Running on treadmill vs outside

leanneakaliz
leanneakaliz Posts: 229 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi guys I am training to do a 10k race next year. I can barely run a mile at the moment so it will be a big challenge/ hopefully achievement for me. :)

At the moment due to it getting dark so quick I am doing the C25K programme on a treadmill however I know it is a lot easier to run on a treadmill compared to outside.

I just wondered if any of you have tested it for example what is the longest you can run on a treadmill compared to outside?

Thank you so much
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Replies

  • caseythirteen
    caseythirteen Posts: 956 Member
    I can actually go longer on a treadmill typically because it's flat. When I was in a similar situation I would adjust the incline on the treadmill to between 1% and 2% to better account for the feel of being on the road. It really helped when it came time for the race. Good luck!
  • leanneakaliz
    leanneakaliz Posts: 229 Member
    Thank you I may have to do this :)
  • victoriannsays
    victoriannsays Posts: 568 Member
    I think its good to go outside for running. I hate running but i do it anyway :) and i find i push myself when im outside because if i want to stop i do have to somehow get back home verses the treadmill i can just hop off. I also think breathing outside is much different.. and of course hills :)
  • preslyann50
    preslyann50 Posts: 114 Member
    if you want to run on the tread mill but have it be more like outside keep the elevation at like 2 or 3. Most treadmills 0 or "flat" is more like running down hill.
  • preslyann50
    preslyann50 Posts: 114 Member
    I think its good to go outside for running. I hate running but i do it anyway :) and i find i push myself when im outside because if i want to stop i do have to somehow get back home verses the treadmill i can just hop off. I also think breathing outside is much different.. and of course hills :)

    Yes! Breathing outside is a lot different! Especially now when it's cold. My lungs are like frozen haha
  • cbeutler
    cbeutler Posts: 667 Member
    Raise the incline to 3 to 4 that will simulate the difference between road running and treadmill. Have fun on your 10k that is a nice distance to run. Makes for an enjoyable event.
  • rubytOU
    rubytOU Posts: 154 Member
    I think its easier to run outside... because when you're on the mill, you can abort your mission at any point. At least with running outdoors you know you have to run back. I will always choose outdoor running over tread mill any day. Rain, snow, wind,...maybe not hail...although it could be interesting to run my hood with my snowmobile helmet on. Hmm.... :)
  • curvykim78
    curvykim78 Posts: 799 Member
    It's A LOT easier to run on a treadmill. Outside you have to deal with uneven roads or trails, pace changes, hills, dogs, cars, windy conditions, intersections, etc......so there is a lot more you need to control rather than being insdie on a flat treadmill. But a treadmill is better than not running at all. :)
  • brianfmatthews
    brianfmatthews Posts: 22 Member
    I run four or five races a year, and only train on a treadmill. I have been racing for 6 years now, and I always follow a training plan I build on runnersworld.com.

    Even though I only run on the treadmill ( at 1% incline), my race time and pace per mile always matches the training plan. As long as you set the incline to 1 - 2 %, I think you will be fine. If it is really windy or hot / cold on race day, this will have an impact on your pace per mile. Same goes if the course is especially hilly.

    I run 5 and 10 k races.
  • vjohn04
    vjohn04 Posts: 2,276 Member
    I'm not sure about distance.... but I do know that I run a faster pace on the road vs a treadmill. From what I understand, it's typically the other way around....

    Good luck on your training! I'd definitely do a 5k first before a 10k, if you haven't done one yet.

    I'm doing my first 5k trail run on Xmas Eve. EEK!!! :)
  • pennysaurus
    pennysaurus Posts: 30 Member
    I hate running on treadmills. So boring I just want to stop after 2 miles. Don't know how people do the treadmill thing
  • leanneakaliz
    leanneakaliz Posts: 229 Member
    I watch eastenders on my tab while running lmao :P
    Yeah I do love running outside and did begin the c25k programme outside its just the darkness thing dont really want to be running through a foresty area on my own in the dark :S My boyfriend is going to start training with me after xmas though :)
    I really appreciate your help and support guys :) Thank you

    I plan to run a 5k first :) more as a halfway / training point but the 10k is my real achievement :)
    For those of you that say you can just hop off a treadmill this is true but I find my motivation to improve keeps me on until the end :)
  • HypersonicFitNess
    HypersonicFitNess Posts: 1,219 Member
    Even if you mostly train on the treadmill; I highly recommend you get outside for some runs before your 10K...or you won't be ready. It doesn't matter if you do the inclines on the tm....it's not going to be the same. Most running sites do recommend incline on your tm b/c flat on the tm is like running downhill outside; I've seen 1-2% incline on the sites I've been on and in Runner's World magazine. But again....during the week you may not be able to run outside, but the weekend you should take advantage and go out and run somewhere...you'll need the "real world" experience.

    Me, I run at lunch Tuesdays & Thursdays in my neighborhood (it's all hills). Wednesdays is my short run, so I run on the treadmill after work (since its too dark) and Sundays, I run somewhere...usually a trail; not always flat....the only flat trail I have to run is 50 minutes away, so we only go there maybe once a month. :frown: However, I've heard hills just make me stronger. :bigsmile:
  • Mama_Jag
    Mama_Jag Posts: 474 Member
    I'm not sure about distance.... but I do know that I run a faster pace on the road vs a treadmill. From what I understand, it's typically the other way around....

    Me too. I find treadmill running more of a challenge.
  • leanneakaliz
    leanneakaliz Posts: 229 Member
    They do indeed :) Yeah I will start to run outside on weekends after xmas with my boyfriend and as soon as it starts getting lighter I will run in the afternoons outside when i get in from work :)

    Thank you

    Not looking at doing the 10k till april/may time :)
  • LoraF83
    LoraF83 Posts: 15,694 Member
    As everyone else has said, running on the treadmill and running outdoors are two completely different things.

    I would recommend switching to outdoor running as soon as you can. It's going to make a lot of difference in your training.

    Is there a reason you can't/won't run in the dark? They sell headlamps and reflective gear - I wear a hi-vis, reflective hat, an LED armband, have reflective strips on my iphone band, and I'm getting a hi-vis jacket for Christmas. I've found I actually prefer running in the dark - it's very peaceful and helps me clear my head. Of course, I live in a very small town and it's pretty safe.
  • leanneakaliz
    leanneakaliz Posts: 229 Member
    it is on the back of a industrial estate and there isnt much lighting at all. It doesnt bother me all that much but I have a protective brother and mum who do not want me running alone in the dark :P I need to find a neighbour with a dog or something lol :P
    Neither of them will offer to come with me though :P
  • Vansy
    Vansy Posts: 419 Member
    Running on the treadmill with 1% incline is equivalent, well not equivalent but effort-wise more "true to" running outside (on flat ground). So if you get to where you can run with 2% incline you're definitely good to go for outside. Also I've noticed that with running on a treadmill the paces are sometimes faster (i.e., I can run outside with slight hills no problem under 6.5mph pace for a "normal, easy" run. On treadmill it's a little more difficult for me to run at a 6.5mph pace, I huff and puff a lot more!).

    I see no problem with doing most of your training on the treadmill, but I would try to at least get outside and train in the elements once or twice per week; that way you're switching it up. There are advantages/disadvantages to running inside and outside.
  • LMT2012
    LMT2012 Posts: 697 Member
    I am not a big runner, but noticed a HUGE difference between outside and treadmill. Not only is there no terrain or elements involved, but a treadmill naturally propels you forward. If only the sidewalk moved like that belt.
    Just enjoy the treadmill, just enjoy the way your body feels moving. I fantasize that I am an olympic hopeful. Outside it's just grunt work.
  • mfpcopine
    mfpcopine Posts: 3,093 Member
    Hi guys I am training to do a 10k race next year. I can barely run a mile at the moment so it will be a big challenge/ hopefully achievement for me. :)

    At the moment due to it getting dark so quick I am doing the C25K programme on a treadmill however I know it is a lot easier to run on a treadmill compared to outside.

    I just wondered if any of you have tested it for example what is the longest you can run on a treadmill compared to outside?

    Thank you so much

    Any kind of running will be helpful to increase your stamina, but as you're training for a race, ultimately, you will want to spend more time running outdoors on terrain similar to that of the race. Many athletes train indoors on machines during inclement weather to keep up their conditioning, but it's not considered as good as doing the sport exercise.

    I don't run races and run casually only in good weather. Cold weather running is very uncomfortable for me. Among other things, it makes my teeth ache.
  • mfpcopine
    mfpcopine Posts: 3,093 Member
    I hate running on treadmills. So boring I just want to stop after 2 miles. Don't know how people do the treadmill thing

    It is extremely boring. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) helps with the monotony. I also must have fast-paced music I love.
  • 714rah714
    714rah714 Posts: 759 Member
    I can run longer outside, because the boredom running on a treadmill is beyond description.
  • trogalicious
    trogalicious Posts: 4,584 Member
    I can actually go longer on a treadmill typically because it's flat. When I was in a similar situation I would adjust the incline on the treadmill to between 1% and 2% to better account for the feel of being on the road. It really helped when it came time for the race. Good luck!

    This is what I do if I can't get outside for whatever reason.
  • jellebeandesigns
    jellebeandesigns Posts: 347 Member
    My mill is stuck at a 1.5 incline and it's harder than running outside, I tend to prefer dark runs outside. Well any runs outside but if your mill gets stuck at that incline you will learn to run in challenging circumstances. I live in Colorado do my life is pretty much on an incline any way
  • KirstenTheFamilyCoach
    KirstenTheFamilyCoach Posts: 327 Member
    I think maybe I might be considering the possibiity of maybe thinking about training for a possible 1/2. Maybe. We'll see. I live where it's wet and cold and rainy a lot of the time. This makes running outside, even with the correct gear, hard because the ground is slippery and the last thing I need to do is hurt myself. (I'm old - I injure easily and heal slowly).

    So here's what I've learned so far:
    *Be flexible and check the weather. Run outside when you can
    *Have two available routes each run - one loop and one out/back so you can adjust when the weather takes an unexpected turn.
    *Get the right gear and stay warm (ears and fingers are super important!)
    *Layer and have places along your route your can stop and shed. Being too warm is as uncomfortable as too cold.
    *Waterproof your iPhone/FitBit.
    *When running on the treadmill choose the "rolling hills" option always (a steady incline does not actually feel the same as running outside). This will automatically have the machine adjusting your incline.
    *Remember that the treadmill is keeping your pace very differently than you will when you are outside so don't beat yourself up if your pace totally changes outside.
    *Just because the treadmill is easy to hop off of when you are feeling tired and "done" doesn't mean you can't keep going. If you were outside running and 6 miles away from home you'd find the energy to get back - don't let the fact that you can stop at any time be your decider.
  • manhn1
    manhn1 Posts: 137 Member
    I do 97.5% of my running on a treadmill and completed my first half marathon in September. My race time was significantly faster in terms of minutes per mile than on the treadmill. I was pleased with my time. Maybe it was due to the adrenaline of a race.

    I also have to admit than when I'm on a treadmill I'm too lazy to push buttons so I don't necessarily push myself to the absolute max when it comes to speed (just more buttons to push). When you run outdoors, it's easier to slow or quicken your pace. For a treadmill, I tend to stay at the same pace for the entire duration of my workout.
  • czmmom
    czmmom Posts: 236 Member
    I can run longer outside, because the boredom running on a treadmill is beyond description.

    This for me too!! I started c25k on the treadmill and when I took it outside I had to go back to week 4 or 5 and go from there. Treadmill running is so different from outdoor running. I love running outside. I will do the elliptical during the week when its dark and run outside on the weekends during the day.
  • spa9177
    spa9177 Posts: 327 Member
    I hate the treadmill! Its boring and no fun! Run outside the scenery is way better and the smell of fresh air gives you more energy. I live in the country and have a lot of farms so it's nice to see those cows, horses, and chickens, looking at me when I run.
  • DisneyAddictRW
    DisneyAddictRW Posts: 800 Member
    I prefer outside but get stuck indoors with winter. I set the treadmill at 1.0.
  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
    To me they're different animals. I do both, particularly in the winter.

    Do as much training as you like on the treadmill, but like one of the other posters said, set a slight incline to help make it more like road running. I did all of my half marathon training one winter on a treadmill. I've done a handful of halfs, and I would say road training is better than treadmill training, but that doesn't make the treadmill training bad. It was suuuuuper boring doing 2 hr slow pace long runs on a treadmill though... I fell in love with audiobooks.

    Anyway, just get on the road at some point before you do a race. The mechanics, surface hardness, hills, road embankment, etc all make a difference and during a race is never the time to try something new. If you like found c25k on the 'mill, by all means keep at it. Don't let anyone tell you its sub par. Its still a very good workout.

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