Running (jogging) on treadmill or on pavement....

lifeissweet89
lifeissweet89 Posts: 47
in Fitness and Exercise
For some reason, I find it much easier to jog outside on the pavement, I can run for a longer amount of time and the experience just seems more enjoyable when I'm outside...

But I have noticed my knees hurting lately from running on such a hard surface...

WHICH DO YOU PREFER?
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Replies

  • seekingstrengthX2
    seekingstrengthX2 Posts: 771
    I prefer outside and struggle a lot on the treadmill. Make sure u r running on the street. It is softer than the sidewalk.
  • emilymnyc
    emilymnyc Posts: 34
    I used to run only on the treadmill, now I only do road running. The dreadmill is too boring, and I definitely find I can go longer on the road.
    Which part of your knee hurts? You can adjust your running depending on what portion hurts: for example I get pain right in my mid patella so I push my weight forward a little when I run and take shorter steps so I don't get the opportunity to lock my knees makes it pain free!
  • nickhuffman74
    nickhuffman74 Posts: 198 Member
    I can run much faster and longer on the dreadmill but I prefer running outside.
  • froeschli
    froeschli Posts: 1,293 Member
    I run outside. There are two trails side by side, one dirt, one paved, I am faster on the paved part, bu the dirt trail is under trees and cooler. Its also softer, but you have to pay attention to your footing. I switch it up according to how I feel.
  • runzalot81
    runzalot81 Posts: 782 Member
    I prefer the dirt trails.
  • Annaruthus
    Annaruthus Posts: 301 Member
    If you can find dirt trails to run on, that is a lot softer on the knees. You will probably go slower on them, since footing can be uncertain, but running on a trail through the woods is so nice!
  • kzcortes
    kzcortes Posts: 208 Member
    I prefer the dirt trails.

    Running on pavement/concrete is actually bad for your joints. Long term, it can cause damage. Try to find some dirt trails near by - running on earth is much better. Never been a treadmill kind of guy...too boring
  • LeenaRuns
    LeenaRuns Posts: 1,309 Member
    I'm a road runner, but I ran on a treadmill yesterday for the first time in about three years. I actually enjoyed it. Weird....
  • ccarre81
    ccarre81 Posts: 134 Member
    I prefer the dirt trails.

    Me too!
  • RunnerBlonde808
    RunnerBlonde808 Posts: 257 Member
    I also can run much longer and faster on the treadmill but I prefer to be outside. The treadmill has more cushion for your knees and hips but outside is much more enjoyable. Not as boring.
  • lifeissweet89
    lifeissweet89 Posts: 47
    I never though about dirt trails! I may have to find one nearby!
  • Im_NotPerfect
    Im_NotPerfect Posts: 2,181 Member
    I run in the road. It's a lot easier than on the sidewalk and honestly I struggle on the treadmill. Always trying to make sure I stay straight and not fall off the side! I have horrible balance! LOL
  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
    I prefer carpet or astroturf. :tongue:
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    Don't run on the concrete, it's the absolute worst running surface because there's no "give" at all. Run on the asphalt instead. If it's sloped, try to switch sides of the street every so often so you don't injure your knees and ankles.
  • misao1994
    misao1994 Posts: 78
    With pavement jogging you have to be extremely careful about your knees and feet. Proper shoes will definitely adjust the stress to your knees and feet, because when you're on pavement the impact is a lot more strenuous then on a treadmill. But the distance you go outside is a lot farther and more realistic than a treadmill. I prefer outside running, there's nothing like running with nature.
  • Bailey543
    Bailey543 Posts: 375
    I love to go to the track here in town. Much easier on my knees and shin splints. If I go outside I do the sidewalk even though I know the road is easier. I don't have a treadmill, but at the gym I hate running on it. It seems like it's been forever after about 1 minute. So boring!
  • hummus40
    hummus40 Posts: 72
    For some reason, I find it much easier to jog outside on the pavement, I can run for a longer amount of time and the experience just seems more enjoyable when I'm outside...

    But I have noticed my knees hurting lately from running on such a hard surface...

    WHICH DO YOU PREFER?

    Totally with you on this one...love running outside but i know when i first started back running again four years ago that i wouldnt go outside and the treadmill was my friend...
    funny how things change lol
  • lifeissweet89
    lifeissweet89 Posts: 47
    Which part of your knee hurts? You can adjust your running depending on what portion hurts: for example I get pain right in my mid patella so I push my weight forward a little when I run and take shorter steps so I don't get the opportunity to lock my knees makes it pain free!

    It is my patella, on my right leg. It hurts mostly when I BEGIN running and then it kinda just goes away as I keep going...
  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member
    I've been trying to alternate between road, track, dirt, treadmill. Dirt is hard to find, close by....but I get on dirt once a week or so.
  • melindadunston
    melindadunston Posts: 157
    I am the odd women out. I prefer the treadmill. I love to run at the gym with people around me I stay motivated and TVs in front of me keep me entertained so I can keep running longer. There aren't many places I feel safe running outside by my house.
  • PANZERIA
    PANZERIA Posts: 471 Member
    For me, it's two completely different workouts.

    On the treadmill, I do really high intensity intervals on a high incline. On the pavement, it's just an easy, long distance jog with my dog. Each one is for a different purpose - the treadmill is for weight loss and agility training, whereas the out of doors is for a relaxing, fun run with my furbabies.
  • rustyguy
    rustyguy Posts: 51 Member
    If your town / city has a track available, try to use it. The one where we live is much better than the treadmill or the road.
  • BrazenHarpy
    BrazenHarpy Posts: 81 Member
    Running outside will burn more calories, but if you have knee problems I highly recommend either finding a new cardiovascular activity, or sticking to treadmills. My husband has a runner's build, but his knees swell up horrifically any time he tries to do something high impact like running.

    If you want an outdoor activity that's easier on the knees, I'd suggest biking.
  • lifeissweet89
    lifeissweet89 Posts: 47
    For some reason, I find it much easier to jog outside on the pavement, I can run for a longer amount of time and the experience just seems more enjoyable when I'm outside...

    But I have noticed my knees hurting lately from running on such a hard surface...

    WHICH DO YOU PREFER?

    Totally with you on this one...love running outside but i know when i first started back running again four years ago that i wouldnt go outside and the treadmill was my friend...
    funny how things change lol

    Yeah, I have used my boyfriend's treadmill before and it was just too difficult for me. But during this hot weather, I sometimes wish I had a treadmill of my own. If I don't get up early enough before the heat kicks in, I miss out on my workout (like today) :grumble:
  • lolo406
    lolo406 Posts: 71
    I just started running outside and I love it! I used to try to run on a treadmill to no avail, it was horrible for me! I just got my booty outside and it makes it soo much better, I can go longer and its fun! I too have been having knee pain though, mostly towards the end of my journey. I figure its something that will get better as I build up my muscles etc. I heard it's best to run on dirt or grass whenever possible but most of the time that is not an option for me. I've also heard that shoes are very important...Interested to see what other solutions might come up...
  • alwayssavingme
    alwayssavingme Posts: 29
    I switch off between the two but I prefer running outside. I find it easier to run longer and a lot more fun to run outside. The treadmill is nice so I can be inside with my son and avoid horrible weather :) However, I ran outside yesterday and ended up getting a blister on the bottom of my foot while wearing the same running shoes I wear on the treadmill. Harder ground does have it's consequences I guess :(
  • jen10st
    jen10st Posts: 325 Member
    i'd love to be able to run outside but i find the extra impact of the harder surface too much and get leg cramps really easily compared to the treadmill which i never get cramps with. can anyone recommend good running shoes that absorb impact?
    p.s. hope that makes sense :)
  • mparr125
    mparr125 Posts: 17
    I started on the treadmill and would never go back after running on the road for the past year (a mild winter certainly helped). You are correct in that it is more enjoyable and goes by faster.

    One thing to look into, in regards to your pain, is your shoes. You really need to have the proper running shoes especially for the harder surface. You also want to swap them out as, if you're like me, knee/shin pain usually means mine are getting worn and it's time for a new pair.

    Hope this helps.
  • 1holegrouper
    1holegrouper Posts: 323 Member
    It can be a dilemma. On the pavement or trail you are more stimulated by what you see. That gives you more energy and motivation. You are also getting a much better workout in terms of muscles exercised and calories burned. The treadmill has many conveniences but keep in mind that its doing a lot of your work for you. You are not working your hamstrings near the extent you would on the trail. Electricity is taking care of that. You also don't have to exert your stabizers as much which over time really adds up. But, if its over 100 degrees outside or pouring rain or freezing I can understand the apeel. Its definately better than doing neither.

    If you are running on the pavement with proper shoes, form and stretching then most of the dangers attributed to pavement are taken care of by your equipment and conditioning. Unless you have excess bodyweight or have injury prone weaknesses (like knees or shins) then pavement may not be realistic. I've been there and back again.
  • mparr125
    mparr125 Posts: 17
    I was recommended "neutral cushioning" shoes for similar issues and because I am prone to "pronation". New Balance makes good ones that are of a decent price (if you have a factory outlet nearby all the better). I have had 3 pairs of NB's this year and can't complain.

    But you want to make sure about which way your foot lands - people either pronate or suppinate - when their foot lands and the wrong type of shoe can make it worse (i.e. result in further misery and injury).

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