Running outside vs. treadmill?

twinklytwink

I started this running thing by doing it outside, but since i got a treadmill i've found I can run so much longer on that than i ever did outside. I tried running outside again last night and really struggled. I can't put my finger on what the difference is though. Does anyone else find this?

Montegue42

I only run outside because I'm broke, but my friend, who runs inside, thinks it has to do with pacing. Like, she doesn't have to pace herself on a treadmill. She feels that when she goes outside, she has difficulty slowing down. I've only ever run outside because I don't want to buy a gym membership, but it was very very hard for me to get started. Now I cannot imagine running inside (nothing to look at), though when it gets to be winter, I think I'll have to join a gym and do it. Hopefully it will be easier

steph1278

It's because the treadmill controls your speed for you. Outside, you have to control it yourself. Also, outside often has uneven terrain which also can add to the difficulty and you are dealing with weather conditions as well. That being said, I enjoy running outside more because there is more scenery to look at and the time seems to go by faster.

kbc525

I don't know. In the beginning, when I first started running, I couldn't run outside to save my life, but I could run forever on the treadmill. Then I don't know what happened, but something clicked, and now I find running on the treadmill the most boring thing ever, and I find myself ending my workout quicker than I normally would; or I have to do sprint intervals to keep me occupied. On the other hand, I can run outside, and don't want to stop. It's weird. I wish I knew the answer. I'd be interested if someone has one.

At least you're not alone!

vickycollo

I have to work alot harder when I run outside. There are all kinds of things to contend with: weather, hills, uneven ground, dodging dog poop, wind, traffic... But I get bored running on the treadmill. I don't have one in my house (no space) so I use one at the gym. What I've been doing lately though is running to the gym, doing my strength training, and then running home.

6spdeg

yes there is a huge difference one is the air you breathe.. humidity etc has an iss with what you can do also carrying your own weight (you propel yourself) vs just keeping up on a treadmill is by far diff and much easier.

jennaworksout

I'm the opposite, hate running on the treadmill, find it awkward...love running outside, its harder because of the various inclines and really your getting a better workout...as its more work

neverstray

It's because the treadmill moves your feet for you. Outside, you have to sort of jump to move forward...a lot of small jumps forward to keep going. On a treadmill, it does the moving, you just pick up your feet and set them down again.

It's really a totally different exercise. Treadmill running is more pure cardio. Real running is more than just cardio..

Superbritt2drescu

I have had this same problem. I've been running outside more and more training for races though. I'm guessing by the time I get back to the gym and run on the dreadmill I will be able to run longer. For me its a combo of the trail/road/sidewalks that I have to run on not liking my shins, my pacing, my breathing, the hills, etc. I say breathing cause on the dreadmill I'm inside in a climate controlled room. Outside its hot, humid and I'm trying to avoid eating bugs. But I honest to goodness love running outside more. The wind rushing past you, the freeing feeling, its just more inspiring to me.

michellemulligan

I find running on the treadmill is so much easlier than outside. When you are outside you don"t see the sudden inclines or declines. As well as the belt on the treadmill helps move your legs along while outside it is your own muscles that have to keep you moving. Outside is definately more of a challange but somedays that just isn't possible because of the weather. But either one as long as you are trying to get in some exercise it is a good thing!!

Bailey543

Treadmill=Dreamill....boring! I like to look at stuff Even if I go to our high school track, that's better than being on a machine inside. However, in the ice and snow theres no other choice...

nickiw68

Yep, I find it exactly the same...can run easier and for longer on the treadmill but slower and not so far outside. I think aswell that outside you have the weather (wind) to contend with as well as maybe inclines.

sevsmom

Out of embarassment, I used to only run on a treadmill. Now, I can't stand running on the treadmill. I like the variety and challenge of running outdoors. I can run further and FASTER outside than I can on a treadmill. I give up after 3 or 3.5 miles on a treadmill. Sometimes weather, in the winter, will force me indoors. But, if I can stand whatever mother nature is dishing out that day, I'll go outside every time!

BrianSharpe

When you're running outside you are propelling yourself forward rather than having a mat move underfoot. You're also setting your own pace (something that takes practice) and, typically, when going from treadmill to outdoors people tend to try and run too fast. Last but not least, you're dealing with varying terrain, even a relatively flat running route will have some inclines to run, headwinds to deal with etc. (you can simulate some of this by varying your incline on the treadmill)

Personally I find running outdoors far more enjoyable and run all year 'round (we've got it all, frigid winters, scorching summers and everything in between) the only thing guaranteed to keep me indoors is freezing rain.

robandcathy10

lots of people around here run outside - and I think they are risking their lives because they do it on the street and don't watch for cars. Plus, they have to breathe in all those exhaust fumes. I have a treadmill set up in front of a TV / DVD player. It really helps me keep going because my mind is on something else. Plus, I can do it regardless of the weather. I do crack open the window to let in fresh air.

ggeise14

Last year I did C25K mainly on the treadmill, yikes big mistake for me a non-runner. Had to "wog" my first 5K (walk/jog). This year I am in W5 of C25K and am doing it outside to prep for my second 5K and have plans to run/jog it. The whole propelling forward, etc. is true - at least for me. Outside gives me a better overall workout.

lila1980

I have a treadmill, and will use it if I must (torrential downpours, dangerous ice, etc.), but I much prefer running outside. I'm like the rest... I have to do something to keep myself occupied on the treadmill, and I find it easier because the pace is controlled for me.

I also find that I get a better workout outside. When the pace is controlled on a treadmill, it's like I set limitations on myself. I only go as fast as the treadmill tells me to, and don't run nearly as hard as I do when I'm outside.

The reason you find the treadmill easier may possibly have to do with elevation... Outside, even if it's "flat", you're always running up and down little hills which can be more difficult if you're accustomed to running at one speed, at "0" elevation.

Ke22yB

I find that outside I can run faster and longer Longer since I have people saying hello things to look at less boring etc faster since I am older the thought of a stumple on the treadmill that will pile my old body into the corner of my basement is scary. I use the treadmill when its raining or under 15 degrees or so or snow and ice but except for that I head outside. for me I think its all in my mind but outside is easier

mhotch

I have been running on the treadmill for years. My son has convinced me to run a 5K race with him in Sept. So I have been training outside for it.

It is much more difficult, but soooo much better running outside. The treadmill belt helps to propel you along. Wind, humidity, change in elevations, [even minor changes} makes it more difficult outside.

If you are going to run on the treadmill , keep the incline at a minimum of 1.5% -2%. That is equal to running on level ground outside. {0% on the treadmill is equal to a slight downhill outside}

miracole

I think you've had enough responses now to know why running on the treadmill feels easier (it's assisted running) but I agree with the previous posters, running outside has so many extra benefits that I just don't get while running on a treadmill. Things to see, variety of terrain, weather benefits, ability to take my dog out, not to mention the fun of enjoying some fresh air and exploring your neighbourhood/city. The only time running on a treadmill is of benefit to me is when I'm running with a friend who is slower than I am, we can both set our comfortable paces on the treadmill and chat without one of us being miles ahead of the other.

drgndancer

Everyone else finds this The treadmill is a good tool and great for bad weather days. It's fine for occasional use, or if your only goal is to improve your fitness generally. That said, it does some of the work for you, and is always easier than doing the same distance on the road or a track. You can improve matters by doing your treadmill runs at a 1% or better incline, but it still isn't the same. If your intention is to run road or track races, join a running club, or otherwise do things that involve running outside, you have to mix up your treadmill runs with outside runs, or you'll always find that you can't go as far as you expect on race day. If you're just trying to improve general fitness, use the treadmill all the time and just expect your rare outside runs to be a little slower and shorter.

maureenec

My good run this morning was spoiled by nasty weather, and I had to finish it on the treadmill. Yuck. I find running outside so much more pleasant.

twinklytwink

Wow what a hot topic hehe!

But i think I have my answer - everyone who said that the treadmill helps to propel you, I'd never thought about it like that before but it's true! So thanks for clearing that up, that's definitely the difference.

I can understand people finding the treadmill boring, and I would agree when using a gym treadmill. However since I've got one at home I put in front of the tv and it really helps to keep my mind off the running. Where as outside I'm always worried i'm gonna meet other people....

Bridget0927

I'm the opposite, hate running on the treadmill, find it awkward...love running outside, its harder because of the various inclines and really your getting a better workout...as its more work

Ditto! its the varying inclines. And running on a treadmill to me is the worst

JustJennie1

A treadmill can't take into account the road conditions: hills, ruts, uneven surfaces. The treadmill is an even surface with a controlled speed so it's going to be easier to run on that vs. outside.

SanyamKaushik

I started this running thing by doing it outside, but since i got a treadmill i've found I can run so much longer on that than i ever did outside. I tried running outside again last night and really struggled. I can't put my finger on what the difference is though. Does anyone else find this?

Ditto for me....
Whilst I can run 5k on a treadmill, Cant do more than 3k on road. I think the reasons could be:
1. Cushioning of the treadmill... (it reduces the impact)
2. Inclines/declines of the road, uneven surface.
3. Wind (LOL)
4. Or may be because treadmill is pushing me a bit.

So, I have started running on a little incline on treadmill and am experimenting if that could build more endurance into me.

chrisyoung0422

Always easier on a treadmill and a h3ll of a lot easier on your body. I mix it up with some inside and some outside running. I love fresh air and having weirdos to gawk at outside. The treadmill means I can go farther and not end up crippled for 3 days following my run.

My city kind of sucks and does not enforce or take care of sidewalks and such. So I end up on slippery crap or uneven/loose ground which sucks *kitten* so I end up inside plenty.

fabfindz05

I don't know. In the beginning, when I first started running, I couldn't run outside to save my life, but I could run forever on the treadmill. Then I don't know what happened, but something clicked, and now I find running on the treadmill the most boring thing ever, and I find myself ending my workout quicker than I normally would; or I have to do sprint intervals to keep me occupied. On the other hand, I can run outside, and don't want to stop. It's weird. I wish I knew the answer. I'd be interested if someone has one.

At least you're not alone!

This is me as well. I started C25K on the treadmill. Once that was done I decided to take classes to train for a 5K. Ever since I started running outside, I cannot stay on the treadmill very long.
I'm used to running with a group, so the treadmill seems so lonely. ;-) If I had to do my long runs on the treadmill, it would never happen....

FrenchMob

I love my treadmill for speed workouts. You can dial in specific paces for the workout.

The argument that "it propels you therefore it's easier is bogus". Do some research and you'll see.

Run at a 2% incline and it'll be as hard as outside.

With that said, I try to do most of my running outside unless it's -20 degrees or +90 degrees.

xandra

I prefer jogging on the treadmill because I can zone out. The treadmill will keep the pace for me. It is easier than jogging out doors. The best way to increase the difficulty of the mill is to increase the incline.

racerscottw227

For me the weather is the biggest factor in running outside. Yesterday I did 2 miles of run/walk. It was about 91F and 60+ humidity and I felt like I was going to die at the end of it. But whenever I do the same thing on the treadmill it feels easy.

I'm still going to continue running outside, though, because you never hear of marathons being held indoors.