Indoor vs. Outdoor Running- Need advice
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digginDeep wrote: »I also think treadmill runs are good for mental conditioning for ultras due to the monotony of the runs and the lack of mental stimulation from the surroundings. Mentally pushing yourself to continue for 2 or 3 hours on the treadmill is far, far more difficult than doing it on a long run on the road or trail.
You can also stay away from people, fresh air, scenery, variety in incline and pitch, flowers, bees, and fat children.
No bee-shaming here, pal
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melissaka7 wrote: »I am a treadmill runner. I just love it. I love watching a movie or TV while I run because it distracts me and I like to challenge myself with speed. I know some runners HATE treadmills and only run outside. This weekend I tried to run outside in preparation for my 3rd 10K because, duh, it's outside. It's not that I can't run outside, it's just that I prefer inside. Does it make me less of a runner or a failure at running because I can't/don't like outdoor running? Ironically enough when I do run outside (for races that is) my mile time is significantly faster. I don't know it's it's beacause I'm racing/challenging myself more, or if there's actually a scientific reason for faster times outside. I just hated that feeling of failure because I couldn't finish two miles without stopping outside, but I can run 4 miles on the treadmill no problem. Advice, opinions, anything?
I know I love the treadmill. It's isolated and I can retreat inwardly and focus on me. I wouldn't let it worry you. Maybe once in a while, go for a long outdoor run just to broaden the experience. That way, you won't feel like you're shorting yourself. :-)
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hi. I do both kinds of running. I prefer outside running to the treadmill mostly because its less boring. I also find that when I hurt myself running it is usually on the treadmill. Something about the mechanics of the ground moving under me vs. me running over the ground does something to an old injury to my right ankle when I run on the mill. I think you should just do what makes your workout bearable. I've moved to more treadmill running now that it is getting dark earlier. I have no desire to run in the dark. I'm not graceful and it just sounds like a good way to hurt myself.0
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Not sure where some people get the idea that treadmill running is easier. I run both pretty much equally depending on the day and my mood or training plan. I find that running outdoors is always quicker regardless of whether I'm training or racing. I think that those who cluck their tongues at the treadmill are the same running snobs that tell you if you aren't running at least 10MPH your just jogging. Seriously, we should be encouraging running in all forms not kicking people for not running in a certain way.0
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Hey, if you prefer the treadmill, then go for it. But you'll find you do better in races if you do at least some of your runs outside. If you are bored running by yourself, I suggest finding a running group and run with them once or twice a week. It's fun! Some of the groups even meet for coffee and / or beer afterwards.0
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For what its worth - I like treadmill running because I can multi-task. As a parent, wife, student, and employee (with 2 jobs) there is just so much going on. I can read on the treadmill (though that is better for walking than running) and thus combine school work and fitness. Or watch tv and clear something off the DVR while running.
But I also feel like I have easier control, as a new runner, with knowing my times/speed. I will venture outside in the coming months but for now prefer the treadmill.0 -
digginDeep wrote: »SonicDeathMonkey80 wrote: »digginDeep wrote: »I also think treadmill runs are good for mental conditioning for ultras due to the monotony of the runs and the lack of mental stimulation from the surroundings. Mentally pushing yourself to continue for 2 or 3 hours on the treadmill is far, far more difficult than doing it on a long run on the road or trail.
You can also stay away from people, fresh air, scenery, variety in incline and pitch, flowers, bees, and fat children.
No bee-shaming here, pal
I'm just saying, it would really screw up my run if I encountered bees....
It's the cops that mess me up
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RunRutheeRun wrote: »I also prefer to run bare footed, I cannot stand having trainers on my feet (I'm weird like that LOL), so I HAVE to stay indoors.
Have you ever tried Vibram Five Fingers? They're shoes that are like little rubber gloves for your feet so the "barefoot" feeling is preserved, but your feet are protected from gravel, glass, or anything else that could hurt your feet outside.
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RunRutheeRun wrote: »I also prefer to run bare footed, I cannot stand having trainers on my feet (I'm weird like that LOL), so I HAVE to stay indoors.
Have you ever tried Vibram Five Fingers? They're shoes that are like little rubber gloves for your feet so the "barefoot" feeling is preserved, but your feet are protected from gravel, glass, or anything else that could hurt your feet outside.
And if you bought them last year, you could have gotten in on the settlement for their fraudulent claims
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I personally used to be strictly an outside runner and refused to use a treadmill, until one day I bit the bullet and tried it. Now I can't get off it. I love the treadmill. It really pushes me, and there's something about watching the numbers tick by that makes me push myself to do one more mile. If I'm running outside, I'll stop mid-mile. Not on the treadmill.
Of course, I also moved to a very hot, very polluted city with thick smog, so breathing the air while running outside really isn't great. It doesn't help that If I run too far I end up in a sketchy area. Wish I lived in New England still
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I like to do both! I prefer to be outside, because it's just me with my thoughts, etc. But it is fun to watch a TV show while I run. I pick one TV show during a season that I will only watch on the treadmill to motivate me.0
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running outside is better you are dealing with hills and turns works additional areas of muscles that the treadmill can't hit
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I like to do both! I prefer to be outside, because it's just me with my thoughts, etc. But it is fun to watch a TV show while I run. I pick one TV show during a season that I will only watch on the treadmill to motivate me.
That's actually a really good idea! I'm so behind the times but hubby and I have just finished watching season 2 of Breaking Bad and we're itching to move on to season 3...I hate treadmills and don't have one at home anyway, but I do need to start stretching more. I think I'm gonna do Breaking bad stretches - thanks!0 -
digginDeep wrote: »Scientifically speaking, we push through air when running outside, but don't have the same force on our body running inside. I read that a 1.5% incline on the treadmill mimics this exertion level.
^this. Also, when you are running outside, or on any surface that is moving under your feet, your hamstrings work harder on the phase of your strike while your leg is underneath you, to put it simply. Your lead foot hits the ground and 'pulls' you forward compared to your loaded leg underneath that you pushes off.
Also to the OP, I am unclear how you push yourself on a treadmill while trying to zone out and watch TV? Seems contradictory, but if it's working for you on race day, I guess keep with it.
I push myself by increasing my speed every 'x' amount of minutes. It's my way of getting my mile time down. When I first started running I could barely run a 20 minute mile. Now I can do it in 10. Which to me is an accomplishment.0 -
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I used to be treadmill only at the gym. Then time restraints prevented that so if i wanted to stay running I had to start outside. I go at my lunch time nice path I love it know except when the cold gets subzero. I still enjoy treadmill but I do HIT on the treadmill I get bored on it know if I just do steady state. So I enjoy a nice combination of both. Just as a side note I can do a faster pace for a period of time on treadmill then outside as stated earlier no resistance no hills just running.0
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I didn't read all the replies but......there are many high performance athletes that will train (at least during the winter) on treadmills to maintain their fitness.
To the OP, if it keeps you moving it's a good thing. Whether or not you are a "real" runner or not is for you to say, no one else.0 -
I'm going to throw my 2 cents in as well. I started as a treadmill runner last fall, I loved it, absolutely loved it, and due to our winters around here it was a necessity. Once spring hit I did venture outdoors and at first I had a really hard time adjusting to the change. I never thought I'd get used to it, but gave it a shot. I've actually grown to enjoy being outdoors immensely and am having a hard time getting back into TM running now that the weather has turned bad again. I too find that I run faster outside, race or not, I also find it to be easier to go longer distances while I'm outside. However that being said, I'm able to do the same on an indoor track as well so I don't think it's a matter of being inside or outside that makes the difference. I think it's more of a mechanics thing, how our bodies react to different applications of running.
I personally don't think that one is less or a runner if they opt to run on a treadmill. The act of running is what makes you a runner. I think if you give yourself some time you may grow to enjoy being outside as well. I know I did.0 -
BrianSharpe wrote: »To the OP, if it keeps you moving it's a good thing. Whether or not you are a "real" runner or not is for you to say, no one else.
Thank you. I'm trying to tell myself if you run, then you are a runner. Sometimes I just get too in my head.0 -
Not a runner here, more of a bodybuilder/outdoorsman, so take what you want from this.
Every one is at a different level. Don't listen to the haters. I can't run on a treadmill, it makes my shins hurt and my knees ache, so if I have to use a treadmill when I'm cutting (lets face it, sometimes its just more convenient) , I walk at a 3.0 MPH pace uphill for hours at a time, catching up on all the TV shows everyone is watching while I'm Hiking/Camping/Skiing/etc, but if its what I gotta do its what I gotta do.
You gotta do what you gotta do to keep progressing in your chosen sport/hobby/lifestyle so just keep hittin' the mill and gettin' lean and ignore the indoor/outdoor debate all together.0 -
I'm going to throw my 2 cents in as well. I started as a treadmill runner last fall, I loved it, absolutely loved it, and due to our winters around here it was a necessity. Once spring hit I did venture outdoors and at first I had a really hard time adjusting to the change. I never thought I'd get used to it, but gave it a shot. I've actually grown to enjoy being outdoors immensely and am having a hard time getting back into TM running now that the weather has turned bad again. I too find that I run faster outside, race or not, I also find it to be easier to go longer distances while I'm outside. However that being said, I'm able to do the same on an indoor track as well so I don't think it's a matter of being inside or outside that makes the difference. I think it's more of a mechanics thing, how our bodies react to different applications of running.
I personally don't think that one is less or a runner if they opt to run on a treadmill. The act of running is what makes you a runner. I think if you give yourself some time you may grow to enjoy being outside as well. I know I did.
I appreciate this response. I think I'm going to try to ease myself in to outdoor running. I think what I need is to find a trail/route I enjoy in my area. It's going to start getting cold here soon, so I'll do what I can while I can.0 -
I prefer the treadmill. I watch Netflix, zone out and run.....just my preference. Hey, we're better than the people still sitting on the couch, right? Stay positive! 0
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I'm still unsure what the advice is you are seeking?
Notwithstanding that, you're exercising, you're doing something you enjoy and it's working for you. I can't see any issue with that!
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I agree with Doug. Treadmill running is great. But a nice race every now and then will let you know how far you have come. You are a runner. Don't worry about what others think and do.. Do what is best for you. Racing is my gauge against myself to see how I have improved. Just have fun and keep up the good work.0
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Afraid that I am another treadmill hater. I can run two hours out doors at over 7 miles an hour. On the treadmill I find it hard to run at 6MPH for 40 mins. Don't know why but that's what happens. As for the weather I just dress accordingly. Rain, wind snow or even sunshine it makes no difference. If I'm scheduled to run I run. Though I'm not as far North as Scotland. (n Wales)0
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I have just fallen in love with running. I am a treadmill runner. I do it because of my location and to do it outside, I would have to go to a park somewhere. I may start doing that on the weekends. I think if you enjoy it then keep up with it. Indoors or outdoors doesn't matter.0
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I hate the treadmill. But like others have said, if you enjoy it, go for it.
It's much different than running outside though. If you're training for a race, I would recommend getting outside for at least some of your runs. I once trained for a race using only the treadmill on incline, and race day was a disaster for me.0 -
prdavies1949 wrote: »Don't know why but that's what happens.
I think that a lot of it for me is the numbers clicking over in front of my eyes. I can deal with my Garmin buzzing once per kilometre, and sometimes I'll look at it when it does, sometimes I won't. When I've got something in front of me clicking away at ten metre intervals I find it very demotivating.
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OP: I strongly dislike the dreadmill but use it for pace workouts and speed work if I have to do it alone. I recommend running with a 1.5 incline to simulate road conditions to prepare for your 10k. I realize the standard recommendation is 1.0 but I think that extra little bit helps. Please ignore SDM, he is bored at work and uses to forums to amuse himself.0
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I think the Paleo people should require you to run exclusively on treadmills. Since they don't really run down their own meat or harvest their own berries, they really can't expect you to go outside and really run. Maybe you could earn outside miles though... like if you shoot a deer and eat it, you can be permitted to run a 5k....0
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