c25k outside vs. treadmill?

eli_802
eli_802 Posts: 60
in Fitness and Exercise
i've been doing the c25k program the last 4 weeks - on a treadmill. i wanted to be able to set a pace (4mph walking, 6mph running) and stick with it, just to prove that i could run 10 minute miles.
but i've been hearing from a lot of people that its harder to run outside. is it time to head out? i also live on a HUGE mountain (vermont = grean mountain state), so the hills would completely throw off my pace. when i do run a 5k, i will be in boston, where it is mostly flat. any thoughts?
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Replies

  • NoCoolUsername
    NoCoolUsername Posts: 12 Member
    I find it a lot harder to run outside, not sure why though!
  • heidithebee
    heidithebee Posts: 15
    Personally it's easier for me to run outside, but that's just because I hate the treadmill.

    I have heard that setting your treadmill to an incline of 1 will be closer to the experience of running outside.
  • PixEm
    PixEm Posts: 190 Member
    Yes, it is harder to run outside. I heard recently if you set your incline to 1 while running on the treadmill it is comparable to running outside. Don't know if that is true or not, but worth a try.
  • jsj024519
    jsj024519 Posts: 400 Member
    Outside is easier!
  • BrawlerBella
    BrawlerBella Posts: 400 Member
    It's harder for me to run outside but I live in South Texas. Normally 100°+ heat in the afternoon.
  • TurtleRunnerNC
    TurtleRunnerNC Posts: 751 Member
    I have just started running (last week). I ran for 15 min straight @ 5mph on tje treadmill @ the hotel I was at (I do not have one). When I got home & tried to run outside I could not run tje whole 15 min. Now today I did run a mule without stopping in 13 min but was more winded than the 15 min on the treadmill.
  • kimbux
    kimbux Posts: 154 Member
    Think of it this way - on the treadmill you have 'assistance' by the belt moving in the opposite direction. Outside, there is no moving belt and more resistance. It is true that you should set your treadmill on a 1% incline. Personllay, I would run outside as much as possible...
  • ChristyRunStarr
    ChristyRunStarr Posts: 1,600 Member
    It's easier for me to run outside because I hate being stuck on a treadmill but harder to run outside because the road is different than the flat treadmill (and when I say flat, I mean no rocks, bumps, etc). Running outside (for me at least) makes the time go that much faster too.
  • JennafurC
    JennafurC Posts: 65 Member
    Definitely set your incline on your treadmill to 1 or 1.5. When you're on a treadmill its forcing you to move...outside you have to force yourself. Its much harder on the body (IMO) to run outside, BUT much easier on the mind. On a treadmill I'm bored after 10-15 minutes. Outside I've gone as far as 65 minutes.
  • AubreySue81
    AubreySue81 Posts: 167 Member
    When I did c25k I did it all on the treadmill. But before I did my first 5k race I was sure to hit the pavement for a while. For me, running outside was a bit harder as I'm not able to control my pace as well (working on that one currently), and there are little inclines and what not outside. Where as on a treadmill, it is all an even surface. I would try some out door running before the race, but that's just my humble opinion - and I am in no way an expert. Lol. Good luck!
  • CherylR165
    CherylR165 Posts: 15
    Running outside is totally different from running on a treadmill. I completed the C25K program on the treadmill and scheduled my first 5K race for the last day of the program. I quickly regretted that move! The shock of running on asphalt and concrete radiated PAIN through my legs, hips, and back! I literally stopped running about 100 yards into the race! I gathered my thoughts and finished the race, but that was a very long 3 miles! Adding an incline of 1% on the treadmill will help you approximate the resistance of running outside. On a 0% incline, the treadmill is doing half the work for you. However, the hills are the best test. Anybody can run fast on a flat course, but if you can handle hills, you can handle just about any course. Running outside is also more challenging because of weather conditions (hot, cold, humidity, fog), the changing grade (uphill, downhill, flat, curves, etc) of the road and obstacles (debris, animals, traffic).
  • photorific
    photorific Posts: 577 Member
    I made the mistake of doing my initial C25K training on a treadmill, set to a 0 incline. The first outside run I did killed me. I think I ran about .75 mile v the 3 miles I was able to do on the treadmill. I quickly learned the incline "trick" and started incorporating more outside runs as well.

    I still prefer a treadmill, but mostly because it's easy to pace myself and see where I'm at in the run. I do set it at a 2 or 3 incline though.
  • jwilson2001
    jwilson2001 Posts: 80 Member
    I have been doing the c25k as well. I am on week 6. I have alway heard that running outside is harder. I have been using the treadmill at the gym by my work so that I force myself to keep a set pace, etc. Last week, I ended up having to do Day 3 at home, which meant going outside! IT WAS HARD!! I think it's because the treadmill forces you to keep a pace because it is moving and outside you have to will yourself to keep moving! I do agree with others, I have the incline set at 2.0 on the treadmill just to provide some type of "resistance". I plan to finish the app on the treadmill and then start it over outside....
  • evilmonkee
    evilmonkee Posts: 55 Member
    Physically, if you are a new runner, it's harder to run outside, because you have to learn how to pace yourself, and you have a lot more variation in incline, temperature, humidity, etc.
    Mentally, it is much easier than running on a treadmill. You feel like you're actually going somewhere and you get to enjoy your surroundings. Plus the transitions from walking to running are a lot more natural when you do them outside.
    I also live in a hilly area. When I did C25k, I decided to run outside in week 6, and I had to go back to week 4, but it was totally worth it. Now I only get on a dreadmill if it's absolutely disgusting outside.
  • hock1972
    hock1972 Posts: 12
    Really, it depends on the individual. Some as you see on here... it is easier to run/walk outside.

    As a rule of thumb though, most find the treadmill a lot easier. I do. The treadmill moves the ground for you. So, you are basically lifting your feet and putting them back down again. The treadmill propels for you. Outside, the grounds doesn't move. You need to propel yourself forward and that takes energy/effort. Plus, there are other outside inluences that can affect you physically... like heat, humidity etc. Then again the scenery is nicer outside than in a house or gym usually and that can be a motivator. But, overall, yes... the treadmill is easier than outside.

    Someone else mentioned, and it is true, that raising the incline to 1 or 2 on your treadmill can cause you to use more effort and give you a better feel for how you would do outside. Good luck.
  • rchupka87
    rchupka87 Posts: 542 Member
    I have to do W5D3 today. Up until last week, I had run every time on the treadmill due to it being about 115 degrees outside. ALL. SUMMER. LONG. I worked up to a pretty good pace, and felt really comfortable with the progression. Then last week because of some scheduling issues, I ended up running in the park while my kids had soccer practice.

    I. ALMOST. DIED.

    Okay, so that was a bit dramatic, but seriously. It was SOOO much harder for me. Between the heat, and the sun blaring in your face, and the bugs, and the hills - I BARELY made it through my first 5 minute run. I didn't make it through the second. I did finish the third, but it was HARD, and I thought I was going to pass out.

    I am running a race in October (actually, 40 days from now) and I am nervous now. I know I need to start running outside so that I can get used to it, because it is a lot different. It was still in the mid 90s here this weekend - so I did go to the gym and run on the treadmill. I didn't want to have a heat stroke! LOL But, I changed the settings on it to where it would change the incline automatically everyso often, to mimic the outside conditions. It made a HUGE difference, and I will be doing that from here on out - IF I have to run inside. My advice, run outside when you can. And to the incline settings on the treadmill.
  • RudyND
    RudyND Posts: 213 Member
    Physically its harder for me outside because of the payment but mainly the elevation makes you work harder. BUT
    I like the outside better because its a TRUE results type thing. The APP I use is "MapMyRun". It regulated by GPS. It will show you all the stats you need while and after you run. It will also show you the elevation of your course you just ran..
  • ashlinmarie
    ashlinmarie Posts: 1,263 Member
    I got bored running on the treadmill so after week 3 I started running outside. It is harder and sometimes I run in areas with hills which I don't have at home, but I love being outside with my music and the fresh air. It is much easier to run on the treadmill in the A/C but outdoors is like conditioning! I would recommend running outside. Yes, it will ruin your pace now but you will get stronger and your run in Boston should seem like a breeze! Plus you'll be used to the impact and air and weather changes of being outdoors.
  • fit4lyfeLisa
    fit4lyfeLisa Posts: 529 Member
    I do much better on my treadmill than outside. A few weeks ago was my first time running outside, and I thought it was awful. lol I ran much slower outside, than I do on my treadmill.
  • WolfPackFan13
    WolfPackFan13 Posts: 95 Member
    I would agree with people who say it is easier on the body running on a treadmill, but harder on the mind (getting bored).

    One thing to consider is there a little bit of cushioning on a treadmill (most anyways) so besides being easier on the cardiovasular system, I think it is a little more gentle on the knees and legs to run on treadmill.
  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
    I am running inside without a treadmill. Just do what works. It doesn't matter.
  • postrockandcats
    postrockandcats Posts: 1,145 Member
    Outside has varying inclines, weather and you're trying to propel yourself through air. You're standing still on a treadmill. Ego, treadmills are easier.

    THAT said, I use a treadmill. Why? It's way to hot and humid here and I don't have time until after dark. I'm still running, I'm still getting my heart rate up and I'm in better shape. Haters to the left. :)
  • Sthrncupcake
    Sthrncupcake Posts: 79 Member
    Outside all the way! I have the attention span of a gnat ( that's a funny looking word!)...and get SO bored running on the treadmill. AND...you get to scare the bajezus outta squirells running outside...on the treadmill...not much entertainment. Unless its Thursday, which happens to be when the college guys do the ellipticals...and they are in front of the treadmills...I havent ran outside on a Thursday in MONTHS!
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    ^ :laugh: I get the best mental image of you scaring the local squirrels!

    I honestly can't compare treadmill to outside running because I've never set foot on a treadmill! But I can say that I'm glad I have learned to run outside because of so many people saying it's harder and less boring.

    Plus, if you ever intend to race (which you should - running a 5k is fun and there are so many really fun races out there!), you never know what conditions will be like on race day - I've done my weekly runs in rain, high winds, freezing temps, fog, heat, humidity, blowing dust - pretty much everything but snow (give me time :tongue:), so I feel more prepared for whatever happens on race day.
  • beckyinma
    beckyinma Posts: 1,433 Member
    Outside all the way! I have the attention span of a gnat ( that's a funny looking word!)...and get SO bored running on the treadmill. AND...you get to scare the bajezus outta squirells running outside...on the treadmill...not much entertainment. Unless its Thursday, which happens to be when the college guys do the ellipticals...and they are in front of the treadmills...I havent ran outside on a Thursday in MONTHS!

    :heart:
  • guardian419
    guardian419 Posts: 391 Member
    Running outside gives you the opportunity to see the world moving around you and take in the sights... with a bunch of hills it will mess up your time while on the hills, but will make you stronger.

    You could always alternate between the two (what I do) because after a while the treadmill does get boring, though I have one in the garage so it's always easier.
  • bluefox9er
    bluefox9er Posts: 2,917 Member
    i've been doing the c25k program the last 4 weeks - on a treadmill. i wanted to be able to set a pace (4mph walking, 6mph running) and stick with it, just to prove that i could run 10 minute miles.
    but i've been hearing from a lot of people that its harder to run outside. is it time to head out? i also live on a HUGE mountain (vermont = grean mountain state), so the hills would completely throw off my pace. when i do run a 5k, i will be in boston, where it is mostly flat. any thoughts?

    I think it's harder on a deadmill. the thought of being stuck in the same place for running..id rather have water torture. liberate yourself and run in the outdoors and all the challenges it throw..it will make you a much more COMPLETE all-round runner.
  • speedisoverrated
    speedisoverrated Posts: 38
    I did it on a treadmill and then ran a 5k (outside, obviously).

    The only thing that was harder was pacing yourself, which is really difficult when you've had the treadmill doing it for you. Hills etc were obviously different, but if you can get through the boredom of treadmills you can get through hills.

    Do whatever gets you moving.
  • WhitneyT586
    WhitneyT586 Posts: 279 Member
    I find it is more difficult to run outside because you have to physically propel your body forward. The treadmill can be more difficult because you have to set a pace where outside you can run however you want and slow down/speed up as you want rather than waiting on the treadmill to slow down.

    I'd head outside when you can. You'll just be that much more prepared and in shape. Good luck!
  • ChristyMomx3
    ChristyMomx3 Posts: 176
    I did my first 3 weeks on the treadmill. Now I can't run even 3 solid mins outside. I am going back to week 1 and starting over. It is sooo hard.. My legs hurt.. My breathing is terrible. I would say get outside as soon as possible.

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