Question for runners?

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Replies

  • aweightymatter
    aweightymatter Posts: 222
    I do both :) I'm training for a half-marathon that's coming up and I would say I've done 75% of my training on a treadmill. I live in Florida and have a weird schedule so most of my free time to do long runs has been in the middle of the day when it's just TOO hot to run outside.

    I still do my longest training runs outdoors though and don't have a problem with them. I do, however, recommend setting the treadmill at a 1% incline or above to compensate for the "cheat" you get by the belt pulling you forward slightly.

    If anything I think the treadmill was great in the beginning for getting me to learn how to pace myself. I think sometimes if you're starting out running you can go too fast, too soon and burn out before you get in your desired distance.

    Another benefit of treadmill running: I've caught up on all my shows thanks to Netflix :)
  • taso42
    taso42 Posts: 8,980 Member
    Running on the treadmill is easier than running outside. You can compensate by adding a small incline (1-2%) or running faster. Most people prefer to run outdoors in the fresh air. Trail running is my favorite, but on balance I think most of my miles by far have been on the treadmill. (Not that I run THAT much really... It's usually short HIIT sessions)
  • engineman312
    engineman312 Posts: 3,450 Member
    i run outside. love the change of scenery, i love the hills, the "randomness" of the routes i take. i run with a camelbak and it has my phone in it so i can keep track of how far i run, race, etc. i wear an HRM, but i don't look at the watch.

    i run on the treadmill only for my warm ups before i lift. if it gets really cold, i may have no choice but to run inside, but not looking forward to it.
  • lazyspice
    lazyspice Posts: 8,258 Member
    I'm new to running (currently on week 6 of C25K) and so far it's all on the treadmill. I might look to take it outside in the spring but I want to build up some speed and stamina first.
  • bbbbb33333
    bbbbb33333 Posts: 1,107 Member
    Run a little inside when it is cold. Don't like it much, Much prefer running outside... changing scenery.
  • abbbigayl
    abbbigayl Posts: 75 Member
    I do both and I think...
    Running gives you more muscle tone and a treadmill gives you more cardio. Running outside you use more muscle since you're actually propelling yourself forward. I feel like I get more cardio on a treadmill since I'm maintaining a constant speed. I think either way you're getting a good workout and having the ability to do both will keep you interested longer and wipe out any excuses.
  • fromaquasar
    fromaquasar Posts: 811 Member
    I prefer to run outside but if it is cold or dark I'll hit the treadmills. Or if I am doing speedwork (i.e. tempo or intervals) I'll sometimes use the treadmill to track my stats more accurately. But I always put it on "Random" so the incline is constantly changing :) Good luck with your running :)
  • Canbfit4life
    Canbfit4life Posts: 124
    Prefer outside,but I started on treadmill,love outdoor running
  • donnam40
    donnam40 Posts: 246 Member
    I do both. I use the treadmill for fartlek (speed) training and for a circuit. I will keep the treadmill running and for 40 - 60 mins do 1 minute at 16km/hr and one minute of a strength exercise such as push ups, dips, crunches, squats, lunges etc. Great way to burn those calories off and to fend off the boredom.

    If I do have to do 60 mins of running on the treadmill I will do it in 20 minute blocks. I'll do a 20 minute hill program, 20 minute random program and 20 minute flat program immediately after one another. That way I do not have to watch 60 minutes tick down on the treadmill. In my head I am only doing 20 minutes - amazing how we can trick ourselves!

    Donna
  • MissFit0101
    MissFit0101 Posts: 2,382
    I run outside and love it. I could never use a treadmill as my only source for running but I do sometimes wish I had access to one when it's freeeezing cold outside. Oh well.. I'll keep toughing out the cold weather!
  • chuckyp
    chuckyp Posts: 693 Member
    Outside. Mostly desert trails because the road is flat and boring. I never felt comfortable on a treadmill because I have long legs and feel like I can't really stride right on it. If I can't get out to run, my go-to in-home cardio is either kettlebells or my rowing machine.
  • nomorefatitsallthin
    nomorefatitsallthin Posts: 3
    it's just as good if your using the incline
  • ♥xenawarriorprincess♥
    ♥xenawarriorprincess♥ Posts: 440 Member
    The Treadmill is a little easier on the joints than the road for sure...it is a great workout...if you are just starting to run remember to walk a little and get warmed up and then run for 2-5 minutes and then walk for 2-5 minutes...keep doing that for awhile and eventually increase the time you are running while decreasing the time you walk so that you are running more and walking less until eventually you are running the whole time...look for a couch to 5k program and that will help a lot...good luck...I run inside and outside...love them both...Good luck and blessings
  • LoveLiveLift
    LoveLiveLift Posts: 459 Member
    I run outside...I probably will end up running on the treadmill a few times this winter if the weather gets bad, but it's really hard for me to run on the treadmill. I think for me it's harder mentally to keep going when I'm getting nowhere. lol
  • JulieSD
    JulieSD Posts: 567
    Great advice here!

    I would like to just say that treadmill or outdoors, running is running...its all good :)

    I prefer to run outdoors. I like to run at night. I like to run alone. I find it relaxing and such a stress relief. I'm also a single mom of two daughters and I just have to make it work for me. Their dad is great and I have a friend that will sit here at the house so I can get out. I dont like to ask for help a lot, but I do for running. Its amazing :)

    Good luck :)
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