treadmill vs outdoor running

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Replies

  • peleroja
    peleroja Posts: 3,979 Member
    LOL, I have seen that photo posted on every single thread on this topic...

    You do you, but not everyone enjoys that kind of thing. I'd rather run on the treadmill any day over having ice crystals on my eyelashes freeze my eyes shut :wink: I'm only willing to deal with that garbage for the sake of downhill skiing, haha.
  • Coachjr29
    Coachjr29 Posts: 81 Member
    I call it the dreadmill because there is nothing exciting about it. Run outside and enjoy nature.
  • Wheelhouse15
    Wheelhouse15 Posts: 5,575 Member
    Every gym I've ever belonged to seems to have a 60 min time limit on the tread mill so it's a pain to do anything past a 7 to 8 mile run depending on my pace. The running is slightly different between outdoors and treadmill and generally takes me about 2 runs to get used to the differences, including pacing, when I start running outside in the spring. Whichever works for you is the best.
  • enterdanger
    enterdanger Posts: 2,447 Member
    I love running outside, but it doesn't love me back. When I run on pavement I tend to get stress fractures, so I stick mostly to treadmill these days. I also like to read a book while running, and I enjoy not getting chased by people's dogs. But nothing beats a run outside on a brisk fall morning.
  • cbstewart88
    cbstewart88 Posts: 453 Member
    I prefer running outside. I'd rather be outdoors in ANY weather. That being said, I do all my running on the treadmill. The one and only reason is: when I'm outside, I get distracted - start looking at nature, the sky, watching for errant vehicles, my mind wanders and before I know it I've slowed to a crawl...the treadmill makes me keep my pace up.

    I guess I have two reasons. I HAVE to listen to music when I'm running. Earphones outside take away my ability to hear and perhaps be ready to react to vehicles....
  • ClubSilencio
    ClubSilencio Posts: 2,983 Member
    Dang. I love the treadmill as well as the outdoors.

    I fell in love with running while on a treadmill. Dusted off the treadmill in my parents garage one evening when I was feeling down and placed it in front of the window looking out toward the backyard. Turned off the lights so only the night sky was illuminating the room, and just started pounding away with my headphones on. Twas magical. And it became a nightly event for many months.

    Quite often my family would come into the garage and turn on the lights to grab a drink from the fridge and internally I would lose my *kitten*. :laugh:

    Anywho. Sorry for the memoirs. Whether you run outdoors or on a treadmill... it's all about the memories you create, man!

  • niblue
    niblue Posts: 339 Member
    Treadmills have their uses but I much, much prefer to run outside. Treadmills are great when starting out though - they provide some cushioning and make pace control much easier. Mine lives in our home cinema room and I find running while watching a movie helps a lot, however the longest run I've ever done on a treadmill was 10K because I do find I get bored.
  • jayv85
    jayv85 Posts: 142 Member
    I despise the treadmill. But with how late I run I end up on it. I occasionally get outside when my husband is home with me and we don't have the kids. I know there are jogging strollers, but that'd only work for my youngest.
  • jayv85
    jayv85 Posts: 142 Member
    edited September 2016
    streem26 wrote: »
    I love my treadmill Nordic. I’m addicted to it. I still try a run outdoors every now and then but don’t love it at all. It’s grueling for me. Not to mention that I always get shin splints outside running on pavement. I never get shin splints on my treadmill and I can go longer durations too. I don’t understand why these differences exists. But always increase my speed as I go, end with a sprint and then slow down decreasingly til I stop.
    And of topic: does anyone have those vibram 5 finger shoes jonsguide.org/best-top-vibram-five-fingers-reviews/?, I was wondering if its a good investment. is it worth it? can you notice a difference? does it increase your workout intensity?

    Try the new balance minimus shoes (I have the trail ones). I've owned a pair for a few years and love running in them. But don't start off long distances Start off slow and short distances. They'll tear your calf muscles up until you get used to them
  • stealthq
    stealthq Posts: 4,298 Member
    There are good reasons to use either. I avoid treadmills for running because my gait changes and I end up with sore knees.
  • michaelachaela
    michaelachaela Posts: 1 Member
    Running outside for sure . You sweat more and youre breathing in fresh air . It allow you to go your own pace as well in stead of trying to keep up to a treadmill speed . I feel lighter and bouncier on a track than a treadmill. Granted I hate running but it's less painful on a track where you can see your endgoal up ahead of you
  • Pie319
    Pie319 Posts: 129 Member
    I like both for different reasons. My stride is definitely different on treadmill vs. outside so I think incorporating both is probably working different muscles.

    I find running on a treadmill to be harder because it forces me to keep my pace even when I'm tired. Outside when I get tired I tend to slow down, but outside is a lot less boring for me so I can usually run for longer.

    I also have arthritis in one knee so the treadmill is nice if it has some give to it - a little more shock absorption.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    I don't run, but I'm not a tremendous fan of any stationary cardio equipment. I cycle and would much rather be out on my bike than on the stationary...though I can get a good workout either way...the stationary bike is just friggin' boring though...a mere 30 minutes of intervals feels like an eternity while I watch the clock...30 minutes outside doing intervals flies by. No way I could do a long ride on a stationary...3-4 hours on my bike though? No problem!
  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
    i like the treadmill because it helps me keep a steady pace. and i watch a tv show or two. i've done a full 13 miles on the treadmill.
    i like running outside but i seem to train better on the treadmill

    however, outside is nice. i find it more refreshing and easier to run out there.
  • niblue
    niblue Posts: 339 Member
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    the stationary bike is just friggin' boring though...a mere 30 minutes of intervals feels like an eternity while I watch the clock...30 minutes outside doing intervals flies by.

    Have you tried the sufferfest video's?
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    niblue wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    the stationary bike is just friggin' boring though...a mere 30 minutes of intervals feels like an eternity while I watch the clock...30 minutes outside doing intervals flies by.

    Have you tried the sufferfest video's?

    No, I've generally been in my gym when I'm doing the stationary bike and my coach usually hooks me up with something utterly painful...yet still boring 'cuz I'm still just staring at the wall.

    I'm getting a good indoor trainer for my birthday though and plan on looking into something like that for those not so nice winter days.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    niblue wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    the stationary bike is just friggin' boring though...a mere 30 minutes of intervals feels like an eternity while I watch the clock...30 minutes outside doing intervals flies by.

    Have you tried the sufferfest video's?

    No, when I'm on the stationary it's usually in my coach's gym and he gives me something to work on. I'm getting an indoor trainer though for my birthday and was going to look into some training videos for home when the weather turns this winter.
  • ohsosweet26
    ohsosweet26 Posts: 45 Member
    You benefit from either as it gets you moving and gets your HR up.
  • ktfranke
    ktfranke Posts: 217 Member
    I prefer outdoors when I can! I love the distractions of nature and the diversity of landscape. I trained for an ultra marathon this year, and I had to get my miles in however I could! One time, I was traveling, and had nothing but a hotel gym treadmill to work with! I ran 12 miles while watching a movie :) can't say it was the funnest, but it worked!
  • JstTheWayIam
    JstTheWayIam Posts: 6,357 Member
    I'm a treadmill runner, safer, easier on the joints, no stopping for traffic, and control of your pace. About an hour every other day.
  • TonyB0588
    TonyB0588 Posts: 9,520 Member
    marciblue1 wrote: »
    I love the treadmill, no dogs, vehicles and I can open the windows for fresh air. I grab a good book and gradually increase my time and difficulty. Before I know it 30 to 60 minutes are finished.

    30 max for me!! Don't know how you do that 60.
  • novembersuse
    novembersuse Posts: 77 Member
    I love outdoors running, especially really early or late when the streets are deserted. For me it's a good discipline that once I've run 20 mins, I need to do another 20 mins just to get back home... :smile:
  • jdscrubs32
    jdscrubs32 Posts: 515 Member
    Outdoor running is the best. When I used to run on the treadmill, I got very bored after 30 minutes. I tried covering the screen so I wouldnt see the time but that didnt work. Treadmill running is very boring. Its great running out in nature and getting fresh air into the lungs.
  • RUNucbar
    RUNucbar Posts: 160 Member
    I prefer running outside because I don't need to pay the gym entrance fee or monthly membership. However, if I do run on a treadmill, I don't need a sighted guide as there isn't anything to crash into. It's a very specific reason so it will be different for everyone but for me it is 50/50. Pay vs hassle of organising a guide.

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