Running: Treadmill vs outside

This is just my own experience but I find the treadmill much more challenging that running outdoors. The treadmill forces me to keep a steady pace, even if it's faster than my usual slow plodding jog. When I am outside, I fall into my usual pace and start enjoying the scenery, etc.

Yep this ^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

exactly my experience :bigsmile:

I did the first 5 weeks of C25K on a treadmill, and when I started running outside, I was able to almost match my treadmill pace, and that was with adding a jogging stroller with 40 lbs of weight in it. I also added an injury, due to the differences in impacts and poor foot mechanics. So just another thing to think about. Depending on how much weight you're carrying, you might want to start on a treadmill, but I would give yourself a couple of weeks to switch over to outside running before your test if you do.

Have to agree with many on here - treadmill vastly different and is actually easier (it propels your feet for you whereas outside you have to do it yourself). But there is a good use for the treadmill, particularly when you are in Arizona heat. Of course, if your test will be outside, you need to do some running outside - but an outdoor track doesn't have hills, etc. which is a huge plus. So, I would say you can use your treadmill for the majority of your summer training but DO go get outside early early morning when you can and definitely when it cools off a bit. Getting acclimated to the heat is something you'll want to do at least 2 weeks before your test (experts say that 2 weeks of regular running outside, gradually bumping up) will get you acclimated. You are only talking about 1.5 miles which is not that long in the heat. So, use the treadmill definitely to stay in shape and get outside when you can. ALso, yes, incline your treadmill about 2 degrees as that supposedly makes it a little more difficult and more in comparison with outside running. An outside running track for your test is really IDEAL conditions. Practice on that type of track if you can also. Good luck on the new job!!

For building running fitness the treadmill is fine. However, you have to be used to running outside to translate that fitness into a good outdoor timed run. So, do both. Try and get outside at least once a week and more often as the big day approaches.

It is very different. And I hear a lot that if you incline, it is the same as running indoors but from MY personal experience there is no comparison. It works totally different muscles in different ways. Both are great workouts but I ALWAYS feel like I got a better workout when I run outside. BUT my neighborhood is extremely hilly and that is probably a huge reason why. And I despise running on the tredmill. I guess it all comes down to how they will be testing you. I also agree with those who mentioned the Couch to 5K. It is a great running program and will really help you lower your time.

If you are going to run on the treadmill, set the incline between 1.5 and 2 to best simulate outside running.

No indoor tracks in your area?

If you have to keep a specific pace, look up songs with that many beats per minute. I've used LoLo but also just looked up songs on my own - it really does make all the difference, whether you're running inside or out.

I am in the Air Force, and have to run 1.5 miles every 6 months as well.
Here is what works for me:
1)If on the treadmill, I have the incline no LESS than 5.0. This way I am running harder, and it makes running on flat ground easier. This makes the 1.5 mile run see "shorter," when in actuallity there is less incline.
2)If outside, I ALWAYS have a heart rate monitor. I set it to beep when my heart rate is too high or low. It helps keep me moving with a decreased risk to hurt myself.
3)Mix things up. Run outside (I am stationed in Tucson AZ, and the weather isn't THAT bad), sprint drills, ride a bike, go to kick boxing class (dropped a min off my time in a month surprisingly), walk, swim or roller blade. Depending on your weight, running can do more harm than good. Besides, mixing things up will also reduce repetative movement injuries (ex: runners knee.) I NEVER do the same thing. If on the tread mill, I do one of two things.
-Set the incline to 5.0 and do what I call "sprint drills." Set the speed to something doable (5.4 at the moment), but hard, sustain it for 1-3 min., drop down to 3.0(speed), wait till my heart rate gets to the 130s, increase the speed to 0.1 higher than the last "sprint." It improves my speed.
-Set the incline to 5.0 and each min increase the incline by 0.5. This simulates hiking. It improves my endurance, and I find it more enjoyable.

In all honesty, anything is better than nothing, and as long as your heart rate is in your "goal zone" you are doing your body good. I wish you the best. :flowerforyou:

My elliptical is way off than running outside.
I live in TX and it's HOT always. We wear shorts
in winter. I used to run outside in the mornings
but since I'm getting old my knees hurt. My BFF
was nice enough to give me her machine. I miss
running outside. I ran 8 miles every day in an hour and
20 mins. Now it's 3 miles in 45 minutes on elliptical.
Go figure

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