Running outside vs. treadmill?

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  • determined136
    determined136 Posts: 330
    I HATE THE TREADMILL....It is so boring. I feel like a rat on a wheel. I love running outside. I enjoying people watching, looking at beautiful yards, families having fun, other people exerising and the smells outside. Flowers, BBQ's all that stuff. I enjoy all different weather. The only time I don't run outside is if there is ice. My biggest fear is falling and getting hurt and then not being able to run!

    Good luck with whatever method you choose...I think the most important thing is that you are moving!:bigsmile:
  • jcstanton
    jcstanton Posts: 1,849 Member
    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?

    I do a little of both. The terrain outside is more unpredictable and, therefore, can be more difficult. Also, unless you have a HRM or a stop watch with you all the time, it is more difficult to keep your pace (which is why you get tired faster). A treadmill is great because I can program it to change grade and speed at specific intervals. I can just get on there an do my thing without really thinking about it.
  • JenMull44
    JenMull44 Posts: 226 Member
    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.

    I agree, I have issues with my knees when I run outside. I also feel that the treadmill keeps me consistant and its easier to gauge when I need to move my speed up a notch.
  • DMUND
    DMUND Posts: 299 Member
    From what I understand is if you run on the treadmill at 0 incline, the treadmill is doing all the work for you. If you put it at a 1 incline, that will be more like you are running outside. Hope this helps! Good luck with your running!
  • jcstanton
    jcstanton Posts: 1,849 Member
    From what I understand is if you run on the treadmill at 0 incline, the treadmill is doing all the work for you. If you put it at a 1 incline, that will be more like you are running outside. Hope this helps! Good luck with your running!

    Yep! I usually keep it at 1-1.5%, sometimes higher during the warmup.
  • sammniamii
    sammniamii Posts: 669 Member
    Since I've only started trying running, I've mostly been on treadmills. Plus, I use barefoot shoes and adapted my stride - at 3.5 mph I feel I should almost be jogging to keep my stride short (so i don't heel strike).

    But .... while normal gym based treadmills are powered, I have a manual one at home that I am finding hard as HECK. No motor, it uses you & your weight + gravity to keep moving. If I walk & hang on it works, I'm almost afraid to try running on the thing because if you aren't hanging on, you'll feel like you'll fly off the back.

    But it does the job as I wanted my VGs and no more sitting :)

    Once I'm up to running, I do want to go outside :)
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    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.

    I hope that the higher temp is quoted in Fahrenheit! :laugh: :laugh:
  • 6spdeg
    6spdeg Posts: 394 Member
    well i just did my first race a 4miler.. first time running outside as well had lots of rolling hills.. wasnt to bad felt good the whole time. 86degrees like 60 humidity so felt like 92 ish.. i did some 5ks on treadmill at the gym that simulated outside so yea inclines etc.. the inclines on treadmill were much more diff seems that its much steeper feeling than outside also wonder if because of it being so short like running stairs.
  • freya33
    freya33 Posts: 149 Member
    Outside is best, fresh air, changing scenery and feel good factor.
    Running on a teadmill in the gym is when it is wet. I hate running in the rain I can't see where I am going as I wear specs. The gym just never has enough air conditioning. The treadmills face a big mirror!!!!! The people either side is always running faster and does not look bright red. Advantage I can set pace and time/distance so a way of checking progress

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