Running indoors or out?

orionaimee
orionaimee Posts: 89 Member
edited November 18 in Fitness and Exercise
I am an outside runner. As part of my new strength training program I need to warm up by running 10-15 minutes on a treadmill. I notice that I keep on checking my time anxious to be done and not really getting into it. The tv is a nice distraction but I still cant seem to wait until time is up. So different for me from running outside where the scenery changes and there are sights and smells and things to take in. I don't even look at my watch when running outside, I know the route and run it. I am curious as to how others feel about running inside vs outside. I love hearing other perspectives.
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Replies

  • L1zardQueen
    L1zardQueen Posts: 8,753 Member
    Couldn't you run outside for a few minutes before weight training? I hate running on treadmills too! I'd rather run on broken glass. :)
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    Why do you need to run on a treadmill to warm up for strength training? I ride an Airdyne bike for 10 minutes beforehand and used to walk on a treadmill for 10 minutes beforehand but many people don't do any cardio-type warm up. If you don't like warming up that way, do it another way.

    As for running on a treadmill, I only like it for short intervals (60 seconds or less.)
  • rsclause
    rsclause Posts: 3,103 Member
    Outdoors for me. I solve this warm up issue by running to the gym. Its exactly one mile away.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    other than for gait analysis i always run outside. why not just run out side for your warm up?
  • lporter229
    lporter229 Posts: 4,907 Member
    Outside all the way. The only time I will run on the treadmill is if it's really icy outside, which doesn't happen a lot around here. Then I will do speed work because the sessions are shorter and I can break the monotony by varying the pace. I don't think I could ever run more than 50 minutes on a treadmill.
  • newthinkingfish
    newthinkingfish Posts: 28 Member
    I prefer running outside. Running on a TM is so boring!! BTW - You might want to try just warming up outside by walking/jogging before you run.
  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
    Why the need for a 10-15 min run prior to strength training?
  • ValeriePlz
    ValeriePlz Posts: 517 Member
    I have friends that put a towel over the digital display on the treadmill, but that's mostly for longer runs.

    I prefer to run outside, but I'll run on a treadmill in the winter, during inclement weather, or when I want to do a run / lap swim combo morning. The longest I can stand is about 5 miles, and I count down in my mind by mile increments and just try to watch the TV.
  • H_Ock12
    H_Ock12 Posts: 1,152 Member
    I only run outside...when I run on a treadmill, I get horrible shin splints. As for weight lifting...I warm up with the bar and then a lighter set before I jump into my program.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    I'm another runner that would prefer to chew on broken glass than run for long periods of time on a TM, I could probably tolerate a 10 or 15 min warmup.

  • TheGaudyMagpie
    TheGaudyMagpie Posts: 282 Member
    I used the treadmill in the winter and I really hated it. So boring. Normally I run outside at a beautiful lake. I found myself slacking off on cardio and I think this next winter I will focus mainly on lifting with some long runs on the weekend.

    My gym has a hydraulic hill treadmill (not sure what it is called, but it simulates hill climbs by actually moving and elevating) and sometimes I would use that for a shorter period of time as a warm up, walking for about five minutes with some challenging hills, instead of running.
  • FatWithFatness
    FatWithFatness Posts: 315 Member
    You don't have to warm up this way, you can warm up for whatever movement you're doing by doing warm up sets of that movement with the bar or lighter weights.

    For example, when I bench press, I like to do some light high rep sets of face pulls and band pull aparts in front of me and above my head, and then 20 reps with the bar, and 20 reps at 135 before I start my work sets, I'll often barbell row whatever I'm benching between sets also.
  • Running_and_Coffee
    Running_and_Coffee Posts: 811 Member
    I love running outdoors--it's an amazing and relaxing experience. I unwind and just zone out.

    But I also do a lot of treadmill work and it's really increased my speed! I mainly do this at Orange Theory and it's the base-push-all out method. You can't really get bored because you're working too hard! It's a very different experience from outdoor running.

    I have two 30 minute treadmill routines I use at the gym and I love and hate them because they are really hard and really good for you!!! You work on your speed and you can't get bored.

    So ignore my numbers--you need to know what your "base" speed is, a speed you are comfortable doing for 30+ minutes, challenging but doable. I'm putting in 6.7 for mine, but just change that to what yours is, then add and subtract accordingly.

    And the great thing is you are so focused on what minute you're on/what's next that you can't get bored

    (Pasting these from notes):

    The 4321 workout

    4 minutes 6.2 mph
    4 minutes 6.7 mph
    4 minutes 7.2 mph
    3 minutes 6.2 mph
    3 minutes 6.7 mph
    3 minutes 7.2 mph
    2 minutes 6.2 mph
    2 minutes 6.7 mph
    2 minutes 7.2 mph
    1 minutes 6.2 mph
    1 minutes 6.7 mph
    1 minutes 7.2 mph

    The speed/incline workout (2 blocks of 12 minutes, 2 blocks of 3 minutes)--this is HARD but burns more calories for me than the 4321 one

    2 minutes 6.7 1 incline
    2 minutes 6.8 1 incline
    2 minutes 6.9 1 incline
    2 minutes 7.0 1 incline
    2 minutes 7.1 1 incline
    2 minutes 7.2 1 incline
    1 minute 6.7 1 incline (recovery)
    1 minute 6.7 3 incline
    1 minute 6.7 5 incline
    2 minutes 6.7 1 incline
    2 minutes 6.8 1 incline
    2 minutes 6.9 1 incline
    2 minutes 7.0 1 incline
    2 minutes 7.1 1 incline
    2 minutes 7.2 1 incline
    1 minute 6.7 1 incline (recovery)
    1 minute 6.7 3 incline
    1 minute 6.7 5 incline
  • MobyCarp
    MobyCarp Posts: 2,927 Member
    Like most other distance runners, the dreadmill is my last choice for running. Given a need to warm up prior to strength training, I think I'd just head out the door and do an easy 2 mile warm up run.

    I do run indoors in the winter for speed work, and when the weather is so bad that running on the roads is not possible; but that's on an indoor track. An indoor track is not nearly the mental challenge that a dreadmill is.

    I think the only time I've been consistently successful at putting 15 minutes in on a dreadmill or exercycle has been in the physical therapist's office, when I need that warm up before I do weird exercises designed to get me back to real running on the roads.
  • stanmann571
    stanmann571 Posts: 5,727 Member
    If you have to warmup inside, try the elliptical... it's like running, but different enough that it might be the necessary change of pace.
  • orionaimee
    orionaimee Posts: 89 Member
    Some very good ideas here, I am embarrassed to say that I hadn't thought about running outside. I guess I figured the machines are inside right next to the treadmill and my plan says to run so I run.
  • ocrXfitter
    ocrXfitter Posts: 123 Member
    rybo wrote: »
    Why the need for a 10-15 min run prior to strength training?

    Yeah, I'm not getting this either. You warm up for lifting by lifting lighter.
  • NorthCascades
    NorthCascades Posts: 10,968 Member
    orionaimee wrote: »
    I love hearing other perspectives.

    Well I've never run on a treadmill in my life, but I'm more of a cyclist and generally an outdoor one although I've used indoor trainers too. I feel the same way as you. Outdoors is enjoyable and full of pleasant distractions, indoors is a tedious chore.
  • megomerrett
    megomerrett Posts: 442 Member
    The treadmill means I never use the weather as an excuse. I also don't have to stop and pick up poo or find somewhere to put my key, asthma pump, dog poo bags...

    I use the treadmill as part of the other stuff I do in the gym.
  • AmyOutOfControl
    AmyOutOfControl Posts: 1,425 Member
    I hate the dreadmill. Running outside is the best.
  • pomegranatecloud
    pomegranatecloud Posts: 812 Member
    I only run outside, and I run year round. I hate running on the dreadmill. There's nothing worse than the dreadmill regardless of music, tv, etc it's just so mind numbingly boring.
  • greypilgrimess
    greypilgrimess Posts: 353 Member
    Absolutely outside. But I have my baby with me now so when the weather is questionable, or I don't want the extra stroller challenge, I use the treadmill while he's in their daycare.

    To make the dreadmill bearable I like the machines that actually show you a route through the countryside/city, and I have music on and the TV to glance at. Also fartleks make it more fun, but probably not ideal for a warm up.
  • JetJaguar
    JetJaguar Posts: 801 Member
    I run and cycle outdoors year-round in nearly all weather (lightning is the only thing that keeps me home). I had a set of rollers for the bike. Had. Even 5 minutes on a treadmill or spin bike is excruciating.
  • OY74NmFGBL
    OY74NmFGBL Posts: 384 Member
    I prefer outside. Always my choice. I'd rather get hot and sweaty getting a good walk/run outside vs walking indoors with air conditioning at work. Just something about being outside
  • Ann262
    Ann262 Posts: 266 Member
    edited May 2017
    I absolutely hate the treadmill. Is there any reason you can't go outside for your warm up? I can imagine, if it is pouring down rain you might not want to because you don't want to do your gym workout soaking wet but otherwise, why not go out the door and come back in 15?
  • orionaimee
    orionaimee Posts: 89 Member
    ocrXfitter wrote: »
    rybo wrote: »
    Why the need for a 10-15 min run prior to strength training?

    Yeah, I'm not getting this either. You warm up for lifting by lifting lighter.

    Following a plan from bodybuilding.com for beginners.
  • merekins
    merekins Posts: 228 Member
    Since I switched to running outdoors, I have hated the treadmill. I also hate when it's too cold or too hot. Whiney, I know but when it comes to exercise, it's hard for me to stay at it. Anyway, my gym has an indoor track and that has been the answer. It's not the same as being outside but it's a million times better than the treadmill.
  • Philtex
    Philtex Posts: 1,291 Member
    edited May 2017
    I started my running on the treadmill and don't mind it at all. I listen to music or the TV and get engaged with the time and distance readings. One trick I use is to try to end my run at an even time, for example 3 miles in exactly 30:00. I'm a fair-weather runner outside so the TM is an important part of keeping up my base or training for a race.
  • RespectTheKitty
    RespectTheKitty Posts: 1,667 Member
    I'm neither here nor there about the treadmill. I'll run on it if I need to, like when there's too much snow or ice on the ground, or it's too dark (I'm a solitary female runner, I don't want to take my chances) or unbearably hot. I keep my brain occupied by watching TV or listening to music, and the time goes by quickly enough. I have to admit, though, that I do very much enjoy running outdoors and given the choice between the two options, I'd pick outside. But even that can get boring running the same routes all the time so I have to change it up frequently.
  • glevinso
    glevinso Posts: 1,895 Member
    While I prefer the outdoors I don't mind the treadmill in the slightest. Ran 21.5 miles (2.5hrs) on my treadmill during my build for Boston not too long ago. Wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. TV/Netflix helps a ton.

    Then again it was "only" 2.5hrs whereas I have spent 4+ hours before on my bike trainer. So I am just used to spending a ton of time training in my basement.
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