Treadmill Running vs. Actual Running

2

Replies

  • spiriteagle99
    spiriteagle99 Posts: 3,748 Member
    I like both. With my current treadmill, it is a lot easier to run outside. I think my hand me down treadmill is always at an incline, even at the lowest point, because it is really hard for me to run a full 5K without needing to walk. I thought I was just sucking at life when I started running on it. But then on my first run outside after getting it, I felt so energetic and ran that 5k so quickly that I immediately knew something was up with the treadmill.
    @MonkeyMel21 - I had this issue with my TM. I fixed it by pushing it up to the maximum incline then, after a minute or two, zeroing it out again. That fixed it.
  • clicketykeys
    clicketykeys Posts: 6,589 Member
    4bugsmama wrote: »
    @Ralphone & @Mike1804 I will definitely keep the treadmill around, it has been my go-to for many years. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I'm slowly realizing that this working out thing is an ever-changing task. And I'm excited to see where I end up!

    Poorer. :)

    Yeah, just buy shoes and run they said.

    Oh you need good shoes. At least $100. Plus need trail shoes. And they wear out in 3-6 months so need a backup pair when I find a sale.
    You should sign up for a race. Budget is ~$500 this year. Not including travel costs.
    Gotta train in the winter. So either a treadmill or a gym membership. Should lift too so gym membership. $60 / month (cuz I can't lift heavy at PF).
    Need running tights. Need compression shirts (I hope to not need these when I lose my belly). I don't need them, but sports bras or those things go flopping all over the place.
    Join the local running club (another $35).
    Running at night so headlight, light up thingy so cars can see me.
    *kitten*. Wife is getting into it as well. More shoes, shirts, bras, tights
    Oh, and a fitness watch. Hey look at this new one on sale. Hey wife, have my old one and I'll get this one.

    Oh, now that I can run let's take up cross country skiing for fun. Just dropped $700 on a new set of things.


    About the only thing saving my wallet is I spend way less on fast food and eating out for lunch than I used to.

    @Tacklewasher you know if you just ran on the treadmill, you wouldn't need trail shoes. Or the headlight. Just sayin'. ;)

    Me personally, running is dull either way. Headphones definitely help. On a treadmill, I can run faster and further before hating life and the universe.
  • Tacklewasher
    Tacklewasher Posts: 7,122 Member
    4bugsmama wrote: »
    @Ralphone & @Mike1804 I will definitely keep the treadmill around, it has been my go-to for many years. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I'm slowly realizing that this working out thing is an ever-changing task. And I'm excited to see where I end up!

    Poorer. :)

    Yeah, just buy shoes and run they said.

    Oh you need good shoes. At least $100. Plus need trail shoes. And they wear out in 3-6 months so need a backup pair when I find a sale.
    You should sign up for a race. Budget is ~$500 this year. Not including travel costs.
    Gotta train in the winter. So either a treadmill or a gym membership. Should lift too so gym membership. $60 / month (cuz I can't lift heavy at PF).
    Need running tights. Need compression shirts (I hope to not need these when I lose my belly). I don't need them, but sports bras or those things go flopping all over the place.
    Join the local running club (another $35).
    Running at night so headlight, light up thingy so cars can see me.
    *kitten*. Wife is getting into it as well. More shoes, shirts, bras, tights
    Oh, and a fitness watch. Hey look at this new one on sale. Hey wife, have my old one and I'll get this one.

    Oh, now that I can run let's take up cross country skiing for fun. Just dropped $700 on a new set of things.


    About the only thing saving my wallet is I spend way less on fast food and eating out for lunch than I used to.

    @Tacklewasher you know if you just ran on the treadmill, you wouldn't need trail shoes. Or the headlight. Just sayin'. ;)

    Me personally, running is dull either way. Headphones definitely help. On a treadmill, I can run faster and further before hating life and the universe.

    Oh, right. I forgot the damn earbuds I bought. Plus the pair I bought for my wife. Plus the three pairs of headphones I bought and didn't like before finding ones that stay in my damn ears.
  • mengqiz86
    mengqiz86 Posts: 176 Member
    Easier outside. Because running is so mental.
  • 4bugsmama
    4bugsmama Posts: 2,871 Member
    As I'm reading all the comments I'm gearing up for my 3:30 AM TM run and hopefully an outside run over the weekend. I'd do it during the week but because of my commute I get home too late for that. Either way, I'm committing to the outdoor run and get a feel for the difference 😎🏃‍♀️👟
  • corriepelc
    corriepelc Posts: 2,088 Member
    For me, there's nothing better than running outside. I just love the feeling of being free to run wherever I want. I'm lucky as I live in California and even during the winter, I can still run outdoors.

    However, I do have a treadmill for when it's too stormy outside. And right now it's coming in very handy as I injured my knee a little over a week ago and right now, the impact of the road is a bit too much for it. I was finally able to run 3 miles tonight on the treadmill, for which I'm very grateful.

    As everyone said, the treadmill is definitely less impact. It's really all about what works best for you!
  • dewd2
    dewd2 Posts: 2,445 Member
    4bugsmama wrote: »
    As I'm reading all the comments I'm gearing up for my 3:30 AM TM run and hopefully an outside run over the weekend. I'd do it during the week but because of my commute I get home too late for that. Either way, I'm committing to the outdoor run and get a feel for the difference 😎🏃‍♀️👟

    Awesome!!! Just take it slow. You'll be landing differently and using muscles in a different way. It takes time for your body to get used to it. Don't be in a hurry.

    FWIW - The ONLY things that stop me from running outside are ice and lightning. I can deal with everything else with proper attire.

    Good luck.
  • pierinifitness
    pierinifitness Posts: 2,226 Member
    In my faster running olden days, I did a ton of treadmill running work. I did so at 1 percent incline. My experience when hitting the pavement in a fun run, I was able to replicate my best treadmill running speed. Using the treadmill for interval workouts really helped me train to run faster. The ramp up precision it offers is hard to do on the street or on a track using your perception.

    Good luck and train smart.
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,687 Member
    From my experience, I found running on the treadmill quite comfortable and relatively easy ... and running outside noticeably more difficult.

    I got up so that I could run for nearly an hour on a treadmill and felt great ... then I went outside and absolutely slogged my way through about 15 or 20 minutes outside.
  • firef1y72
    firef1y72 Posts: 1,579 Member
    I can run outside for hours but struggle for more than 5min on the treadmill
  • Squish815
    Squish815 Posts: 150 Member
    I find them quite different, and on balance think I prefer running outside however I actually don't mind the treadmill.

    I don't like running outside when it's dark where I live so I use the treadmill at the gym for early morning runs in winter. I also use it in summer when it's too hot as I do NOT cope well in the heat and the gym at least has air con!
  • Stockholm_Andy
    Stockholm_Andy Posts: 803 Member
    I haven't read the whole thread so apologies is this has been covered.

    When you run on a treadmill, obviously, the belt is moving not you. So you only have to propel yourself from the belt and land again. You are not pushing yourself against the static ground to gain momentum. The belt has the momentum. (Sorry that's a clunky paragraph).

    Anyhoo. Setting the treadmill to 1-2% incline will more accurately mimic outside running so you'll get a better cross over when the weathers better.

    I live in Sweden now and while running on snow is wonderful trying to run on icy surfaces is a nightmare so a treadmill is a great way to keep it up.
  • mitch16
    mitch16 Posts: 2,113 Member
    VioletRojo wrote: »
    In my experience, running on a treadmill is physically much easier than running on the road, but mentally much harder. While running on the road is much harder physically, but easier mentally. The treadmill does some of the work for you, plus you don't get the terrain differences.

    I do think this sums it up... There are some other considerations for me but I don't think they necessarily make it much different--as long as I am running I am happy.

    Running outside--I live in New England so I have to contend with ice, snow, and early nightfall right now. If I time it right though, I can get out and run 4 miles and stretch in under 40 minutes. The roads where I live are narrow and there aren't many sidewalks so I have to contend with running against traffic. The roads are crowned so I do get a shortening on my right side due to that. And we have potholes/irregular road surfaces.

    Running inside--My closest gym is a YMCA so I have to contend with the January crowds. If someone wearing a lot of perfume/BO climbs on to the next treadmill, I have to contend with that. While the weather indoors is consistent, it's consistently warmer than I would choose to run.
  • 4bugsmama
    4bugsmama Posts: 2,871 Member
    I've noticed the mechanics of the treadmill and the constant "feed" it gives with the belt, so I am appreciative for the input of increasing the incline to help with my transition to outdoor running. That being said, I also need to work on my breathing, it seems too heavy and I think that tires me out faster than if I could get my breathing under control. Any help with this part (the breathing)?
  • Tacklewasher
    Tacklewasher Posts: 7,122 Member
    4bugsmama wrote: »
    I've noticed the mechanics of the treadmill and the constant "feed" it gives with the belt, so I am appreciative for the input of increasing the incline to help with my transition to outdoor running. That being said, I also need to work on my breathing, it seems too heavy and I think that tires me out faster than if I could get my breathing under control. Any help with this part (the breathing)?

    Run slower.

    How far or long and how fast are you running? Sorry if you've said this already.
  • spiriteagle99
    spiriteagle99 Posts: 3,748 Member
    Agreed. Run slower. Start with the pace well below what you plan to run overall. Every 1/4 mile, go up .1. When you get to the point that you are breathing hard, drop the pace. Stay there for a while. If it starts feeling easy, go up again. FWIW, it usually takes me a mile or two to get into the groove. Some days I never do get up to the same pace I usually run outside. You need to listen to your body and run according to that day's fitness, not what you think you ought to be able to run.
  • Purplebunnysarah
    Purplebunnysarah Posts: 3,252 Member
    @OldAssDude I admire your perseverance but even I head indoors when it is -26C outside. Like yesterday.

    Mostly because I'm coming back from injury and got fatter while I couldn't run so I'm slow and I don't warm up enough with the short distances I'm running right now so I turn into a Sarahsicle.

    And my glasses freeze.
  • collectingblues
    collectingblues Posts: 2,541 Member
    sarahthes wrote: »
    @OldAssDude I admire your perseverance but even I head indoors when it is -26C outside. Like yesterday.

    Mostly because I'm coming back from injury and got fatter while I couldn't run so I'm slow and I don't warm up enough with the short distances I'm running right now so I turn into a Sarahsicle.

    And my glasses freeze.

    And vice versa: If it's 80/90F degrees, in 80+ percent humidity, I'm not going to run outside and get heat stroke.
  • CSARdiver
    CSARdiver Posts: 6,252 Member
    I prefer to run & bike outdoors, but I would rather do this on a machine than miss a work out due to climate, conflicting priorities, etc. We sold our elliptical and purchased a nice treadmill last year along with a bike trainer. Whenever we have to be on a tconn, read through documents, or just be in the house with the kids.

    I owe much of my resilience to my high school track coach who ran us snow, rain, or shine.
  • mitch16
    mitch16 Posts: 2,113 Member
    CSARdiver wrote: »
    I prefer to run & bike outdoors, but I would rather do this on a machine than miss a work out due to climate, conflicting priorities, etc. We sold our elliptical and purchased a nice treadmill last year along with a bike trainer. Whenever we have to be on a tconn, read through documents, or just be in the house with the kids.

    I owe much of my resilience to my high school track coach who ran us snow, rain, or shine.

    @CSARdiver--what brand of treadmill/model did you purchase? My husband and I have been looking and the internet searches yield very different results for "quality".
  • rsignorenc
    rsignorenc Posts: 2 Member
    First off, keep up the running no matter where you're doing it! If you have the right clothing, running outside can not be beat. There's nothing like a run during colder temps to really get a good runner's high going. Good luck!
  • Tacklewasher
    Tacklewasher Posts: 7,122 Member
    mitch16 wrote: »
    A friend of mine (Chicagoland area) slipped and fell on black ice while running this past weekend. Dislocated shoulder and broken finger (requiring surgery). Totally not worth running outside at all costs IMO.

    This is my fear. Especially as I like to run before sunup. Only so much a headlamp can do, so it's off to the gym and the TM.
  • rodmelching
    rodmelching Posts: 67 Member
    @mitch16 @Tacklewasher . . . have you ever tried yaktraks, rubber and metal cleats that slide over your running shoes for snow and ice? Just curious if anyone has used them in the winter months. I bought a pair at Costco a few weeks back but we haven't had any snow to try them out yet. Thanks . . Rod
  • 7lenny7
    7lenny7 Posts: 3,498 Member
    I love that you titled this "Treadmill Running vs. Actual Running"!

    I find actual running easier, mainly because I enjoy it so much more than treadmills. I've run outdoors in blizzards and in -35F wind chills and would even prefer that to a treadmill.
  • 7lenny7
    7lenny7 Posts: 3,498 Member
    @mitch16 @Tacklewasher . . . have you ever tried yaktraks, rubber and metal cleats that slide over your running shoes for snow and ice? Just curious if anyone has used them in the winter months. I bought a pair at Costco a few weeks back but we haven't had any snow to try them out yet. Thanks . . Rod

    @rodmelching I much prefer making screw shoes out of an older pair of running shoes. I've tried the yaktraks and I don't like that I can feel them stretch across my foot and constrict my toes a bit. It's just a feel think for me, it might be fine for you.

    Screw shoes are super easy to make, and super cheap. They don't damage the shoes in any appreciable way either. While I use older running shoes to do it, come springtime I'll take the screws out and use them normally.

    http://skyrunner.com/screwshoe.htm
  • rodmelching
    rodmelching Posts: 67 Member
    @7lenny7 . . . talk about some serious weather and snow running. Wow . . and the ice beard is a nice badge of honor. Way to get out there. I love putting the first set of shoe print in the snow on the trail but we don't get that much snow in Indiana. I will definetely check out the screwshoe. Thanks
  • OldAssDude
    OldAssDude Posts: 1,436 Member
    7lenny7 wrote: »
    corriepelc wrote: »
    For me, there's nothing better than running outside. I just love the feeling of being free to run wherever I want. I'm lucky as I live in California and even during the winter, I can still run outdoors.

    I'm lucky as I live in Minnesota and even during the winter, I can still run outdoors. ;)
    There is nothing like running outside in a heavy snow. It's magical! Ice beards are pretty cool too.

    bx6q9p5m5nfi.jpg
    7ikl0c6xr6ac.jpg


    Dude!!!

    Now I got a man crush...

    urbda3bo2o1p.jpg

    I live in Pennsylvania.
This discussion has been closed.