Runners - Treadmill vs. Outdoors

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Replies

  • SomeoneSomeplace
    SomeoneSomeplace Posts: 1,094 Member
    I think the treadmill is a different kind of work out.

    MUCH harder to get through. More painful for me. And painfully boring.

    BUT I started on the treadmill then switched to outside and could run a 5K pretty much right away (I was running a 5K on the treadmill BC that's all I could manage BC it was so boring)

    I quickly progressed to 5 miles in the mater of weeks, then 7 a few weeks later. By two months of outdoor running I was running 10 miles. When I started to train I couldn't even run one 10 minute mile so I'd say I def got in shape on the treadmill

    So...treadmill running and outdoor running arent THAT Different. If anything running outside is easier because even tho you have factors like hills and temperature and stuff it's easier mentally and for me I get shin pain and knee pain on the treadmill!
  • beautifulbrat
    beautifulbrat Posts: 171
    i like my treadmill for running, though i do have to watch it because i have bad knees. i'm all the time changing the inclines and speed. when i'm outside i like to do long walks and enjoy my scenery and do some gardening/ things along that nature. i'm thinking about getting a bicycle to ride around the neighborhood when i want a change in pace
  • karinapeterson
    karinapeterson Posts: 195 Member
    Treadmill or Outdoors, your still running. I think it may be a personal choice and physical limits that decided which you do. I have just started outdoors and was suprised I actually found it easier than the treadmill and ran the same distance faster. I am going to do both as I do have dodgy knees and hips it is also very hot here in NZ at the moment and a lot of grass which affects my asthma. Day by day decision. Good luck running and enjoy it wherever you do it :)
  • bonjour24
    bonjour24 Posts: 1,119 Member
    i hate the dreadmill. i had one, but hated it so much i sold it. i have a cross trainer instead now. if the weather outside is too bad for me to go out, i'd rather do intervals on the XT than resort to the dreadmill. i just didn't like it.
    BUT..... if it works for you, keep doing it! i'm envious if you can run on the dreadmill- you are a better person than me! as far as the workout goes, dreadmill running is definately different. you use different muscles because the floor does the moving for you. but it's not too far off.
  • DiannaMoorer
    DiannaMoorer Posts: 783 Member
    Of course it's still running. Treadmills are great for speed work. But I don't like them for long runs. No way. So boring! that's the trouble for me. But they do have their place.
  • hulkweazel
    hulkweazel Posts: 36 Member
    I've been a runner for 12 years, running upwards of 50-60 miles a week and I haven't spent a single mile of it on a treadmill. Those things are so awful. I'd rather cross train on the elliptical than do treadmill.
  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    The training effect on your body is the same. The treadmill is just more boring.
  • runzalot81
    runzalot81 Posts: 782 Member
    Your friend is just being a treadmill snob. I prefer to run outside but the bottom line is getting it done, especially if I'm training for a race.
  • iplayoutside19
    iplayoutside19 Posts: 2,304 Member
    To me, whatever the elements bring is apart of the sport of running. If it's too dangerous to run outside for whatever reason....I'll just wait until the situation improves to run. It can get super cold here, but never for very long. I don't like running enough to do it on a treadmill. Take the outdoors aspect out of it and it no longer appeals to me.
  • KateRunsColorado
    KateRunsColorado Posts: 407 Member
    I much prefer outside, but during the winter, I work during the only daylight hours so during the week I do short treadmill runs, then on the weekend, I go outside for longer runs! The treadmill helps me work on speed while outside helps me work on distance. I never would've gotten into running if it weren't for outside, but I'm glad to have the treadmill for days I need it!
  • hbdub7
    hbdub7 Posts: 61 Member
    outside is easier for me...the scenery changes and I dont focus as much on the time...HOWEVER I have fallen twice already...booo! I use the treadmill only in the winter months...or if it is dark before I can get a run in :bigsmile:
  • brey1986
    brey1986 Posts: 35 Member
    So since this is a thread with obviously experienced runners...I have a question for yall =]
    I'd like to start running more, but man it's hard. I get side stitches so fast, and i'm wondering if there is a special breathing tecnique that I have never been informed of or what!? I know it will take time for me to build up endurance, but I can do a 30 minute strength training circuit, and then immediately do an hour of Zumba and be just fine! What's up with that? lol
  • dmkoenig
    dmkoenig Posts: 299 Member
    I do a lot of road cycling, 45-50 mile rides etc. and I also have an indoor trainer. They both have their place; I wouldn't ever do a 3 hour ride on my trainer but the trainer allows me to do one-legged drills or high cadence spin-ups that would be very difficult to replicate outdoors. Similarly with running, longer distance running on a treadmill gets pretty dull but the controlled environment makes it a great way to do targeted interval training using either tempo or incline. These workouts demand a great deal of focus and concentration so they are not boring and are not particularly long in duration but can yield great results. So if you're going for a longer run the great outdoors is the place to be but if you're doing shorter but more intense interval work the treadmill is a very effective tool for training.
  • dmkoenig
    dmkoenig Posts: 299 Member
    Side stitches - my recommendation would be to really focus on controlling your breathing. Try to avoid taking quick shallow breaths and instead breathe as deeply and slowly as possible. Deep breathing helps bring in the oxygen you need, helps to keep you relaxed, and I've found it helps reduce the chance that I'll develop side stitches.
  • hulkweazel
    hulkweazel Posts: 36 Member
    So since this is a thread with obviously experienced runners...I have a question for yall =]
    I'd like to start running more, but man it's hard. I get side stitches so fast, and i'm wondering if there is a special breathing tecnique that I have never been informed of or what!? I know it will take time for me to build up endurance, but I can do a 30 minute strength training circuit, and then immediately do an hour of Zumba and be just fine! What's up with that? lol
    http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/lung-power?page=single

    A lot of beginners are told to "breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth when running" - This is terrible advice, and one of the biggest reasons so many people get cramps while running.
  • dangerxbadger
    dangerxbadger Posts: 396 Member
    There is no way I could even bring myself to get back on a treadmill after running outside. No way. I love the extra vitamin D from the sunshine, the fresh air (which has been proven to be good for your brain!) and not having to deal with constantly adjusting the machine. If the weather is bad (read: icy. I live in Oregon, so running in the rain is basically the status quo) I stay inside and do Tae Bo Cardio videos instead. Interestingly enough, the mix has elevated my ability to do both!
  • dangerxbadger
    dangerxbadger Posts: 396 Member
    So since this is a thread with obviously experienced runners...I have a question for yall =]
    I'd like to start running more, but man it's hard. I get side stitches so fast, and i'm wondering if there is a special breathing tecnique that I have never been informed of or what!? I know it will take time for me to build up endurance, but I can do a 30 minute strength training circuit, and then immediately do an hour of Zumba and be just fine! What's up with that? lol

    Because it's a higher intensity of cardiovascular workout. I did Zumba for 6 months in addition to a strength training routine and still had trouble when I started running. Just keep at it. It gets easier! Maybe try interval running to start out with! :)
  • brey1986
    brey1986 Posts: 35 Member
    welp...that's exactly what I do ...could explain a lot haha
  • brey1986
    brey1986 Posts: 35 Member
    So since this is a thread with obviously experienced runners...I have a question for yall =]
    I'd like to start running more, but man it's hard. I get side stitches so fast, and i'm wondering if there is a special breathing tecnique that I have never been informed of or what!? I know it will take time for me to build up endurance, but I can do a 30 minute strength training circuit, and then immediately do an hour of Zumba and be just fine! What's up with that? lol
    http://www.runnersworld.com/running-tips/lung-power?page=single

    A lot of beginners are told to "breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth when running" - This is terrible advice, and one of the biggest reasons so many people get cramps while running.

    that was very helpful! Thanks! I'll give it a shot
  • dorothytd
    dorothytd Posts: 1,138 Member
    There is no way I could even bring myself to get back on a treadmill after running outside. No way. I love the extra vitamin D from the sunshine, the fresh air (which has been proven to be good for your brain!) and not having to deal with constantly adjusting the machine. If the weather is bad (read: icy. I live in Oregon, so running in the rain is basically the status quo) I stay inside and do Tae Bo Cardio videos instead. Interestingly enough, the mix has elevated my ability to do both!

    Kickboxing and strength training improved my running by leaps and bounds! Circumstances are going to call for a treadmill from time to time in getting ready for race season, but I still plan to get outside as well. I really appreciate all the input!

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