Runners- ? TM vs. road

I'm no expert, but I wouldn't consider a t'mill easier, but as you stated it is different. It's a different foot strike and gate, which in turn recruits different muscles than a standard road running stride. I find myself getting more tired, faster on the t'mill, I attribute it to the less natural stride and different foot strike, (not to mention the boredom).

I'm in the same boat. I run a 9 min mile on the road easy peasy--- then my TM runs are closer to 10 min miles, and I'm exerting the same.

I'm backwards. I was doing the couch to 5 k on my treadmill and was all over it! I got all full of myself and challenged my hubby to a run around our super long blocks and damn near died. I'm no longer a fan of my treadmill. It gave me a false sense of accomplishment. Now I'm going to do the couch to 5 k only outside because I signed up for my first 5k that is happening in August and I want to make sure I can actually RUN it lol

I am a terrible runner on a treadmill. It's harder on my knees (unless I'm at some sort of incline), my stride is a lot shorter, and it's incredibly boring. I definitely get more out of my runs when they're outdoors.

Also, good for you for keeping up with your fitness through pregnancy!

Running on a treadmill makes me feel hatred towards other human beings. Running outside is freedom man... freedom. AMURRICA.

Running on a treadmill makes me feel hatred towards other human beings. Running outside is freedom man... freedom. AMURRICA.

:laugh:

During the winter treadmill running is harder because it's hot inside and there is no airflow. More heat stress equals a higher heartrate at the same speed.

No joke. I feel like a hamster on the treadmill. I can run 30 mins on the treadmill before boredom overpowers me. Watching TV while on TM is not of much help. I definitely enjoy running outdoors.

They are totally different, but each serves a purpose for me. I like the obvious when outside-the view, the changing scenery, being able to run with my pooch etc. But I like the safety and zen of a treadmill-I don't have to be aware of everyone and thing around me (traffic, road hazzards,serial killers), so much of the time I just throw on the music and get lost in my thoughts. Often when I look down at the numbers I am surprised how much time and distance I've covered. :bigsmile:

Often, when you run on a treadmill, it's set at a pace and stays there. When you run outdoors, your pace varies according to the course. You will fly down a hill, slow down going up, and waver between a slow and fast pace on a flat. All of that will affect your overall pace and your finish time.

I've done quite a bit of running on both. Sometimes other factors affect pace, like running late at night and wanting to get it done before the crazies come out, lol! That often makes for a very fast outdoor run for me. I love doing interval training on treadmills. They force you to hold a pace.

...My typical pace outdoors is currently about 12:00; on the treadmill about 13:30. (I'm about 6 months pregnant so all my "runs" have to be slow and easy, with walk breaks.) I'm guessing it is a mental thing, but what do you think?

That's a fast pace for me! I just like being safe, having my fan, reading material, and NCIS. I look at it for what I can be thankful for, not what I hate about it. In the dead of winter, I'm not going outside, so it's a tool for me, not a "favorite thing in the world to do". It's a discipline. I am looking forward to hitting the pavement with my husband this spring and summer as a result! I pace better outside than on the treadmill as a rule, too. I hope that is the case this year!

I think it depends on what you're used to. When I first started running, the treadmill was easier because it helped me slow down my pace to a reasonable level so I could actually breathe and run for more than 30 seconds. The first time I ran outside, I thought I was going to die! I had a hard time keeping the right pace plus there's random hills and even those dips in the sidewalk can mess with you. But as I ran more outside, I got used to it and was able to pace myself very well.

Now the treadmill is absolute torture! I hate running at the same pace constantly and increasing or decreasing at the available intervals never feels right. The only way I'll run on the treadmill now is if I'm doing intervals...

I'm so glad someone asked this question! I consistently, 100% actually, maintain a faster pace on road runs than TM runs. Also, I run on my TM with my Nike+ Sportswatch and my foot sensor, and my TM is pretty darned accurate. They are always within a tenth or two of a mile of each other. If someone's treadmill is reading a mile difference, maybe the belt is all stretched out or consider getting a new TM. Also, I actually am a far better runner on the road as far as endurance and pace, and in no way have to double my TM run.

Only run on dirt,have never run on TM but love the freedom of the trail and dirt road.I don't think I could run as fast think I would fall off if I was not holding on! And I only run at around 10 min miles.

I like to pretend that the treadmill is measure too long.
I am at least 1 -2 minutes per mile slower on the treadmill. I struggle to do 3 miles on the treadmill and can easily do 10 miles outside, at a faster pace.
Like someone else said, it depends on what you are used to. I have read people say that physically the treadmill is easier, but for me, mentally, I struggle. No tv show or music can help me.
My solution is to do intervals. At least when I am focused on how long I have left in this interval, I spend less time thinking of how miserable I am.


As for the running while pregnant - I don't know if PP meant one shouldn't be running while pregnant or that it would be really hard to do. Most doctors will says running while pregnant is fine if you have already been running, unless you have certain complications. Obviously it is something that one should discuss with her doctor.