Runners - Treadmill vs. Outdoors
dorothytd
Posts: 1,138 Member
Was talking to an acquaintance today about getting ready for some upcoming races. Told him I was excited to have just joined a little local gym so I can get on the treadmill a couple times a week (on my lunch break) to help with my training. His response was, "the treadmill is a workout, but it isn't running." I totally get that it is more difficult to run outside, but the treadmill sure feels like a run to me, especially playing with the speeds and incline. Would be interested to hear some thoughts on this... Are you a hard core outside runner or will you get on the treadmill when weather, schedule, safety, etc. are an issue? Any suggestions for programming the 'mill to help it be more of a "run," and less of a workout?
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I don't think the difference is as big as some people say it is. I put it on a 1% incline and generally run faster than I would outside, just to compensate for the fact that there's no way I'm going to do 10+ miles on a treadmill.
It's a good option for the winter, certainly, but I still run outside as much as possible.0 -
I like outdoors better, for one, I like to be outside... but aside from that, I like that I can speed up or slow down whenever I want for as long as I want without waiting for the machine to catch up. I also have more productive runs outside because I'm more likely to push myself if I'm actually running towards something.0
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I think it is easier to run outside. I have a treadmill but like to go running out side. I find the treadmill boring. It is what ever works for you. At least your not at home sitting on the couch...0
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i love to run outdoors. it seems more fulfilling to me somehow. i can get the idea of a treadmill and how that appeals to some, but i just cant think of it as a real alternative for me.
having said all that, when i'm trying to convince myself to run and the snow is on the ground and the freezing wind is biting my kneecaps and ears i'd kill for a treadmill at home... i still do the run tho, and it feels great
you're probably doing the right things playing with the incline and speeds, and if it has programmable runs on there you could do that to mix it up0 -
I'm curious about this, too - I've had ankle/knee injuries to the point a doctor once told me to not run outside and risk rolling it again...been running on a treadmill - got my flat 5k time down to under 32 minutes - I'm thinking I need to add @2 minutes outside in the relatively flat areas in Chicago - that sound about right?0
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I hate the dreadmill but I just ran a marathon 2 weeks ago that was probably 50% trained for on the dreadmill. Its easier than outdoors but its still running.0
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I definitely prefer outdoors but sometimes it's not practical. I just got back into running a few months ago after a prolonged injury kept me away. The treadmill allowed me to work my cardiovascular strength up and extend some distance before heading out into the "real world". Additionally, my gym let's me drop off my 3 year old who LOVES to go to the gym with me in their Kids Club to which there's no equivalent if I head into the park for a run.
If you're race training, the treadmill will only take you so far, but working with the incline you can get pretty close to outdoors. Don't let someone try and spew their elitest BS at you.0 -
I have to say, it did feel better than my home route, which involves running up the same hill several times! (Oh how I hate that hill.) But other than that and the boredom factor, I just did not feel as passionately about the difference.0
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I don't own a treadmill so outdoors is really my only option. I have an elliptical that I have used once since running & only because the weather was just too nasty outside. I have used a treadmill when out of town @ hotels & I don't care flr it as much. Better than nothing but I like the scenery running & the feel of my feet on the pavement. I also always feel like I'm still moving when I get off the treadmill & I don't like that feeling.0
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I hate the dreadmill but I just ran a marathon 2 weeks ago that was probably 50% trained for on the dreadmill. Its easier than outdoors but its still running.
I like the name! I'll probably end up 50/50 as well. Thanks.0 -
Personally I love running outdoors.
I think running on the treadmill is easier physically (the ground helps you by moving!) but mentally it's harder. Staying in the same place and watching the numbers slowly go up... ugh.
I love the fresh air and being distracted by all the things you can see when you run outside.0 -
I think it just depends on the person. I prefer to be outside just so that I have things to look at outside. I also like feeling like I have air blowing around me so I don't feel as hot. I live in a little hilly area so I feel like I get conditioned a little better than if I ran on a treadmill. The treadmill is going to be easier on your joints than outside. I know someone that only runs on a treadmill. She ran a race with me and was more sore than running on a treadmill. (That could also be the adrenaline from the race.) However, when it's extremely cold/hot outside the treadmill provides another option. Again, I think it's just preference and what you want out of a run!0
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I flat out don't like treadmills, so do virtually all my running outside. If it's too icy to run safely, I'll use the indoor track in the gym instead of the treadmill. But many people do some or most of their training on treadmills and don't have problems--my husband is one of them. If you have races planned, try to get outdoors for at least some of your runs because it does feel different, but apart from that, do what's easiest and most comfortable for you.0
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I love running outdoors, road or trail running, but have used the treadmill when recovering from a hip flexor injury, or occasionally for a speed workout when I couldn't make it to a track. Plus, sometimes its nice to put something on TV and just run without having to worry about where I am, what animals might be around me, and how many miles might be between me and my house.
Its still a workout, but it is harder, and IMO, more fun to run outside.0 -
I would say it is certainly easier, unless you either set it on an incline, or on rolling hills setting. I tried a 15 minute run outside and found it a killer compared to what I manage on the treadmill. Cycling is more my outdoor thing, not dared venture into anything serious outside yet but I might do once the weather gets warmer.0
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I'm probably the odd one here, but I actually think the dreadmill is harder. I can't control my breathing and natural running form on it, AND it's boring. I run much faster and enjoy it much more outdoors. Not sure what my deal is! Running on a 1-2% incline is a must though if you have to use it
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i definitely prefer to run outside. i found myself able to run much farther and enjoy is so much more. i'll run any way i can, as i have a treadmill at home as well, but if i can get outside, i'm doing it. regardless of whether you are on a treadmill or outside, you ARE running.0
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Honestly I found it a lot better of a workout let alone a run to do it outside on pavement. I had the best results from doing it that way.0
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Living in MN, I use the Treadmill for at leat 4 months out of year. I still prefer running outside, but I would never discount the benefits of running regardless of whether it is indoor or outdoors. Personally, I think running on the treadmill is harder, my pace outside is always faster than my treadmill pace.0
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Hands down I would much prefer to be outside but with the cold winter weather it just isn't possible.
I am training for a 10k in mid-April . . . so the treadmill it is . . . it is warm and there is no ice to slip on or snow to make my feet cold and wet.
Looking forward to the warmer weather.0 -
As a half-marathion runner nothing like outdoors its harder if you know where to run just get fed up of it after a while and the tredmill is bad it kills your knees better off doing it outside and do curcuit training inside.0
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I prefer running outside but recently I've started using the treadmills at the gym. I do put it on an incline when I use it and I like that it "forces" me to run faster than I would outside (or fall off by not keeping up) but I notice I can run for longer periods of time when I run outside. However, I was completely unsatisfied with my 5K time so I'm trying to run faster and in this crappy weather I'm willing to train on a treadmill.0
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I prefer to run outside, but I have trained for 5Ks indoors on a treadmill, and my race time was no different than when I trained outside, so it is definitely running, and it can be done. If you are seriously training to run competitively you probably need more outdoor runs, but if you are just doing it as a personal challenge to run a 5K at this point, go for it and good luck!0
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I have a lot of injuries from sports when I was younger, so running on the treadmill and running outside are very different for me. I tend to do very poorly with those injuries (both ankles, both knees) and my asthma when I'm on the treadmill. Running outside feels much more natural and comes with the added bonus a built-in fan, nice constantly changing scenery, and the freedom to change your speed or your stride without having to look down and mess with buttons. If its a choice between running outside when its over 80 degrees or running inside on a treadmill, though, I would go with the treadmill.
Honestly, it depends on you and what feels comfortable for you. Keep going. 0 -
I'm using my treadmill due to the weather but prefer to run outside. While running on our mostly dirt roads and trails here, my ankles and muscles get a different workout than I do on the treadmill. I did some research and it was reccomended that you walk where you normally run, just to keep the muscles, tendons 'comfortable' or whatever with the terrain. So I'm going to try to do that on my cross training days to make the transition this spring easier, and hopefully avoid injury and/or pain. I also read that if you've been using a treadmill exclusively, that you should start running outside only one time a week and gradually build up to it.
Ultimately do what you're willing to do, over and over again. 0 -
Im not a hardcore runner, but I prefer to run outside (I use RunKeeper to track my distance and burned cals). Treadmill bores me but I also use them during winter. 0
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The treadmill just doesn't do "it" for me. I don't get the same endorphin rush, I got bored and overheated, and I'm suspicious that my stress fracture last winter was due in part to going back to running on the 'mill after running outside all spring, summer and fall.
So I quit the gym and it's no longer an option for me. I'd rather run in rain, heat, snow or cold than run on a treadmill.0 -
i do it when necessary, and it's great for interval training. I actually run faster on a treadmill bc I can monitor my speed, but give me the outdoors any day. It's not as dull. plus I have balance issues that makes a treadmill slightly dangerous. lol.0
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Was talking to an acquaintance today about getting ready for some upcoming races. Told him I was excited to have just joined a little local gym so I can get on the treadmill a couple times a week (on my lunch break) to help with my training. His response was, "the treadmill is a workout, but it isn't running." I totally get that it is more difficult to run outside, but the treadmill sure feels like a run to me, especially playing with the speeds and incline. Would be interested to hear some thoughts on this... Are you a hard core outside runner or will you get on the treadmill when weather, schedule, safety, etc. are an issue? Any suggestions for programming the 'mill to help it be more of a "run," and less of a workout?
For me, a relatively new runner, the dreadmill is AWFUL, but I do it to avoid wet running outside. I always feel like the time goes so slowly on the dreadmill and outside I can run three times as far (and faster) before I even think about how long it takes.0 -
I don't run on a tread mill unless I have to and let's face it , I never really HAVE to! But if you do all the time good for you! It's still running:). But running outside is best IMO because there are all sorts of variables that can be challenging and interesting: wind, hills of different grades, cold and heat. These variables can make your run more challenging and interesting. My Favourite thing about running is the sunshine, looking at the mountains, people's gardens, saying hi to People I pass and giving my dogs a good time:). I definitely vote for outdoors because I think exercise should be fun!0
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