Treadmill vs. Running Outside
monkeefun
Posts: 271 Member
Can anyone tell me what the major pros and cons are of each? I'm thinking about being brave and signing up for my very first half marathon in January, but I don't have any really good running areas around me to practice in. I can't run the course to practice because it's in Phoenix and I'm not ;-), but I do have a treadmill. What are the major differences I should be prepared for?
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Almost any area is a good area to run in, IMO. Just walk out your front door and put shoes on. I've ran in circles on a desert airstrip, up and down boardwalks, in the city, in the swamp, in the woods...
I think running outside is a much better way to prepare for..um...running outside. But if treadmills indeed are your only option, expect to be a little bit slower on race day when you have to contend with the environment, weather, other people, terrain, etc.0 -
I tried running on the treadmill and I just can't keep myself from tripping over my own feet! I ran a woodland trail on Sunday and old dirt roads last night and I can skip over roots, rocks and stumps without any coordination issues! I don't know what the deal is - but I am much better coordinated outside.0
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Treadmill and outdoor running are very different if you ask me! I started my jogging/running on my treadmill, did that for 6+ months, was up to 5 miles without stops......then I went outside to run......I don't think I made it a mile before I had to stop and walk! The treadmill gives and is very forgiving on your body, where the pavement is not! So, if you want to run in races and marathons, your training needs to be outdoors. I have been running outside now for a month or so and I am just now getting back to about 4 miles. Good luck to you! Oh, and outside is a lot more entertaining then the treadmill too, lots more to look at!0
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I tried running on the treadmill and I just can't keep myself from tripping over my own feet! I ran a woodland trail on Sunday and old dirt roads last night and I can skip over roots, rocks and stumps without any coordination issues! I don't know what the deal is - but I am much better coordinated outside.
I have the same problem..
I always have to keep putting 1 hand out to keep a steady distance and I move all over the place while running. My biggest fear is being one of those people who fall and get tread burn on the way down
Only difference I know of besides being outside makes the time go faster and is always nicer.. There is more impact on your body vs. running on the treadmill. Your body gets used to it over time, but the first few times are rough (at least for me)0 -
I would try to run outside as much as possible if you are going to sign up for something. I do about an average of 5 miles a day on the treamill, however when I run outside, 2 miles feels like 5!!! I do live in an area where its all big hills though. Good luck!
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On a treadmill the surface is moving therefore you are not propelling yourself forward, outside you are propelling yourself forward with every stride, running on a treadmill can impact your form negatively and also keep you from developing a good pace in your head which is very important for road racing , moral of the story i'd go outside , good luck!0
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Before I ran my first 5K I trained almost exclusively on my treadmill and by the 3rd km had horrible shin splints due the change in surface. Since then I've run outside almost exclusively all year 'round (I'll suffer on my dreadmill if there's freezing rain, other than that I'm outside)
Treadmills are a great way to start building up your endurance but the running mechanics are not the same. The belt tends to propel you and the normal reaction is to lengthen your stride which leads to heel striking (something you want to avoid).
Treadmills can also be used no matter the weather or the time. Depending on your schedule that may be a safer alternative.
If you're doing most of your training indoors you should make a point of getting outside at least once or twice a week just to acclimate to the different running surface.0 -
Also make sure you have a good pair of outside running shoes~ I'm sure you already know that though!0
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On a treadmill you have a lot more control of the incline, your environment (ie allergens!), your speed (sort of), how long (sort of) and stuff like that. Outside is a lot less boring, you can use your music to pace yourself and your breathing (as on a treadmill, but you don't have a concrete number), and running outside for an outside run is probably the best way to train.
I've been solely training with a treadmill, set with an incline of 3%. I took my first outdoor jog yesterday. Used the same music I've been using on the treadmill, and found the run to be just like the treadmill run! Even when I hit the incline, I had no problems outdoors. Actually, the trickiest part was where I had a decline! It was so easy to get going too fast! LOL.
Both are great, in my opinion. Just understand the differences between them!0 -
I mainly run on the treadmill as it's more forgiving to my knees than always running outside. However, when I know I'm going to be in a race I will make sure to get a few runs in outside prior to the race. I actually tend to run faster outside, especially during a race, since I'm trying to keep pace with others that are around my speed.0
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If you are training for a marathon I would strongly suggest you do no less then 75% of your training runs outdoors. Treadmills are just not ideal. when you do your longest run do you realize you may spend 4 hours staring at a wall or a TV. Ugghh that's the worst part the next worst part is tread mills pull you along. Its totally different propelling yourself across the ground.0
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i guess the majority of people prefer running outside, but my parents just bought a brand new treadmill and it is glorious. i use it every time i'm there- it has an ipod jack and speakers and everything. you can set timers for distance, time, and/or calories burned. whats not to love/0
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The treadmill is much more forgiving on your body - less injuries. Outside running is definitely harder, no doubt!
Why don't you start on the treadmill and build up some endurance and fitness, then start incorporating outside runs slowly?0 -
I would rather run outside because I can pace myself better. On a treadmill, it's basically one speed and one incline. If I'm outside, I can choose to take a straight path, a path with hills, or both. Also, when I'm outside I can speed up and slow down when i feel the need without having to push buttons to make a bigger incline, etc.0
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I don't know if there are strict pros and cons really... but I personally hate running on a treadmill... I feel like I'm a rat on a wheel...0
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i look like a spaz running outside so I try to do it in the dark on a treadmill0
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Running outside will wear you out. Seriously. There is less cushioning in the ground, not to mention the fact that you have to propel yourself forward without the help of a rotating belt. Many people who usually run treadmillls can regularly clock good times for distances, and then find they can't even get 10 minutes without feeling like dying outside. There are some people for whom is doesn't make any difference, of course, but the average person find it much more difficult.
I would try and get at least 40-50% of your runs outside, so that your muscles can adjust to the change in surface. You definitely don't have to do it all outside, but doing that much will help a ton.0 -
I try to run outside as much as possible. The treadmill wreck havoc on my knees when running long distance.0
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You can train on a treadmill with no problem. Living in Montana, winters kind of make it necessary, just set it to 1% incline and that will make it feel more realistic to running outside.0
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I started c25k in the dead of winter on a treadmill, graduated program with no problems, then when weather got nice I moved it outside and what a difference! So much harder. I'm running on a dirt or crushed gravel path, not sure how that compares to paved areas. I had to scale back a bit and re-build my outdoor endurance. I feel it more in my calves outside too. I had to run indoors Monday due to weather and I rocked it, the treadmill now seems so easy! I make sure I incline if I'll be indoors.0
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I tried running on the treadmill and I just can't keep myself from tripping over my own feet! I ran a woodland trail on Sunday and old dirt roads last night and I can skip over roots, rocks and stumps without any coordination issues! I don't know what the deal is - but I am much better coordinated outside.
Hahahahaha, I had the same problem! :laugh:
I felt like an elephant on roller skates when I started running outside and could barely do a mile without thinking I was dying vs running inside.......... :noway:
Now I love to run outside 90% of the time and love it! Give your self time and your body will get used to it! :happy:0 -
On a treadmill you have a lot more control of the incline, your environment (ie allergens!), your speed (sort of), how long (sort of) and stuff like that. Outside is a lot less boring, you can use your music to pace yourself and your breathing (as on a treadmill, but you don't have a concrete number), and running outside for an outside run is probably the best way to train.
I've been solely training with a treadmill, set with an incline of 3%. I took my first outdoor jog yesterday. Used the same music I've been using on the treadmill, and found the run to be just like the treadmill run! Even when I hit the incline, I had no problems outdoors. Actually, the trickiest part was where I had a decline! It was so easy to get going too fast! LOL.
Both are great, in my opinion. Just understand the differences between them!
^^ I agree with this. Like you, I do not have many nice areas to run in my neighborhood, so I bought myself a really nice treadmill. I have a TV and a surround sound system hooked up. Some days I just put on good music; other days I watch a good show or movie to keep me interested. I ALWAYS put the treadmill on a minimum of 1% incline. This will simulate a more realistic "outdoor" run. I also discovered that if I just put a towel over the "stats" and hit the "increase speed" button until I feel comfortable, I will usually hit a faster pace and "propel" myself along (instead of the treadmill dragging me). If I see my pace sometimes my brain thinks I'm going too fast and freaks out... I have no idea why. I also like to randomly vary the incline to keep my body guessing.
I am actually FASTER when I run outside. I love outdoor running, it's just not always an option. I think a lot of it is mental. Just DECIDE to have a great, productive run no matter which way you do it. You'll do great on your 1/2!!! 0 -
It's not clear from your post whether you have any running experience at all - if you don't, a half marathon is a BIG nut to crack for your first race. You would be better off starting with a few 5k's and build up. The biggest cause of injuries in runners is doing too much too soon - take it from me, I wrecked my knees 13 years ago going instantly from 2 miles daily to 5-6 miles daily - and that was after having 15 years of running experience!.(I am paying the price, although able to get back into running now with a lot less weight on me and being very careful, with physical therapy, strength training and cross-training.)
A good guide is John Bingham's Marathoning for Mortals, which has some training plans in the back that take you from couch potato to half marathon or marathon safely.
As to treadmill or outside - I hate the treadmill - glad to have it available when it's below 0 outside, but I find it utterly boring, lose my mind after about 3 miles on it. Outside is MUCH better - you will learn to handle different terrains, temperatures and there is so much more to look at, regardless of whether you run in a city, country road or trail.0 -
Before I ran my first 5K I trained almost exclusively on my treadmill and by the 3rd km had horrible shin splints due the change in surface. Since then I've run outside almost exclusively all year 'round (I'll suffer on my dreadmill if there's freezing rain, other than that I'm outside)
Treadmills are a great way to start building up your endurance but the running mechanics are not the same. The belt tends to propel you and the normal reaction is to lengthen your stride which leads to heel striking (something you want to avoid).
Treadmills can also be used no matter the weather or the time. Depending on your schedule that may be a safer alternative.
If you're doing most of your training indoors you should make a point of getting outside at least once or twice a week just to acclimate to the different running surface.
Lol I feel the same way about the DREADMILL. I much prefer to be outdoors. The time goes by much quicker, if you wiggle a little your not gonna fall off of anything, and the scenery can be enjoyable.0 -
From my limited experience.
I like both.
The treadmill is good for when the weather is not nice. I like the ability to adjust the slope & speed on the treadmill. And, the treadmill at my gym has a cushion style shock absorber built in. This is easier on my knees.
As for running outside. I enjoy this as well. Nothing beats fresh air and sunshine! I find that running on pavement a little hard on the knees and ankles but if I keep track of my run/walk intervals it is not too bad.0 -
I've been running on a treadmill all winter up until last weekend. My first road run. I haven't recovered still!! I have been sore all over, since. Definately run outside. Any where will work.0
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For me, it's running outside all the way.
I started on this journey by going to a gym. At first, I spent a lot of time on a treadmill walking in place. I tolerated it mostly because the cardio machines had tv. When the weather improved, I started walking outdoors. And walking some more. And even running a bit. I got to know a lot more about my neighbourhood while getting my exercise in. I found that I really enjoyed it. I liked the feel of being outdoors. I liked the variety that comes from deciding to turn down a new street or into a new park. I liked having regular routes I could race my best times on. It really worked for me.
When the weather turned and I went back to the treadmill, I found I couldn't handle it anymore. Something about walking and running on a treadmill just seemed so confining. I'd see a spot on the wall in front of me and, after a half hour of running, I'd be no closer to that spot. It really started to bother me. I found that I'd struggle to spend 30 on a treadmill when I could keep going for 45 minutes or an hour outdoors.
Fortunately, this past winter was ridiculously mild, so I didn't have to spend much time indoors. Even on cold days, if the pavement was bare, I stayed outside. It's surprising how few layers one needs to stay warm when you're walking fast or running.
I think a lot of it comes down to personal preference. What will get you exercising more? A treadmill? Or the outdoors?0 -
Can anyone tell me what the major pros and cons are of each? I'm thinking about being brave and signing up for my very first half marathon in January, but I don't have any really good running areas around me to practice in. I can't run the course to practice because it's in Phoenix and I'm not ;-), but I do have a treadmill. What are the major differences I should be prepared for?
Depending on how much you increase your mileage, a run or two each week on the treadmill can really make things easier on your body. Running on a treadmill is certainly better training than not running at all. Can you drive somewhere and do your weekly long run outside? I know ultra runners who do all of their runs except for the weekly long run on a treadmill, so I'm sure it would work great for a half. Some big differences between running inside on a treadmill and running outside are humidity, temperature, being able to pace yourself, impact on your body, and the actual motion of running. Also, make sure you get in a good run or two in the rain so you know what to expect if it rains on race day.
Good luck!0 -
Run outside as much as you can. You dont need a special trail. Just get outside and run.
In my experience running outside works all muscles in my legs because the terain varies (hills, flats, speed, weather factor etc..) whereas TM running for me is a constant even if u set the TM for uphill.
My body gets stronger running outside. If u plan on doing a half I would train 95% outside running.
Good lucK!0 -
Indoor Running:
Pros - Easier on the joints and your speed is regulated for you.
Cons - Harder on the brain. Seriously, BORING. Even with TV. Even with music. You're running in place!
Outdoor Running:
Pros - Easier on the brain. You control your own speed.
Cons - Harder on the joints. BUT you can run on trails which is usually softer.
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My conclusion? Both are useful in different ways. Treadmill training is great for rainy days and winter months and days you just want to get in and get it done with your strength training. Also, if you can run for an hour on the treadmill, you can (mentally) run just about anywhere.
Running outdoors can't be beat though, in my opinion. The fresh air, the scenery, being out in the community or hitting the trails - all of this can't be beat by softer impact on my joints. I'll take the beating.
I would suggest that you run outdoors though, during your training, so you can get your body use to the pavement pounding and you learn how to moderate your speed yourself. Some people are disappointed that they run slower on the treadmill than on pavement. Either way, it's great that you're getting out there and running 0
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