Outdoors vs Treadmill

chanstriste13
chanstriste13 Posts: 3,277 Member
edited September 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
hello, everyone! i've been working on c25k since early april, and i have been stuck on W4 for about 5 weeks now. between my lack of progress and the *heat* we've had, i decided yesterday to move it in to a treadmill at the gym. i realize that the treadmill is not as challenging as outdoor running, but i have to admit that i was really excited to finish the sequence finally, even if it wasn't as intense. if i build to where i can run 10 minutes solid on a treadmill, do you think i should shoot to run outdoors for about 7 minutes? does anyone have any experience with what the varient would be like (outdoor trail with very small inclines - nothing too steep, but not flat either). is this totally a bad idea? should i just keep trucking with the outdoor running? i feel like it would be healthy for my psyche to finally *move on*, but i don't want to totally compromise my efforts. any thoughts or advise appreciated! thanks! ~stacy

Replies

  • aymetcalf
    aymetcalf Posts: 597 Member
    The treadmill is definitely easier than running outside and may prove to be another option for training during the summer. If you run on the treadmill at a 1-2% incline, it is more similar to running on flat ground outdoors. I think you should use whichever you want, just keep training! :flowerforyou:
  • melodyg
    melodyg Posts: 1,423 Member
    I am impressed with anyone running outside in this heat, it has been all I can do to keep walking with temps at 90 right at sunset! Doing a conservative C25K here so I'll be doing some running soon enough though since it won't be cool again until September at the earliest!

    I think that running on the treadmill might be a great compromise and way to build up your running times and endurance. I would just be prepared to not be quite to where you were on the treadmill when you do start running outside again. It may be helpful to do some walking or shorter runs outside just to stay used to some outside work as well.

    Good luck!
  • EKarma
    EKarma Posts: 594 Member
    tthing about treadmills are that they are bouncy that why it's less intense. Hitting the pavement is the best way to go, unless heat or other things stand in the way. You could try running really early in the morning.. I usually do my run between 6-7am.. Also, if you are running outside try running on asphalt.. It's more porous making it give a lil more than sidewalk concrete.. How is your posture when you're running? Be sure to keep your spine straight, do not lean forward.. Make sure you're keeping your shoulders loose, don't clench your fists, this triggers your brain to "tighten up" and you don't want that.. Either way.. inside or outside keep going.. Getting the exercise is good for you.
  • Paul76
    Paul76 Posts: 158
    I read a study that said running on a treadmill is about 10% easier than outdoors. So running 10 on the treadmill should translate to 9 outdoors.

    It's already been said, but 1-2% incline should simulate flat outdoors.
  • lisajuly
    lisajuly Posts: 240 Member
    Hmm, for me, running outside is MUCH easier then running on my tm...unless i'm doing speedwork and then the tm can keep me at faster paces whereas I'd likely slack off on my own.

    I get into the zone faster outside and I can run for well over an hour outside, plus I actually run faster per mile outside. maybe it's the change in scenery that helps.

    anyway, i guess i'm not much help, but remember that running (whether on on tm or outdoors) is often a lot of mindgames. Tell yourself "just one more tenth of a mile...or one more minute...or i'm going to run to the next driveway or the next tree, lamppost, etc. Before you know it, you'll have gone further than you expected.

    lisa
  • tavander
    tavander Posts: 79 Member
    I run on the treadmill during really hot times and I use no less than a 2-2.5% incline. I've found that it makes it much easier for those times I run outside. When I'm having a challenging moment, I just look at those around me on the treadmills running at 0% incline and remind myself that I am benefiting more. These people are regulars and I see them all the time but only using 0%.
  • tamalea
    tamalea Posts: 107 Member
    I think you should do whatever is going to keep you working out. The most important thing is to not quit, so if a treadmill helps keep you going, that is where you should go.
  • Amy_B
    Amy_B Posts: 2,317 Member
    Hmm, for me, running outside is MUCH easier then running on my tm...unless i'm doing speedwork and then the tm can keep me at faster paces whereas I'd likely slack off on my own.

    I get into the zone faster outside and I can run for well over an hour outside, plus I actually run faster per mile outside. maybe it's the change in scenery that helps.

    anyway, i guess i'm not much help, but remember that running (whether on on tm or outdoors) is often a lot of mindgames. Tell yourself "just one more tenth of a mile...or one more minute...or i'm going to run to the next driveway or the next tree, lamppost, etc. Before you know it, you'll have gone further than you expected.

    lisa
    Same here. I'd much rather run outside. However, if that's not an option, the treadmill is definitely a good alternative. Keep up the good work!
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