Am I in for a rude awakening? *Running*

I hate treadmills. My last gym had an indoor track I'd run on and enjoyed it. I'd run hills and flats. 2 days a week I'd do an intense incline workout on the treadmill and 2 days I'd run that indoor track.

This year I've decided that I'll run around my apartment complex. We have an incline as you're going out the front gate and my apartment is at the bottom near the back gate so I start at my place and just run.

The one thing I love about outdoor running is the options you have vs the treadmill.

Now will you be fine for your race, I think you'll be ok. Just keep your feet moving. Remember you already beat those who didn't get out of bed that morning or are sitting on the couch watching TV.

I think it is different for everyone. You just have to get out there and pace yourself and go. I know people were telling me the same thing when I started running 2 years ago and the first time I went outside and ran I was so surprised that I ran faster outside and the time just flew by because there is so much to look at while running outside opposed to the boring old treadmill.

Once you run outside you'll prefer it to inside. You'll use muscles that aren't used on the treadmill and you'll end up running harder and faster. Go for it! Now is the perfect weather ( at least here in Fl)

Oh and I read on the treadmill. I use my kindle and it makes the time fly by. Before that I would get so bored I'd quit running way before I was tired or out of breath.

If you think about it, on a treadmill, all you do is pick up your foot and set it down, over and over again. The TM does the work for you. Running outside, you have to push yourself forward. I find running outside way more difficult.

However, there are benefits from a TM; it's not as harsh on your joints. And, it's probably pretty close to the kind of workout you get running outside. But, they aren't the same thing.

Running outside is easier for me. Running on a treadmill KILLs my shins.

With that incline, I seriously think you will be fine. I actually run slower on the treadmill.

I am a new runner as well and have been taking a Learn to Run clinic for the last few months. This topic was discussed by one of the professionals that was brought in. Some of the things that I remember learning were.....

--the treadmill belt helps by pulling our feet a little underneath us. We are exerting less energy then if we were running outdoors. So, it may be a bit more challenging in the start...and even our running stride may change....

--the elements such as wind, cold air, hot air, rain, snow, sand, hard concrete may require more use of energy and be a bit more challenging...

That being said, the fact that you are using an incline & changing your speeds will be beneficial. You are training yourself to use more energy on the treadmill so then when you go running outside you will be able to keep your stamina up.

Don't worry too much! And way to go on the running!

Watch out for injuries!!!!!! Seriously, I did exactly what you did when I was training for my first half marathon. I trained exclusively on a treadmill and on a soft trail in the woods. When race day came, I didn't realize how unprepared my feet were for concrete. It wasn't until we hit a section that was downhill. Crashing down on concrete left me with a stress fracture in my left foot at mile 3. Because I was favoring that foot, I developed a stress fracture in my right foot at mile 7! I couldn't run again for 3 months after that.

YMMV! But do take caution. If you are not used to running on concrete, make sure to take it easy for your race. This is hard to do because race-day adrenaline is always high and it is tempting to keep pace with other runners. Try to get out on the road at least once or twice before you go if you can! xo

I use the treadmill for intervals twice a week. Being able to measure out a quarter mile and pump the speed up to exactly what I want is easier for me than landmarking and sprinting between them.

The two running styles, for me, are completely different, but equally challenging. The backward force that the treadmill produces makes it hard on the hamstrings and shins. You don't realize it at first, but trying to stop your feet from whipping backwards takes a lot of energy. Try getting on the treadmill from a stop and the MPH at 9 and see what I mean.

Outside is much more work on the thighs and the focus on pace. Environmental variables like hills can be planned out if you do a quick survey of your path. If you do find some hills, take them and take them hard if you want your times to drop.

Finally, my answer to the question is that they are both equally challenging in their own right. I agree with most posters that I seems to "float" more outside just due to the scenery changes. I don't think you will be shocked when you move outdoors, but you will have an adjustment period, probably just a few runs. Then you wont want to use the mill anymore.

Thanks

I actually run faster outside than on the treadmill...also, you do not necessarily have to wait for it to warm, running outside at 35-40 degrees F is not that cold...I actually end up taking off my top layer after the first mile!

It will take you a while to adjust but you'll be fine in a few weeks. Although once I got used to running outside I find the treadmill next to impossible. I hate it. Now I run outside no matter how cold it is.

I love running outside too! It's a huge difference for me. I used to refuse to run if I had to run on a treadmill but it's just not convenient right now, and now I’m starting to like the treadmill (but never like outside).

Make the transition to running outside gradually. Try a short easy run once or twice a week. After you can handle that a few weeks then add in some longer runs. Build slowly over a 5 or 6 week period and you should be able to then handle the additional stress that outside running requires. You will adapt, but if you want to avoid chance of injury - be wise.

My general rule is that it will feel 20 degrees warmer than the air temperature when running (a coach told me that), so I dress that way every time I go out for a run.

I realized today how important it is to dress appropriately when running outside. I didn't realize how warm it was and I overdressed, I tired out way to early, barely got in 3 miles when 3.5 is normal on weekdays at lunch in the cold.

i did this and i found that running on a treadmill was completely different than running outside. i would increase my incline to 3 and run at about 7 i was doing great on a treadmill, but when i did actaully hit the pavement i started getting shin splints and I found it signifcantly more difficult running outside. most of this is due to the fact that treadmill is basically running for you, all you have to do is move your legs, also with the treadmill it almost bounces when you run it is forgiving on your legs and back , but when you hit the ground the earth is not going to move when you take a step to cushion your steps. Be careful when you do transition try to get out and try one mile at a time, build up from there and see how it goes. if it seems fine for you then that is great but definately dont expect to be able to run 5-6 miles the first time your out there, it will feel different.