Love the treadmill, hate running outside

slipandsink

Just me?

I can run for an hour on the treadmill, at varying intensities/speeds but if you ask me to run outside I'll say no almost every time.

Eventually I'd like to run competitively (obviously starting out with a 5k) but I never will if I don't run outside! Help!

LoraF83

I hate the treadmill. Yes, I can go farther, but it's boring. Once I started running outside, I was hooked.

If you don't want to run outside, then don't. But you know that it will hinder you when you try to run a 5K outdoors. Your choice!

Melo1966

I get more out of the treadmill because I can change the height. I have a bad knee and need to keep the impact down. I did do my first 5K last month and it was fun but without the other people I think I would find it boring. Also I go to the gym after work and do NOT like to go out in the dark much.

MrsR0SE

I love to run outside because it's free, always available and you get fresh air and (where I live) beautiful scenery to enjoy as you run :)

wolfchild59

I felt the same way until I actually starting running outside on a regular basis. Then I started dreading the treadmill and wishing I was outside. It just took getting out there and doing it to make the change happen.

I also ran on a paved trail and not on the streets at all, so it's possible that makes a difference. But I found it actually felt better on my knees once I got used to it, and I also found that I was able to stay running for longer periods of times.

When I was on the treadmill, I had to dial in a specific pace, and then if I got too tired, I had to dial it to another specific pace and I often found myself having to slow it down to walk a bit. But when I run outside, my body made small, natural, adjustments to my running pace the whole way so that I wouldn't have to slow all the way to a walk, but could just slow my run or speed it up without having to even think about it. My pacing and endurance improved tenfold when I switched to running on the running trail instead of always on the treadmill.

arc918

You gotta ditch the dreadmill and hit the pavement (or trails)!

You can't do the Tour de France on a Lifecycle...

Melo1966

I felt the same way until I actually starting running outside on a regular basis. Then I started dreading the treadmill and wishing I was outside. It just took getting out there and doing it to make the change happen.

I also ran on a paved trail and not on the streets at all, so it's possible that makes a difference. But I found it actually felt better on my knees once I got used to it, and I also found that I was able to stay running for longer periods of times.

When I was on the treadmill, I had to dial in a specific pace, and then if I got too tired, I had to dial it to another specific pace and I often found myself having to slow it down to walk a bit. But when I run outside, my body made small, natural, adjustments to my running pace the whole way so that I wouldn't have to slow all the way to a walk, but could just slow my run or speed it up without having to even think about it. My pacing and endurance improved tenfold when I switched to running on the running trail instead of always on the treadmill.

On the paved trail part of the 5K was the part I could actually go faster and when on the road I did a fast walking pace. I still don't wanna go out in the dark but will go out on a day off.

soehlerking

NOT just you!! I have medical reasons for not running outside (solar urticaria), but honestly even if I didn't, I don't want my workout to be affected by the weather conditions! I have done just a couple outdoor runs in the cool, cloudy days, and the time goes faster, but I like the stability of my treadmill.

...and I thought I was the only one!

cmacphee3

I like my treadmill because I live in an extremely hilly area, have bad lungs (cold air can cause and asthma attack) and the biggest reason is that I hate the idea of anyone seeing me run. I run slow and I'm still obese and I just don't want anyone to see me!

iplayoutside19

NOT just you!! I have medical reasons for not running outside (solar urticaria), but honestly even if I didn't, I don't want my workout to be affected by the weather conditions! I have done just a couple outdoor runs in the cool, cloudy days, and the time goes faster, but I like the stability of my treadmill.

...and I thought I was the only one!

See, without the challenge of the elements running loses some of it's appeal to me.

rsm1972

I prefer the treadmill a lot:):)

tpop917

I used to be like that. Thought I'd never be able to run outside. Then I started running outside. I was scared the first time. Now, 4+ years later, I HATE the treadmill.

It's a big first step, but once you get out there with nature, you'll wonder why you never did it before.

Carrie3B

We are definitely in the minority! I love the treadmill at the gym! It sits right in front of the free weight area and I can watch everyone work out! I usually can't go more than 7 miles tho on a treadmill before getting bored. I forced myself this year to go outside. I have to admit, I grew to like it (esp if it was on pretty trails) but I still revert back to my treadmill. Most people can't understand why!

tr33p1g

I love running outside but my treadmill at home comes with Google maps so I can make my own routes and the treadmill matches the gradient. A 30 minute workout on a route you recognise feels like 15 minutes.

sarahkatara

I started running again last year on the treadmill and would go up to 7 miles. The first few times I ran outside, it was HORRIBLE. Honestly, the biggest difference is the impact on your body. The treadmill is WAY softer than pavement. What I would suggest, since you want to run competitvely and will always be on some kind of hard surface, is to start slow. You may be able to run a few miles on the treadmill but it won't be the same right away outside. Start with a 1/2 mile, then build to 1 mile, and so on. Your body will have time to adjust slowly and it won't put as much pressure on your joints, as it would if you tried to bang out 3 miles the first time out there. Now I can run 7 miles OUTSIDE and I HATE the treadmill!

sevencallmemom

I prefer the treadmill as well! Parked in front of the tv, I can go for hours and get lost in it and not have to worry about what's going on with the kids while I'm out running on the road.

MoreBean13

I like both. Start adding a 1% incline to your treadmill runs to simulate running outdoors. Since the belt does some of the work for you, you need a slight incline to simulate flat outdoor running. If you really don't want to train outdoors you technically can do your training on the treadmill- just use an incline and plan to do a little more- One winter I did all of my training for a half marathon on a treadmill. It wasn't ideal, and running outdoors is better training for an outdoor run, but any training you like is better than training you hate. If you can do like 4 miles on a slight incline on a treadmill, you'll get through a flat 5K just fine. You'll probably have some soreness the next day after the race though.

iluvprettyshoes

I prefer outdoors to treadmill. Running inside- I just feel too stuffy, like I need fresh air.

runfatmanrun

I hate the treadmill. Would rather run in the rain or snow than on the treadmill. I have read that running on the treadmill "holds you back". Meaning that you run at a set speed which is definitely not how it happens outdoors. So just think of the treadmill as a dreaded piece of machinery that is preventing you from reaching your full cardiovascular potential. If that doesn't work, then you deserve each other:). Good luck and get your butt outside.

ALH1981

Just me?

I can run for an hour on the treadmill, at varying intensities/speeds but if you ask me to run outside I'll say no almost every time.

Eventually I'd like to run competitively (obviously starting out with a 5k) but I never will if I don't run outside! Help!

OMG im the oppisite - breathing in the fresh air, different sights, different runs each time - the people you pass every day - everything about it is AMAZING - im injured right now and HAVE to be on the treadmill/at the gym and i'm so upset

cls_333

Have you ever been on a trail in the woods when the first snow of the season is glistening on the pines, and the leaves from fall are still wet on the ground, and geese are honking overhead, and all you can smell is the musky piney smell of the woods, and a deer runs by, and OMG you are missing so much in life. GET OUTSIDE.

tinajackson1387

I feel the same as the original poster. Love the treadmill, hate running outside. And why is it SO MUCH harder to run outside? I understand that it should be a little harder because the impact is a little harder and the ground isn't completely level... but for me, it seems like 10 times harder!

missallenxox

Have you thought about wHY you hate running outside? I use to hate it. but i realized its because the pavement is hard on my knees. i got better shoes, and would run on hiking trails instead. i love it now.

MarineCodie

I go back and forth with which one I like more.

Right now I'm on the treadmill because I hate the cold with a passion!! I hate that burning feeling in my lungs and my runny nose. UHG.

I like to treadmill when I'm training for pace but it does hinder me when I switch to outdoors. If this is something that concerns you just bump up the incline to give it a more "road like" feel.

If you don't HAVE to run outside and you DON'T like it then don't! Do what you enjoy

MarineCodie

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MoreBean13

I feel the same as the original poster. Love the treadmill, hate running outside. And why is it SO MUCH harder to run outside? I understand that it should be a little harder because the impact is a little harder and the ground isn't completely level... but for me, it seems like 10 times harder!

Because some of the forward motion is done by the belt. Up the incline to 1% to simulate flat outdoor running.

MoreBean13

I go back and forth with which one I like more.

Right now I'm on the treadmill because I hate the cold with a passion!! I hate that burning feeling in my lungs and my runny nose. UHG.

I like to treadmill when I'm training for pace but it does hinder me when I switch to outdoors. If this is something that concerns you just bump up the incline to give it a more "road like" feel.

If you don't HAVE to run outside and you DON'T like it then don't! Do what you enjoy

Totally agree with bolded. Just wanted to comment on the cold-lungs and runny nose- like running in heat, it's something you acclimate to (should you choose to do so) it only takes a handful of cold runs to get used to more moderate-cold temperatures. When it's really cold, you can use a scarf or mask to pre-warm and moisten the air you breathe in. As for runny nose? You can get gloves that have a snot pad, or I use a hairtie to put a folded washcloth on my wrist to wipe snot. But like you said, do what you enjoy- just wanted to offer some solutions if you want to get outside.

To all the folks who basically say running on the treadmill is stupid, there are some really real reasons to do so. Off the top of my head:

1) Personal safety- running in winter is not only cold but oftentimes dark. Not everyone lives in a neighborhood they want to be outside alone in the dark.
2) Convenience- It sure is nice to be able to stop for a bathroom and have accessible water you don't have to carry
3) People watching at the gym can be fun.
4) Ice, snow, fallen wet leaves, cracked sidewalks, dog poop, are all less visible in the dark.
5) The soft surface is easier for people with joint injuries or who are prone to joint injuries
6) You can watch football and run at the same time. Or listen to an audiobook and give it almost full attention. Podcasts, spanish lessons, whatever.
7) Reduced allergens- I have REALLY bad seasonal allergies, and run indoors during nasty pollen conditions, and try to avoid when tons of people are cutting grass.
8) Some people are sensitive about running around other people- especially new and/or heavier runners.
9) Sometimes interval training is easier to do on a treadmill with the numbers right in front of you.
10) Just liking it is reason enough!

I'm not for OR against treadmill running. I like both. I'm just against people discouraging others from a form of exercise that they enjoy or can easily fit in to their lives.

lyttlewon

When I first started training I preferred the treadmill. Now that I am a better runner, being on the treadmill isn't interesting enough for me to do a long run and I prefer to be outside. I can only be on one for 25ish minutes before I start staring at the time.

gurssy

I like running outside however I don't like it when it is too cold or too hot... So then I prefer the treadmill... I use the treadmill more though cause it is easier on my joints and my home gym area is climate controlled.

dad106

I'm the complete opposite.. I cannot run on a treadmill.. I've tried on like 3 separate occasions after I did C25K, and each time I quit with in like 10 minutes... Put me outside, and I'll run for an hour.

Outdoor running is so much nicer... I'm actually accomplishing something instead of running like a hamster on a wheel.

gabe_irun4coffee

Everyone is different and has their reasons for what works best for them. If you like the treadmill that's fantastic, personally I would rather run outside in the rain or snow than do the treadmill. But just remember do what makes you comfortable and feels right for your situation because if you don't enjoy it you won't do it! Good luck. :-)