Outdoors, you have to actually push off with your toes. You'll probably notice his in your calves the next day!

-The treadmill is freakishly smooth and flat. So you're not dealing with any changes in incline and your legs and ankles don't have to stabilize you each time you hit the ground as you are always landing on an even surface. That helps to keep your from injuries, but it's less work.

-The treadmill controls your pace. Lots of us try to go too fast outside!

-The treadmill shortens your stride, which is a much more efficient (and safer) way to run.

-The treadmill absorbs some of the shock for you. When you run outside, your body takes the full shock of landing on the ground.

You can set the treadmill on a 1%-1.5% incline to counteract some of the differences.

But mentally, it's a lot easier to run outside. It's much more interresting, at certain times of year you'll feel much cooler, and it's easier to instantly adjust your pace with the terrain or how you're feeling.

fifibox

My friend is a PT and he said outside is def harder and also works more calories cos its not moving the ground for you. he said the reason you might be finding it harder on the treadmill is because the time seems to go a lot slower... try doing it in front of your favourite tv show :-) Fifi xo

ebgbjo

Treadmill for me is easier, but running on a treadmill and running outside are two different things. For training for a marathon or race, I would definitely suggest running outside instead of thinking that treadmill running is going to prepare you for a run outdoors.

keb80

I agree with many of the PP... for me, treadmill is easier but I prefer outdoors. I can run farther on the treadmill but I feel like I get a better workout outdoors. All the variables: wind resistance, hills (even very slight ones), unlevel ground, etc. all make outdoors a better workout... In my opinion. I would say its definitely the change of scenery, lack of boredom that makes u feel like outside is easier!!

tabbychiro

Treadmill is physically easier but mentally much much harder.
For side stitches, I try to stand up taller.

Outside is way more enjoyable.

Amybcb

I find outside running more difficult due to the terrain (hills around me). On the treadmill, I'm just running a flat surface

meggonkgonk

This isn't a question with a generic answer- this is an individual thing. Some prefer the measurability and predictability of the treadmill, others prefer the freedom afforded by outside. I personally can't turn my brain off as I need to if I'm on a treadmill. Sounds like you prefer outside. Drop the Dreadmill and hit the pavement! www.mapmyrun.com will help you map your distance. Good luck!

Jess21684

for me, running on the treadmill is much easier than running outside on pavement. I feel it is way tougher for me to get going when i try running outside. my legs just feel all heavy and for whatever reason, i just seem to have a harder time getting my legs to get moving..! maybe cause the treadmill is constantly moving under your feet, so it really helps keep you moving along? its def much easier for me though

Jenni268

I've heard that the major disadvantage to running on a treadmill is that it shortens your stride since you're limited by the belt. If you're trying to push harder and have longer, smoother strides (equalling faster times) then oustide is best!

JenBrown0210

I can run just fine on the treadmil. Running outside is so hard for me. I just started the C25K and did day 1 on the treadmil and day 2 outside. I was in so much pain after running outside. I figure I need to get used to it!

camandlivvy

Run outside. It all depends on Climate, terrain and undulation. If u run on treadmillthen the whole 2% incline thing quite real but that is in a perfect world. Treadmill is great for consistent running speed but it all depends on your running gape etc. If it is hotter or more humid outside then your heartrate will increase by up to 25%.... Likewise for running inside, therefore u may be rumming further than u think! Treadmill running will also increase your chance of injury, because there are no variances in your style or terrain, causing overuse injuries.. So please run outside whenever u can!!!!! Your joints will get used to the variances in terrain and u will feel better for it!

lacroyx

I mostly walk but I've been jogging past 5 months or so. 70% walking 30% jogging. I too prefer outside. as others stated treadmill is boring. my usual route I take for when I go outside has a track . I usually do about 2 miles combination of walk & jog. I then tackle 8 flights of stairs @ a parking garage building near the track as a cooldown. I prefer outside with the fresh air and sights over a stuffy boring gym

backinthenines

I find tredmill alot easier. There is no "push" function when running on a tredmil like there is outside.

Exactly!!

Treadmill running is partly fake as the ground flees from underneath you it means that there is forward propulsion. When you run outdoors you need both upward and forward propulsion.

Pure treadmill runners usually struggle to running outdoors, rather than vice versa.

Furthermore, outddor running requires more core stability due to uneven camber, uneven ground etc.

Then there is no wind resistance on the treadmill etc.

http://www.runningplanet.com/training/treadmill-versus-outside-running.html

If you get a stich on the treadmill, it's probably because you don't pace yourself as well as you might outside.

A lot of people don't like treadmills due to the sheer boredom factors. I know if there were only treadmills, I probably would not run.

rfcollins33

Hi Guys,

A question for any wise runners out there; is running outside easier than treadmill running?

I seem to be able to run for longer out side than i can on a treadmill. i always end up having a stitch on the treadmill and then having to walk for a bit! Where i live is kind of hilly with up and down bits and a few flat bits in between. So i figure it should be harder than the treadmill which is always set on an 1.5 incline.

Thanks for reading, any advice readily accepted!

Lins

I agree with you. I honestly think my problem is on the treadmill, I am constantly looking at my distance, speed, time left, distance left, etc. On the road, I'm taking in the scenery and enjoying it more, so I can run much longer without even noticing or thinking about it. I feel guilty if it's nice outside and I run on treadmill, so i try to run outside if possible, but if not the treadmill will do....

Nigel99

I've only run on the treadmill once, and that was last week. I found it an interesting change from running outside (as I focused hard on not falling off and looking foolish!). I didn't find it too boring, but that may be partially because it was new, there was lots going on around me, a few games on tv, and listening to my iPod. I can see why it might get boring if you did it all the time, but for me it was a nice change of pace to the outside running, and definitely easier than having to run on some sidewalks, like I have to do around my neighborhood.

LorinaLynn

I had my first race today (Yay!) and while I typically run at very most 6mph on the treadmill (usually 5.5 feels best), I ran my first mile in 9:17, which is close to 6.7 mph. It was on hills, with a solid breeze, and pretty darn cold, but I didn't feel like I was really pushing myself, like I would if I tried 6.7 on the treadmill.

Nigel99

I read that in your blog post just a little while ago - outstanding job!