road versus treadmill.

mags2504

I can jog 5k (sometimes more) no problem on the treadmill When it comes to running on the road it's sooooo much harder. I need to be doing this though as I'm supposed to be doing a half marathon in april. My calfs and shins are really achey when running on the road. HELP.

I have good running shoes too. I went to sports shop and had my gait measured etc.

BeautyFromPain

BUMP!!!!!!!

chubbyandawkward

I've heard the treadmill makes running easier, even if you up the incline because the ground is moving and it does half the work for you. So a teadmill 5k would be a road 2.5k i think

PennyNickel14

My trainer said to always set my incline to 1.5 to simulate very small pitches in the road.

kcmg0730

I had the same problem, and I'm trying to solve it by doing C25K on the treadmill, but with the incline set at 2. It is harder, but like PP said, running on an incline does help simulate a road scenario to some degree. I haven't tested out the theory on the road yet, though, so I could be talking rubbish!

pander101

You also have wind resistance to consider. I hate running on the treadmill because it's easier. But I can't run on the roads anymore due to my classes. I'm doing the C25K and am on week 5. I think the best bet to be is either switch to road or go longer on the treadmill.

mags2504

Maybe I should start the c25k again but on the road.

chubbyandawkward

Maybe I should start the c25k again but on the road.

I'd recommend doing that

InTenn

My experience is that treadmills don't fully prepare your body for road-running. There are some small muscles in my lower leg that "launch" me forward in running that don't come into play on a treadmill (the same is true in brisk walking on a treadmill too). But a lot of the work you have done does prepare other parts of your body, so it isn't a total loss. Keep including road running (brisk walking at least), in the workout until those muscles get caught up. It may take a couple of weeks or so. Ice helps with the discomfort if you over-do.

LilMissFoodie

Yep, I find this too. You can get away with some treadmill training, it definitely still boosts fitness but you do need to get outside, preferably on similar terrain to the race to practice. I think it's a combination of differing terrain and also breathing with the weather - wind etc makes it much more difficult to stay consistent.

goron59

Yes, I think start again, but on the road. It's a different feel. The road will have different surfaces, slight variations in angle,you have to actually propel yourself, wind resistance, rain, other people, and it's generally a lot more fun.

If your shins and ankles are sore from the road, it's possibly because you're taking a heavier load through the joints so take it easy.

trinityj1

I have the same problem.

My legs don't hurt, but I get winded and cramp up extremely quickly when I try to run outside. On the treadmill- no problem. I think it's a combination of the ground's resistance properties, wind, temperature, and lack of consistency compared with the set pace of the treadmill.

V44V

I did my C25K on the treadmill, used to hate running outside. I run outside now and use the treadmill when I really can't be bothered to go out. The last few times on the treadmill have felt painful...

I've managed 5:09m 1km's and several more under the 5:30m mark, something I've never achieved on the treadmill. I now enjoy running outside.

In summation... I tink the treadmill is about to become an eBay item!

lacroyx

I prefer road over treadmill. I am large and I don't feel comfortable on a treadmill. I sometimes feel like I am going to overstep or my footing just isn't secure. Rain, windy, snow, don't care I'd rather be outside. As for the OP. I agree w/going on the road. The marathon you are preparing for isn't going to be on a treadmill, right?

UphillBattleAxe

I'm another "roadie"....I'm no great runner by any stretch of the imagination, but I do love being outdoors and find I get less bored/distracted outside, even if my time has been poor or it's felt hard going I always feel good about getting a blast of fresh air )
I use the run keeper free app on my phone as motivation and tracking of my routes outdoors - I would definitely recommend this if you don't have it already.

Also I did a lot of walking outdoors before starting to jog....and don't forget to stretch before and after!!

Jo

ursy87

I get bored on the treadmill, and also worried about foot placement and coming off, so prefer road running, it is harder, but for me, theres the psychological aspect of being able to see how far you have run, not just numbers on a screen. I am just getting back into running again after a few years off due to injury and just being to plain heavy to move comfortably.

gailosborne

Hi

I wouldn't think you would have to start c25k from scratch on the road. You may get away with dropping your pace or walking 1 minute every so often. The 'Runners World' website had great leg/core strengthening exercises too and some great stretches.

Use the treadmill to build up speed/stamina - so you could run on a bigger incline for a minute or two and then walk/jog for a couple of minutes and repeat 4 - 8 times. You could do speed intervals - quick minute, walk for a minute etc. Then concentrate on your 5ks outside.

I now find running outside easier even if it's very hilly, I just enjoy it more so I can do more I guess. I use the treadmill at the gym to do the intervals and things like that.

Good luck with your running, you've made a super start!!!

mags2504

Cheers guys, thanks for all the advice, it's raining and just been out and started week 4 on the c25k:happy: and it felt fine so i think i'll go from there. My biggest downfall is that i try and push myself too hard sometimes. :ohwell: