Running Outside vs Running on a Treadmill

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Replies

  • gburkhart2
    gburkhart2 Posts: 72 Member
    It completely depends on the situation for me. If I'm just running for training, I can run A LOT faster on a treadmill because it's a completely controlled environment. However, my race times are always significantly faster than my treadmill times even if I'm trying to run at race speed on the treadmill.
  • crazyellybean
    crazyellybean Posts: 999 Member
    I've found it very hard to run outside, versus running on the treadmill.... I can run on the treadmill but I have a very hard time outside.. I lose my breath much easier. I did find that the running shoes made a huge difference...
  • estepteau
    estepteau Posts: 146
    I have same problem you are fine :)
  • estepteau
    estepteau Posts: 146
    Yes running shoes are very very important I learned that the hard way...lol
  • KimmieBrie
    KimmieBrie Posts: 825 Member
    It is both physically and mentally easier on me outside.

    Physically - I can find my pace easier and more quickly outside. So I get comfortable with my pace a lot faster making the run itself easier. If I get a burst of energy or a great songs come on I can instantly run faster and full stride. On a treadmill it takes me longer to find the exact right pace of the moment-it's not always the same and I hate adjusting the treadmill controls all the time. Being forced to go faster or slower than the body wants is physically harder on me and I feel like I struggled.

    Mentally outdoors is where it's at for me. I can people and scenery watch and use street lights or other markers as goals and checkpoints instead of constantly trying to distract my mind in the gym. Also elevation naturally increases and decreases without pushing buttons.
  • Heather_023
    Heather_023 Posts: 76 Member
    Definitely a love/hate relationship with my treadmill... So happy to have it, wouldn't be able to get in nearly as many runs without it, but it sure is tough to get my butt on there to begin with! I would much rather be outside! I think it has to do with the fact that outside you naturally adjust your pace to the highs and low of a run without even thinking about it, whereas being stuck on a treadmill it's just not as easy.
  • jfinnivan
    jfinnivan Posts: 360 Member
    When I'm on the treadmill it's all about mental games. I do things like forcing myself to not look at the display until 3 songs have played out, then 4 songs, etc. Also, watching TV helps. If you're a liberal, watch Fox news. If you're conservative, watch the Daily Show. Get outraged! Whatever you need to keep your attention.
  • fasttrack27
    fasttrack27 Posts: 324
    I'm fairly new to running. Due to winter weather I have only run outside a few times. It seemed harder to me - maybe because it was dark, cold and slightly hilly. I only put up with the dreaded treadmill because I have a friend next to me so we can chit chat the whole time. She's a little better runner than me so she can also push me a little when I need it. Beats staring at the screen, wall or tv!
  • KimertRuns13_1
    KimertRuns13_1 Posts: 702 Member
    I am faster usually on the treadmill but have noticed lately I can maintain the same speed/pace whether I am on the treadmill or running outside.
  • allison0820
    allison0820 Posts: 323 Member
    You kidding? I have the opposite problem. My treadmill runs are easier than the ones outside. Probably because of the wind resistance, you're actually moving forward against air instead of staying put and just moving your legs.

    :laugh:

    same for me!!! harder for me to run outside...
  • BobbyClerici
    BobbyClerici Posts: 813 Member
    I'd rather be drug behind a car than subject myself to the "dreadmill".
    BORING!
  • Jennloella
    Jennloella Posts: 2,286 Member
    happens to me, I can go further longer outside, but I think it is because treadmill is boring. Outside you are looking at the terrain, other people, etc....time flies when you're having fun, you know
  • getfitdiva
    getfitdiva Posts: 1,148 Member
    Running outside makes the time go by quicker because you are actually going somewhere and scenery. Since I don't run outside when it's cold or dark the treadmill will have to suffice. Treadmill is easier on your joints but it's helpful to make it challenging w/ intervals/inclines like you are outdoors.
  • akadrea
    akadrea Posts: 85 Member
    YES YES YES! I run at a 2.0-2.5 incline on the treadmill, but I can run faster outside too!
  • risak
    risak Posts: 79 Member
    Interval running/walking/jogging is the best way to make the time go by on the treadmill. You are running in little 3-5 min spurts and you have to pay attention to the treadmill.

    It makes my runs go by so quickly. But I actually like the treadmill more than outside. But I have a dog that would really really love to run with me so I need to get outside!!!!

    It's also so hard to run outside in the cold. My throat closes up and I cough for like 2 hours afterwards.

    Now if I could just get myself to the gym more often.
  • ansonrinesmith
    ansonrinesmith Posts: 741 Member
    I thought it was just me. I've been frustrated because I can run an 5k in a 5mph pace, but I struggle with that same pace on a treadmill! I eventually have to put the incline to 0 (I start at 1 to try and account for hills outside) and even take a short break every mile to keep the pace.
    I can't wait to run outside again!
  • 5SpeedRunning
    5SpeedRunning Posts: 2
    I agree with the interval training if you have to do the treadmill. Also treadmill training can take the pounding off the legs while still working stamina, threshold, strength, and speed.

    Here are some good stamina, threshold, strength, and speed workouts. Readers who do not know their specific training paces, this tool will help you.


    Personalized Workout Calculator >>>> http://www.freerunningcalculator.com

    Coach Ken at 5 Speed Running
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