Running on the Treadmill v. Outside

sufikitkat
sufikitkat Posts: 583 Member
edited September 29 in Fitness and Exercise
Hello fellow MFP runners! I have a question to ask (sorry if someone already posted this!) Do you feel you run better on a treadmill or outside/on a track?

My response: I hate the treadmill. I get more pain after runs on the treadmill and my pace is always much slower on a treadmill than it is when I run outside or even on an indoor track. I dread heat waves like the one this week because I may be forced inside on the treadmill :-/
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Replies

  • lmr9
    lmr9 Posts: 628 Member
    much better outside!
  • kjjm08
    kjjm08 Posts: 217 Member
    I much prefer running outside BUT the treadmill is good for bad weather etc.
  • melizerd
    melizerd Posts: 870 Member
    I can run farther and longer on the treadmill, also my speed is faster on the treadmill BUT training on the ground is important for road races because the world is not a smooth belt. So your body makes tons of micro corrections for sidewalks and road changes that it doesn't need to on the treadmill.

    Without my treadmill I wouldn't be able to run 5 or 6 days a week either so it's definitely important for that reason too.
  • sara_m83
    sara_m83 Posts: 545 Member
    I much, much prefer running outside. My physio has also advised against running on the treadmill as it affects my form and causes me injuries as well. I say if you prefer outdoors and do better outdoors, stick to outdoors!
  • fromaquasar
    fromaquasar Posts: 811 Member
    I try to do an even amount of both. Treadmill is obviously easier but I try and do at least one workout on it a week to do a tempo run or intervals and really measure my pace. But then I do 3 or so outdoor runs because they are way cooler :) Unless its freezing and cold then I stay on the treadmills :)
  • nc1191
    nc1191 Posts: 51 Member
    It all depends on the day. If it's too hot/humid outside, I prefer the treadmill. One thing I like about running outside though is you get to see how far you've come/how far you have left to go which is kind of motivating as opposed to just watching the distance increase on the treadmill. One thing I like about the treadmill is being able to set your pace which is a little harder to do outside. I do tend to be in more pain (usually the next day) after running outside but it's probably because I don't warm up as much as I would at the gym. So I don't really prefer one over the other because they both have pros and cons but I hope this helps a little :smile:
  • Nikstergirl
    Nikstergirl Posts: 1,549 Member
    While the treadmill is a useful tool and I do use it occasionally... I MUCH prefer outdoor running. Not only the fresh air, the wind in my face... but my pace is faster, my stride is more comfortable, I just prefer it! Usually if I have to do more than 2-3 miles I'll flat out refuse to use the treadmill. I've done 5-6 miles, but I hated every minute of it inside!!!!
  • jarrettd
    jarrettd Posts: 872 Member
    Outside, definitely! Treadmill is just moving the legs up and down...outside, you actually have to propel your entire body forward. A better burn, IMHO.

    Also, the scenery never really changes on the treadmill. Yesterday, I saw an albino deer midway through my run. Totally worth it!

    I get up just as it's getting light out, so I can run before it gets too hot.
  • SavCal71
    SavCal71 Posts: 350 Member
    I enjoy running outside much much more. I emotionally and physically feel better after an outside run.

    However, I'm faster on the dreadmill.

    I've been dreadmilling it since early June because it's too hot here to run outside. I'm so so so ready to run outside again. But it looks like that may be September ... Grrrrrr!
  • faithfitnessandnutrition
    faithfitnessandnutrition Posts: 101
    Outside for me, I run on treadmills only as a last resort as they tend to hurt my knees and I get bored. I love the sensation of moving with the purpose of going somewhere when I am running and the changing scenery ... :):)
  • SavCal71
    SavCal71 Posts: 350 Member
    I get up just as it's getting light out, so I can run before it gets too hot.

    doesn't help here. It's been 75-80 at 5:30 am!
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    I run faster outside without feeling like I'm going any faster. And faster on trails than on pavement. I don't even notice incline on trails.
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    *double post*
  • nuttyfamily
    nuttyfamily Posts: 3,394 Member
    I ran on the DM today and I can't go as far or as fast as when I run outside.

    I am going to work on that. Too hot here too.

    Last winter, I stopped running and had to start over in the spring...I had only started running in August.

    I will keep up on the DM until this heat wave is over. It is better than not running at all.

    I am going to add .25 to .50 to each of my runs to get further.
  • tushiness
    tushiness Posts: 29
    I actually way prefer running on the treadmill to outside! My pace is way faster and I find I can run for a lot longer too! I also screwed up my knee when I had a fall a few years ago and it starts paining when i run outside :S

    I know its probably better to run outside and I do try and get one outside run a week but I'm sticking to the tready for now :)
  • jessbennett1986
    jessbennett1986 Posts: 243
    I like outside much better! Today I was forced to run on the treadmill because it's too hot outside and I had to do something. Even with watching a movie I hated it. I was counting down the time to when I would be done. It's so nice to run outside and smell the fresh air and see scenery. Also, I can't run as fast or as far on the treadmill and idk why? 5mph on the treadmill is like sprinting for me vs 5mph outside at a nice steady pace and being able to carry on a conversation. Good luck!
  • maryloo2011
    maryloo2011 Posts: 446
    My July goal was to run 4-5 miles in 40 minutes or less. I hit this goal last Monday (the 11th) on a consistent basis (yay!) but I decided to take it outside. Thought, no problem-o! Going for a run outside is something I always envied seeing others doing and wanted to be able to do it myself. Woooooah I was wrong to think I can do the same amount outside as inside.

    I'm now sitting here with shin splints on both sides of my legs and in a boot with what the doc thinks is a stress fracture on the inside of one of my feet.

    I'm uber pissed and so disappointed in myself for these injuries. He said the only reason for it was because of how much I pushed myself outside after running inside :(

    So... yeah. Le sigh!!
  • Schwiggity
    Schwiggity Posts: 1,449 Member
    The treadmill can be good especially if the weather isn't suitable, but eventually you'll find it much more enjoyable to run outdoors or on a track. I like a lot better when I get to set my own pace (for example, I never do a static speed really, my speed varies a couple decimals of a mph here and there, but it makes for a lot more comfortable of a run).
  • Mommyof3loves
    Mommyof3loves Posts: 276
    Honestly I can't run on a treadmill without holding on, I don't feel balanced enough, so I would prefer outside.
  • sufikitkat
    sufikitkat Posts: 583 Member
    My July goal was to run 4-5 miles in 40 minutes or less. I hit this goal last Monday (the 11th) on a consistent basis (yay!) but I decided to take it outside. Thought, no problem-o! Going for a run outside is something I always envied seeing others doing and wanted to be able to do it myself. Woooooah I was wrong to think I can do the same amount outside as inside.

    I'm now sitting here with shin splints on both sides of my legs and in a boot with what the doc thinks is a stress fracture on the inside of one of my feet.

    I'm uber pissed and so disappointed in myself for these injuries. He said the only reason for it was because of how much I pushed myself outside after running inside :(

    So... yeah. Le sigh!!

    I have read that running on one type of surface can lead to injuries on different surfaces, more so when most running is done on a treadmill or track and then the switch is made to road due to the lack of cushion comparatively speaking. Even in winter I run outside, unless it has snowed A LOT, so that could be why the treadmill doesn't suffice for myself.
  • sufikitkat
    sufikitkat Posts: 583 Member
    The treadmill can be good especially if the weather isn't suitable, but eventually you'll find it much more enjoyable to run outdoors or on a track. I like a lot better when I get to set my own pace (for example, I never do a static speed really, my speed varies a couple decimals of a mph here and there, but it makes for a lot more comfortable of a run).

    I agree about the static pace. I also vary throughout my runs, I use runkeeper and my average pace can change by a little or a lot throughout my entire run. It is much more comfortable for myself to have the ability to naturally change pace versus having to press buttons!
  • kumarprabhat
    kumarprabhat Posts: 116
    Both have their benefits and challenges:

    I have been using Treadmill for some time now. It has definitely helped me (and continues to do so) build speed, stamina and distance. I can go much faster, much longer. I can try different settings and track lots of data with ease for comparison on how I am progressing. It has made me much disciplined, As it forces to complete (giving up is a difficult thing for me :smile:), so it helps me achieve my targets. Aparts it is milder on knees, protects from weather, and can be done without any company. :smile:

    Recently, since I ran my first 6K, I have started training outside too. It is very very differrent ballgame, and very challenging. Much tougher on knees, pumps up the HR real well. I can't go the same distance as I do on treadmill, but is much more satisfying. Sense of achievement is much more when I run outside.

    So, for me, I will continue to do a mix of both for some foreseeable future for now. I guess - 3 runs on TM and 1 Run outside each week. That way I will continue to build more and test more. That's the target till I run 2-3 10Ks outside....will re-assess then.
  • northstar699
    northstar699 Posts: 99 Member
    I get up just as it's getting light out, so I can run before it gets too hot.

    doesn't help here. It's been 75-80 at 5:30 am!

    I feel your pain! It's always hotter than... stuff here, even first thing in the AM. Even so, I can't seem to make myself run on the treadmill, so I'm just suffering through it. Can't wait for the fall!
  • iamnessa7
    iamnessa7 Posts: 4
    I just started running a month and half ago. I can honestly say I can run twice as long on a treadmill than outdoors. I was wondering if I was the only one and wondered why this could be. I enjoy the treadmill maybe because in south ga durning the summer it is brutally hot even in the mornings. Makng it less enjoyable. But I will continue to do both to help build up my endurance and strength. I am slowly but surely getting addicted to the thrill of running whether its inside or out.:tongue:
  • donrdon
    donrdon Posts: 216 Member
    My preference is definitely outside. I run outside all year long, even during the winter (until it gets colder than -20'C). I did get forced inside today though, tried to get my 20 miles in but after 8 I couldn't handle the heat (humidex at 92) so I played it smart and finished on the treadmill. Not I choice I make very often but with a late start today running early wasn't an option.
  • Azdak
    Azdak Posts: 8,281 Member
    I hated the treadmill when I was younger--every minute seemed to last forever.

    However, with some later injuries and other physical issues, when the choice was either running on a treadmill or not running at all--all of a sudden, the treadmill didn't seem so bad.
  • BrunetteRunner87
    BrunetteRunner87 Posts: 591 Member
    Outside! Treadmill is so boring. I go faster outside because I have a point I'm trying to get to. I only do treadmills for specific interval training.
  • ketoambahh
    ketoambahh Posts: 67
    Running/walking outside is more fun. Instead of just staring at a wall for a certain amount of time, you can relax and look at your surroundings. It's also nice to have a destination in mind (like: I'll get to this part of town, etc), so there's something you can accomplish.

    The fresh air is nice, too.
  • Graelwyn75
    Graelwyn75 Posts: 4,404 Member
    Outside is much more rewarding and challenging with the different surfaces and hills etc. I have had no injuries running outside, but several times my knees have gone from running on the treadmill. I also get a higher burn running outside.
  • SRB8710
    SRB8710 Posts: 90
    Outside is better. If I am training for a race I want to be outside. But, with having a little one who is just a tad too big for a jogging stroller I stay on the tredmill most of the time. I really only get out on the road once a week. :noway:
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