Outside running vs Treadmill running

kelbwjax

Hey everyone! So I'm great at running on the treadmill, and feel super confident doing that. I make sure I have my incline set to 1-1.5 to imitate actually running outside. I rarely try running outside, but I can barely do it. I feel like I'm going to die!! I just started running over a month and a half ago so I'm new to this, but I love running on the treadmill. I would like to be able to enjoy it outside as well. Which do you prefer??

watchhillgirl

I like to run outside, but only in the spring or fall. I know..I am a whimp. I don't like it when it is too cold, and really hate it in 100 degree weather! The issue might be, is that when you are on a treadmill, the pace is set. When you are outside, you set your own pace...so just try to slow it down a bit until you get used to it. You might be going a bit too fast for what you are used to.

BlackKat75

Running outside >>>>>>> Treadmill any day. I find that I can just totally go into my head and keep going when I'm outside, whereas when I'm on the treadmill it feels like *work*. Also, since my normal route has hills, I find that running outside is harder than running on the treadmill, even if I set the incline. If you're looking to do more running outside, try and find some scenic running trails near you, that may help.

aimforhealthy

Girl, I feel you. Depending on where you live, the incline outside can be way more than 1.5 on a treadmill. Put it this way - I live in Boston and the pilgrims didn't call it "The City Upon the Hill" for nothing. I can run for a good 3/4 of a mile on the treadmill these days on a 1.5 incline without feeling like I'm dying, but if I tried to run from my house to the nearest bus stop at the top of a steep hill, I'm pretty sure someone might need to call 911 by the time I made it.

I'd recommend upping your incline on your treadmill slightly and then slowly easing into outdoor walking and running, maybe doing a few minutes at a time. It is definitely different terrain outside.

MyOwnSunshine

Like you, I started running on the treadmill. I didn't LOVE it, but could tolerate it for C25K. When I attempted to run outside, it was much harder and I hated it at first, but once I did it a few times, I started to like it much more than the treadmill. Now, if I run, I do it outside and it is fairly enjoyable. I have a serious dislike for the treadmill and cannot seem to force any steady running out of myself at the gym. I do an easy mile to warm up, and occasionally do HIIT on the treadmill, but can't muster more than a mile or so before I'm bored and have had enough.

contingencyplan

Which ever one you're used to, the other is always going to be harder.

Bentleymama86

I find that running on a treadmill is a bit monotonous but I am also a better runner on the treadmill lol. I enjoy running outside for scenery. Slow down a bit, find a pace that works for you good luck! I usually run the treadmill at 3.5-4 mph with a 2.0 incline.

MaryinBflo

Which ever one you're used to, the other is always going to be harder.

So true! I just started running outside and I think treadmills are harder and boring and harder on your joints. Just start slowly outside a few min to start and keep adding to it.

kelbwjax

Girl, I feel you. Depending on where you live, the incline outside can be way more than 1.5 on a treadmill. Put it this way - I live in Boston and the pilgrims didn't call it "The City Upon the Hill" for nothing. I can run for a good 3/4 of a mile on the treadmill these days on a 1.5 incline without feeling like I'm dying, but if I tried to run from my house to the nearest bus stop at the top of a steep hill, I'm pretty sure someone might need to call 911 by the time I made it.

I'd recommend upping your incline on your treadmill slightly and then slowly easing into outdoor walking and running, maybe doing a few minutes at a time. It is definitely different terrain outside.

The rolling hills of west Tn are no fun either! lol Its going to be a long process!

kelbwjax

Which ever one you're used to, the other is always going to be harder.

So true! I just started running outside and I think treadmills are harder and boring and harder on your joints. Just start slowly outside a few min to start and keep adding to it.

Great Idea! I did a little better today than I normally would, I guess it'll just take time.

Brenda_Pancakes

Yeah, depends on the person's preference. Mine - I love jogging with my dogs. They get exercise, I get exercise, everybody wins. I find that when I'm either traveling or something and my option is a gym with a treadmill instead of running outside; I get bored really easy with the treadmill. I do intervals of jogging and walking, and I find that i'm constantly looking at either how far I've gone or how much time I have left if I'm on a treadmill. Outside, I just crank up my headphones and gooooooo

xiamjackie

I was able to run 6 miles in an hour on Sunday outside but I cannot get past 1 measly mile on the treadmill. It's a mental thing for me. I absolutely HATE how boring the treadmill is- staring at the same thing for so long- and I LOVE being outside (when it's warm enough to be outside). I'm such a fair-weather-runner that I didn't run for 5 months straight because of how cold it was. Luckily I was able to pick up right where I dropped off this spring.

I don't think someone could pay me to run that distance on a treadmill. It's harder outside, yes, but I would take the physical challenge over the mental one any day.

StephTheBookworm

I am the exact opposite. I can run outside for miles, but on a treadmill, can hardly run two miles! I thnk it just depends where you started running. For me, I started running outside and over the winter when I was forced to use the treadmill, my body was not used to it. Try running on an outdoor track maybe? That's what I started on.

kelbwjax

Like you, I started running on the treadmill. I didn't LOVE it, but could tolerate it for C25K. When I attempted to run outside, it was much harder and I hated it at first, but once I did it a few times, I started to like it much more than the treadmill. Now, if I run, I do it outside and it is fairly enjoyable. I have a serious dislike for the treadmill and cannot seem to force any steady running out of myself at the gym. I do an easy mile to warm up, and occasionally do HIIT on the treadmill, but can't muster more than a mile or so before I'm bored and have had enough.

It was so hard, but much better than the first time I tried a few weeks ago. I have no clue how to set a steady pace for myself so that is an issue.

kelbwjax

I am the exact opposite. I can run outside for miles, but on a treadmill, can hardly run two miles! I thnk it just depends where you started running. For me, I started running outside and over the winter when I was forced to use the treadmill, my body was not used to it. Try running on an outdoor track maybe? That's what I started on.

I tried today, and the one we have at the local park is in such horrible condition

holothuroidea

I have fears about running by myself outside, so until I get a big scary-looking dog to run with I'm pretty much going to be on the treadmill.

I have run outside a couple of times, and it is harder even though our roads are relatively flat. I think it has more to do with pacing than anything. I think with practice running outside you'll be able to adjust your pace better. Also, if you ran outside on a cold day your lungs may have protested the air temperature change. They're used to temperature controlled luxury.

I think running outside is better for a lot of reasons and I wish I could do it without having panic attacks.

tallieterp

i go much faster outside... hills are minimal and there are as many up hills as downhills... i can run almost an 11min mile outside but on the treadmill i'm luck if i crank out at 13 min mile (slow I know)... while i don't get bored on the treadmill i just don't find i have nearly enough momentum...

but like one of the earlier posters if its over 80 degrees or under 40 i can't run outside - my lungs will act up!

swest222

I started outside ... hated it but did it ... winter came and moved indoors, hated the treadmill but did it
Now the nicer weather is coming out, I just did my first outside run last week and thought OMG this is nuts lol

I think between the 2 I like the treadmill but not just any treadmill as they are all different.

Pangea250

I have a dreadmill in my house, it's what I started running on. I was phobic about running outside, worried about looking strange, about not being able to do it. Then I just did it, and, for me, there is no going back to the dreadmill. I find running inside to be monotonous, boring, uninspirational and *extremely* difficult to follow through with. My mind plays tricks on me and I rarely make it as far as my goal is.

When I run outside, I run in one direction THAT way until I'm halfway to my goal. Then, I pretty much have no excuse but to run back THIS way. :-) Anything that works, right?

dawnna76

Yeah, depends on the person's preference. Mine - I love jogging with my dogs. They get exercise, I get exercise, everybody wins. I find that when I'm either traveling or something and my option is a gym with a treadmill instead of running outside; I get bored really easy with the treadmill. I do intervals of jogging and walking, and I find that i'm constantly looking at either how far I've gone or how much time I have left if I'm on a treadmill. Outside, I just crank up my headphones and gooooooo

I am the same way, I hate the treadmill, I can't focus and ge in the zone, I find it laborious and ant stop looking to how much longer I have to do it. When running outside I honestly can go 6 miles before. Even stop to think about how far or how long

kelbwjax

hmmm.... Well maybe now that it is warm enough outside I should try to do my C25k outdoors

dwndnk

Maybe thats whats wrong with me....I hate the treadmill. They gym has 15 TVs to give me something to focus on but 20 minutes on the treadmill is torture. I am bored in, no lie, 3 minutes....it feels like hours to me.
I think until the weather gets so hot that I cant breathe (Im in Mississippi) I may do my cardio outside and just use the gym for crunches etc.

shannonahenderson

I wish I was a runner...striving to be one...I run/walk on the treadmill now in 5 minute intervals. Should I have started outside?

morielia

The thing about running outside is that YOU have to propel your own body forward, whereas on the treadmill, the belt is doing a lot of work for you. When you're on a treadmill, your body is staying in the same spot - you're just moving your legs. When you run outside, your whole body has to move, and it takes a lot of effort to move it forward.

I don't run much, but I do spend a lot of time on a bike, and it's the same sort of deal. Training on the stationary doesn't compare to cycling outside at all, where I have to not only move my bike's weight but my own body weight as well. Just takes practice and some patience.

kelbwjax

I'd really like to do the "Run for your lives" race, and there is no way I'm going to be prepared for that by running on a treadmill, and as much as I hate to admit I am constantly looking at the time I am just so scared of running outside, I feel like such a looser cause I get tired so much easier outside.

cwolfman13

I won't set foot on a dreadmill unless am forced to due to in-climate weather..and I'm not talking about a little nip in the air, proper running attire takes care of that...I'm talking freezing temps, ice, snow, etc. I much prefer running outside and enjoying nature...getting a little sun, listening to the birds chirping, etc. Plus, it is more difficult...the treadmill gives you some assistance vs actually have to do a full push yourself running outside...but I always kinda thought the point of exercise was to challenge yourself each and every time.

I also run because I'm actually training, not just for calorie burn. 5Ks and whatnot take place outdoors so training on the dreadmill all of the time is counter productive to my goals.

djmodernroq

Hey everyone! So I'm great at running on the treadmill, and feel super confident doing that. I make sure I have my incline set to 1-1.5 to imitate actually running outside. I rarely try running outside, but I can barely do it. I feel like I'm going to die!! I just started running over a month and a half ago so I'm new to this, but I love running on the treadmill. I would like to be able to enjoy it outside as well. Which do you prefer??

I prefer running outside. Reason y is because i won't get bored and i get to burn more calories. Also, the air is diff, specially in cold weather. I've added hiking to my cardio which I'm enjoying it more than running. I challenged myself jogging up the mountain for 1/2 or 3/4 of a mile which is a great workout. You should try that if you have access to hiking.

KrazyAsianNic

I run outside. I personally cannot feel safe walking on a treadmill. I'm considered more a slow jogger, but I love it.

Lisa_Rhodes

I love jogging outside, but the treadmill is easier on my ankles. Haven't been able to jog since I last did it outside :-\.


I loved it outside bc I didn't have to constantly look around a gym to avoid staring at the time and could enjoy nature

crimsoncat

I stay on a treadmill year round because I like to zone out and imagine. If I did that IRL I'd get hit by a car.

KANGOOJUMPS

i run outside no matter what, rain, shine, minus 34.