Running differences
hjsportsed1
Posts: 52 Member
I have never been a runner, but in an effort to lose weight, I have attempted to run a bit. At the gym, I have made it up to running two miles without stopping. Well, I thought I would take my game outside, running around my 1/2-mile block last night. Man, what a difference. I was huffing after just that short distance. Not sure if it was the asphalt or the warmer more humid weather outside. A good test, though. Look forward to building endurance outside.
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Replies
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Running on land is always more demanding than on a treadmill.4
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try something like c25k or a zombie run. it will help build you up.
imho5 -
If it makes you feel better, it also works the other way!
I swear by running outside, and any treadmill run feels like torture after 10 minutes.13 -
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I hate running but do it since it's such a good burn and because it's something to do outside. I usually run around the neighbourhood. Well yesterday I went to the local highschool and ran around the track. Holy smokes that was way easier. amazing what a flat surface can do. I recommend running on a track if you have one nearby3
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It takes more effort to run in warmer temperatures. My pace is slower the warmer it is to keep my heart rate where I want it.2
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Another reason is that on a treadmill you're going a set pace. Outside it's not a set pace and I'd bet you were going faster than on the treadmill. That happens to me. Outside it's harder to control my pace and it's very easy for me to overdo it.4
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I'm stuck inside with the smoke in my area, but I find it harder on the treadmill for some reason. Had my best 5km time on the treadmill last night (28:20). It is supposed to clear up by this weekend so I'll see what my Saturday parkrun looks like.
Second the recommendation of C25K. If you can run already, start at week 3 or 4, but a great way to get to 5k.
Just make sure you have shoes appropriate to your gait.1 -
treadmill is flat. if you want to prepare for outside running (other than just going out to run!) start putting a small incline on the run. best to go slow and start with .5% incline for half your run. then work slowly to 1% incline.
I find the treadmill also gives you a bounce...momentum forward you don't get on pavement :P
I run much faster on a treadmill in general but signifianctly more if I don't put at least 1% incline.1 -
I am faster on the dreadmill... but I would literally rather run outside in -15C weather than use it.6
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Good for you, hj.
I had never done a treadmill before I started running as an adult. But I can relate to your experience.
The first time I went out running, I went once around my apartment building. If I made it that far....I may be exaggerating....it was a long time ago.
I was a smoker at the time. I guess that is my excuse. But....no. I don't need an excuse. It is hard for all of us when we start.
I think I stuck with it because I never pushed too hard. I kept going around the building, until it got too easy. Then I ran around it two times. I was not trying to lose weight or get ready for anything, so that took some pressure off of me to try to get better fast. So I took it easy, although the improvement did come fairly quickly.
This is important because I think too many people push too hard too fast. They are not ready for the distances/speeds they try, and it is really uncomfortable. They start to dread going out for their run, instead of looking forward to it.
You have not coach making you do fartleks. You have no deadline for making the Olympic team. So, let your body adapt and grow into it and make the runs fun. The only way running is going to do you any good is if you stick to it, and the only way you will stick to it is if you enjoy it.
I think I did the single circuit of my apartment building for two weeks. It was probably 300 meters. Until it got too easy. Then, as I said, I went twice. For another week.
Soon I was heading down the road, two blocks and back. Then three.
You get the idea.
It won't do you any good if you ramp up to a 5K and then quit as soon as you make it because running is just painful and not fun.
Be patient.
I've run a marathon. I now run five times a week. It is my diversion, my meditation, my calorie burn, my fun....8 -
hjsportsed1 wrote: »
You can work up to it. I have bad knees, bad back, etc. and managed it. I never used the C25K app, although I did purchase it. I simply started my journey walking, so I would intervals of running then walking. Increased running a bit at a time until I could do a mile, then a mile and a half, then 2, etc. A 5k is still at my upper limit and this is my 2nd year running but it feels good to get it done.1 -
Isn't it the truth! I personally love my treadmill, I know a lot of people hate it but I am in Canada and it is freezing half the year, and humid for much of the unfrozen months. I used to beat myself up and tell myself that I wasn't *really* running because it was so much easier than running outside - but I figure it is still better than sitting on the couch!3
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I find running on trails the easiest for me, thought I know it's usually harder for most people, I think it's the scenery that does it for me, I forget about the pounding.1
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I think that running on a treadmill and running outside are basically different activities. They seem to make very different demands on the body and lots of people who can do one will struggle with the other. I've run multiple half marathons outside and can barely make it a mile on a treadmill.
I'd strongly encourage taking your runs outside with C25K. If you want to run a 5K, then you need to train on the type of surface you plan to race on. C25K should be a reasonable plan for you given your current fitness level. If you can, run early in the morning when it's not so hot or humid. If you sweat a lot, take a sports drink or water with an electrolyte tablet with you.
Don't be discouraged if you haven't run a full 5K at the end of C25K. The goal of the program is to run 30 minutes without stopping. Many new runners will not finish a 5K in 30 minutes. However, if you can run 30 minutes, then on race day you will be prepared to keep going long enough to finish the race--your training and adrenaline will get you through.
Also, sign up for a race so you have a goal to work toward. C25K programs are typically about 9 weeks (they vary somewhat depending on which version you use). You could train for a mid-November race; many towns in the US have Thanksgiving Day turkey trots that are very popular with new runners, as well as walkers and families, so no matter your pace you will probably not be last
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You should also go to a running store and get fitted for shoes if you haven't already. Don't just run in whatever sneakers you have; you'll risk injury. Since it's humid, I also recommend a pair of moisture wicking socks to prevent blisters.3 -
gailjankovski wrote: »Isn't it the truth! I personally love my treadmill, I know a lot of people hate it but I am in Canada and it is freezing half the year, and humid for much of the unfrozen months. I used to beat myself up and tell myself that I wasn't *really* running because it was so much easier than running outside - but I figure it is still better than sitting on the couch!
You can run outdoors in Canada in the winter. You know you want to
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But you run, so you are definitely a runner whether inside or out!
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gailjankovski wrote: »Isn't it the truth! I personally love my treadmill, I know a lot of people hate it but I am in Canada and it is freezing half the year, and humid for much of the unfrozen months. I used to beat myself up and tell myself that I wasn't *really* running because it was so much easier than running outside - but I figure it is still better than sitting on the couch!
You can run outdoors in Canada in the winter. You know you want to.
But you run, so you are definitely a runner whether inside or out!
Just be careful for hidden ice patches a neighbour found one on a run and ended up at urgent care getting stitches.
I'm a fair weather runner. I use it as an outdoor activity and only do it when it's between like 5 and 20 Celcius. Princess running I'll call it. haha It's odd cause I'd go skate at an outdoor rink when it's -202 -
gailjankovski wrote: »Isn't it the truth! I personally love my treadmill, I know a lot of people hate it but I am in Canada and it is freezing half the year, and humid for much of the unfrozen months. I used to beat myself up and tell myself that I wasn't *really* running because it was so much easier than running outside - but I figure it is still better than sitting on the couch!
You can run outdoors in Canada in the winter. You know you want to.
But you run, so you are definitely a runner whether inside or out!
I run year round as well (I'm in Ontario). Except for icy weather (or like if there was a huge snowfall and i'd be making a trail if 10+inches of snow - then i'll more likely grab snowshoes or skis and enjoy the snow!). +40 to -30. Requires quite the range in clothes haha.
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AliNouveau wrote: »gailjankovski wrote: »Isn't it the truth! I personally love my treadmill, I know a lot of people hate it but I am in Canada and it is freezing half the year, and humid for much of the unfrozen months. I used to beat myself up and tell myself that I wasn't *really* running because it was so much easier than running outside - but I figure it is still better than sitting on the couch!
You can run outdoors in Canada in the winter. You know you want to.
But you run, so you are definitely a runner whether inside or out!
Just be careful for hidden ice patches a neighbour found one on a run and ended up at urgent care getting stitches.
I'm a fair weather runner. I use it as an outdoor activity and only do it when it's between like 5 and 20 Celcius. Princess running I'll call it. haha It's odd cause I'd go skate at an outdoor rink when it's -20
Yep, I'm an Alberta girl and I used to run year-round, but last December I hit a patch of black ice right as I was turning a corner and I wiped out. The ankle sprain was so bad that I was on crutches for 3 weeks and couldn't run again until almost April, and even now I can't manage the distances I used to and have to be very careful stepping off curbs and such so I don't twist it. I'm done with winter running and won't be out there unless the sidewalks are bare this year.
Fortunately, I do have a treadmill and don't mind using it, but I feel bad since it means my dog isn't getting to run with me. The treadmill has the advantages of running in shorts and tee, getting to watch Netflix, and not having to cover every inch of skin to avoid frostbite, so it's a pretty good option for me.
I am faster outside than I am on the treadmill, though, likely because I don't have my speed staring me in the face when I'm outdoors so I push harder just in case I'm not going fast enough, haha. On the treadmill, if I know I'm going 7mph or whatever, I relax, but outside I'm always pushing it a bit to make sure I'm doing what I want to be. I do use an app that tells me my pace at intervals, but it seems to act as more of a competitive driver than a reminder to moderate (my brain goes "awesome, that's faster than normal! Better keep going!" and the next thing I know I've run 10K with 180bpm heart rate...)2 -
gailjankovski wrote: »Isn't it the truth! I personally love my treadmill, I know a lot of people hate it but I am in Canada and it is freezing half the year, and humid for much of the unfrozen months. I used to beat myself up and tell myself that I wasn't *really* running because it was so much easier than running outside - but I figure it is still better than sitting on the couch!
Another year 'round outdoor runner here. I'd rather run outside in winter than with the kind of summer we've been having. I'll hit the treadmill for a thunderstorm or freezing rain otherwise it's out the door I go. (Winter average in Ottawa is -17C with the occasional day down to -40C)
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All you outdoor Ontario runners are bolder than me! I live in the gta - but gonna stick to my treadmill. It is also easier on my bad knees I think.0
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My gorgeous trail area was flooded this week and "closed indefinitely." I'm so sad, and running today on the sidewalks and roads was hard on my legs--possibly a mental thing, b/c I run them in winter (Madison, WI, so cold and ice are a thing) and don't have problems. Really going to miss my trail runs!
ETA: I ran inside one winter--hated every stride. I'll take heat, hills, humidity--frigid temps and wicked wind chills--over the treadmill, any day.1 -
AliNouveau wrote: »gailjankovski wrote: »Isn't it the truth! I personally love my treadmill, I know a lot of people hate it but I am in Canada and it is freezing half the year, and humid for much of the unfrozen months. I used to beat myself up and tell myself that I wasn't *really* running because it was so much easier than running outside - but I figure it is still better than sitting on the couch!
You can run outdoors in Canada in the winter. You know you want to.
But you run, so you are definitely a runner whether inside or out!
Just be careful for hidden ice patches a neighbour found one on a run and ended up at urgent care getting stitches.
I'm a fair weather runner. I use it as an outdoor activity and only do it when it's between like 5 and 20 Celcius. Princess running I'll call it. haha It's odd cause I'd go skate at an outdoor rink when it's -20
Yep, I'm an Alberta girl and I used to run year-round, but last December I hit a patch of black ice right as I was turning a corner and I wiped out. The ankle sprain was so bad that I was on crutches for 3 weeks and couldn't run again until almost April, and even now I can't manage the distances I used to and have to be very careful stepping off curbs and such so I don't twist it. I'm done with winter running and won't be out there unless the sidewalks are bare this year.
Fortunately, I do have a treadmill and don't mind using it, but I feel bad since it means my dog isn't getting to run with me. The treadmill has the advantages of running in shorts and tee, getting to watch Netflix, and not having to cover every inch of skin to avoid frostbite, so it's a pretty good option for me.
I am faster outside than I am on the treadmill, though, likely because I don't have my speed staring me in the face when I'm outdoors so I push harder just in case I'm not going fast enough, haha. On the treadmill, if I know I'm going 7mph or whatever, I relax, but outside I'm always pushing it a bit to make sure I'm doing what I want to be. I do use an app that tells me my pace at intervals, but it seems to act as more of a competitive driver than a reminder to moderate (my brain goes "awesome, that's faster than normal! Better keep going!" and the next thing I know I've run 10K with 180bpm heart rate...)
I'm also in Alberta. I only fell once last winter on ice but once the early spring freeze-thaw cycle started I got really choosy about my routes. I had one night where I was scheduled to run 8 km and I literally ran back and forth on a mostly clear (packed snow and bare pavement, no ice) 350m section of sidewalk until my GPS said I'd gone about 8km...
Not a fan of running through thunderstorms either. I got caught out a couple times this summer and it pretty much sucked.0 -
gailjankovski wrote: »Isn't it the truth! I personally love my treadmill, I know a lot of people hate it but I am in Canada and it is freezing half the year, and humid for much of the unfrozen months. I used to beat myself up and tell myself that I wasn't *really* running because it was so much easier than running outside - but I figure it is still better than sitting on the couch!
You can run outdoors in Canada in the winter. You know you want to.
But you run, so you are definitely a runner whether inside or out!
I run year round as well (I'm in Ontario). Except for icy weather (or like if there was a huge snowfall and i'd be making a trail if 10+inches of snow - then i'll more likely grab snowshoes or skis and enjoy the snow!). +40 to -30. Requires quite the range in clothes haha.
yep, anything other than ice for me. i'm in the UK though so that usually only rules me out for 2-3 planned runs a year :laugh:0 -
Lots of differences between treadmill and the ground
1. treadmill sets your pace for you, you have to learn to pace yourself outside
2. no elevation changes on the treadmill unless you request them
3. the belt helps move your feet along a little bit, the ground doesn't do that
4. you may or may not be able to distract yourself better on the treadmill vs outside, so you may have to work on your mental game in different environments.
Treadmills are useful when you need miles and conditions aren't good for it. Also, when I was first learning to run, the treadmill helped me learn to pace. I was hopeless and would run too fast and die after .05 of a mile. The treadmill did help me learn what it felt like to maintain a reasonable running pace, but it also took some practice before I could carry that over to the great outdoors.
Its good to run outside if you are planning to do races, I don't think a treadmill can really prepare you for a road race, and trail races are even more challenging.
Anyways, keep up the good work!
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Running outside is WAY harder than running on the treadmill, but you can definitely work up to a 5K! If you have a Fleet Feet near you, check out their 5K training program (No Boundaries). It's perfect for beginners, and working out with a group is so much more motivating than trying to do it on your own. And you'll make new friends in the process! Our local program starts in late September. They also have something called "Make It a Mile" if you just want to accomplish running a mile outside first. I don't work for Fleet Feet, but have been a volunteer mentor for their training programs for 5+ years now, and recommend them highly. If you don't have a Fleet Feet nearby, look for a local running store and ask if they have a similar program. If you'd prefer to do it on your own, Couch to 5K is fantastic.2
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running outside is harder but also easier at the same time (mentally). You have to make sure to go nice and slow... slower than you'd think...2
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