Treadmill running vs. running outdoors
 

Hi everyone. Am new here and also new to trying to get fit and in shape. Of course that means exercise is a part of the daily routine. For a while now, I have been going to a gym semi-regularly. One of my fave cardio workouts in 60 min on the treadmill alternating with running (around 8.5/9km pace) and walking (around 6.5km pace). I have worked up to a point where I can run easily for 20+ min at the higher pace, walk a quick couple min and get back to running.

Since I have signed up to do a half marathon this fall though, I figured I need to get out and start running outdoors, too, now that spring is making an appearance. And man does it kick my bum! I find myself struggling to run straight through for 5-10 min at a stretch. Should I be watching to do things any certain way, or is there really that big of a difference between treadmill running and outdoor running? Am sure a month from now the latter will be much easier, I'm just a bit surprised at the difference! Has anyone else experienced the same problem? :o

There is definitely a difference. I find treadmill running a lot easier than outdoor running but I also live in a hilly area. Treadmill running can give you some good preparation and a good starting point but the best thing for running outdoors is to run outdoors.

I ran outdoors for 8 or 10 months and then got a treadmill. At first I didn't think it was all that much easier on the treadmill, but the other day I took the dog for a run. OMG, I could hardly run as far as I had the previous year! Outdoors is way more difficult!

outdoor running is definitely harder esp with hills and changing inclines. running on the street or sidewalk is also harder on the joints because treadmills have some inherent give that concrete doesnt have. Running outside is the best way to train for races but if you're stuck inside, putting the treadmill at a slight incline (1 or 1.5) can simulate being outside

There are a couple of other factors that make outdoor harder too. We do get a little bit of "belt assist" on the TM, making it seem as though we go faster than we actually would with comparable outside effort. To approximate the same effort, raise the incline to 2%, as described above. I also think that we try to run a little faster outside because the perspective is so very different.

But, I agree, outdoor running is a different animal! I like it better though because it's, well, outside!

Good luck with your half marathon training program -- you have plenty of time. It's my favorite race distance!

Maybe I'm crazy, but I always thought that running outside was easier. I ran cross country in high school and a little after and I never had as much trouble running those races then when I tried to run on a treadmill. I guess I just get board running in place easily and it seems harder. Outside I always had something new to look at and felt like I was actually "going" somewhere.


*Shrugs* That might just be me though...

I have never really run on a treadmill so I am unsure. I was having trouble a few weeks ago with getting sidestitches am I did some research on proper breathing technqiues. I cannot absolutely CANNOT believe the difference that my breathing makes. Not only did I quite getting sidestitches, my workout got easier. Once I started the recommended way I was able to increase my distance but quite a bit. You may want to do some reading yourself and some trial and error.

Well I find running outside pleasurable even if its difficult but I find running on a treadmill easier on legs/lungs but so incredibly boring and I rather someone shoot me than make me run on a treadmill :)

I have the same problem. The other day, I went to the gym and ran 24 minutes straight - 2 miles. Then yesterday I was outside, in a relatively flat area, and I could only run 12 minutes - 1 mile, before I felt sick.

I'm definitely going to have to work harder in order to run the same distances outside.

I think it depends what surface you started running on first, I'm always surprised but I've come across quite a few people who think running on the treadmill is harder than outdoors. I'm definitely opposite, outside is tougher.
The encouraging things is the more you run outdoors the easier it becomes. Give yourself sometime to adjust.

I run in doors.. I dont feel right running outdoors..
I run out of breath quickly.. But maybe its just because im starting off!
So until im in good Shape! It's the treadmill for me!!

I enjoy running outside far more than the treadmill - most of the time! On a rainy or very windy day of course the idea of being outside in the elements doesn't hold as much appeal lol.

I find the outdoors to supply more variety - on the treadmill I have to consciously choose the incline whereas an outdoor route just has them and I have no choice. It's more challenging, it has more to look at, the air is fresh and keeps me cooler (some gyms get very sweaty very quickly)

BUT

It definitely works the legs and lungs a lot lot more!

Treadmills are easier on my body but its easy to get into a routine and end up not challenging myself as much as I could.

I just get BORED on a treadmill lol.

Well I must say after reading this I AM SCARES TO DEATH. I have been taking pride in having built up to running 2.25 miles. I was planning running at nearby trail on sunday and now I am like IDK! I don't wanna be discouraged....I mean if I can't do it outside then it is not "tru" ya know.? And I am planning to run a 5K in May!

I mostly walk fast on my treadmill and outside now that it's starting to get warmer, so I can't see the difference but I think outside would be harder if you're actually running. If I tried to run, I'd break my neck, I trip walking across flat ground let alone trying to run!:dizzy:

CakeBatter - go do the trail. Do intervals if you have to. Run, then walk, then run. I know people who do 5ks do use the treadmill occasionally and also water running.

Nelie- Thanks. I am gonna do it on sunday and let you know how it goes....as long as I don't give up right???

I don't notice much of a difference as far as difficulty but I have noticed a difference in speed. I run a bit slower outside but I think that's because of the terrain -- I run on hilly, winding trails -- and the treadmill keeps me at a steady pace.
If you can run a mile on a treadmill, you can run one outdoors. Pace yourself. It's easy to start out REALLY fast and then putter out towards the end because you don't have the treadmill moving at a solid pace to guide you. So try to reel yourself in the first half of your distance and then speed up a bit the second half.

I call treadmills, dreadmills :lol: they bore me to tears, but they are good for speed intervals and I can only stay on one for 30 minutes... I much prefer outside although it is a bit harder, but only at first, so go for it CakeBatter :yes:

For me, both running outdoors and on the TM fit well into my exercise routine and I like them both. I like running outdoors for distance but I prefer the TM for HIIT because I can control the speed and the incline. I like to mix it up--if I were limited to just one or the other, I would get bored with either one very quickly.

I push myself pretty hard on both, so I can't really say that one is harder than the other for me. If I ran at the same incline and pace on the TM that I do outside, the TM would probably be quite a bit easier, but I push myself on the TM until I'm at the same level of perceived exertion as I am when I'm running outdoors. I do have significantly more problems with side stitches and knee pain when I run outdoors. Because of this, there are times of the year when running outdoors simply isn't an option for me and during those times I feel very appreciative of the TMs at my gym (especially my fav TM at the end of the row, under the AC vent and that gets a nice draft from the exit door :lol:).

I also really prefer to do any incline work on the TM. For one thing, on the TM I know exactly what the incline is. But also, if I run up a hill outdoors, somehow I have get back down off the hill. Running uphill is no problem, but I absolutely cannot run downhill with my knees and even walking downhill can be a problem. But on the TM, what goes up doesn't have to come down.

I have decided I will run at the trail on Friday since that is the only day that is not raining/ I am excited and nervous about it. However due to everyone else's advice and experience i am going to start using the 2% incline to make it more realistic...sorta speak.

I agree with you Blue, I do get bored with one or the other which why I am trying to mix it up in the first place.

I've only been running for about 3 weeks now but I already enjoy it. I don't really enjoy staring at the treadmill screen the whole time though. I've only gotten the chance to run outside once so far but it's sooo much better! Yes it's a bit harder but definately worth it. It's a mind game for me. The more I enjoy my run the farther and longer I'm able to push myself so outside in the end seems easier to me even though it's not. Makes sense right? :)

okay so I tried the incline thing to simulate being outside since it rained today amd OMG my calves almost burst into flames! I guess I am gonna have to build up to that! I only lasted a mile before I put it down.

CakeB -- intervalsl of inclines are a lot of fun, one munute at 1% and work yourself up to 10% then back down, that is one thing I do like about the TM...

Maybe I will give that a try today. Intervals. Cause constant could have killed me...LOL

I'm a treadmill hater and I use it only when I have to (bad weather, etc.) I run significantly slower inside than outside and I think a lot of it is due to the fact that I don't have very good balance - I wander all over the road, it's ok, but on a treadmill, not ok. Plus, I run to get outside, enjoy the air, the sun (the rain, the wind), and I'd rather take cardio classes to keep up my stamina if I have to be inside.

But - I also enjoy running hilly courses, so my take on things may be a bit skewed!

Well I ran the trail today it was awesome! It took some adjusting but nothing I couldn't handle. I couldn't run the whole 3 miles because I with my buddy and she couldn't go that far so we stopped at 2.25 and walked the rest. I am uber stoked because it was a nice change. I just couldn't run inside that gym on day like today....nun-uh no way!

:bravo: CakeBatter, now you may never want to go back inside the gym, to run that is, :lol:

When you run outside, you're using more of your muscles including those called proprioceptors which let you know where your body is in space, i.e. help keep you upright and balanced. :) It is nice to have a varying terrain to look at as well. I much prefer outdoors, but here it is cold/dark/icy/snowy for much of the year, so I use the TM. Both work, but I can go longer outdoors.

Popping in to say I find running on a treadmill much harder than running outside. I know part of it is psychological, but I'm also better able to control my pace on the road, slow down or speed up as I need to. I also have balance issues, and am always waiting to get thrown off, back and onto the wall when I'm on a treadmill. If I'm stuck with exercise machines, I'll take the elliptical every time!

Anne

in my experience, it just depends what you're used to. in college i used to run about 4 miles or so a few times a week outside. one day i was in a gym or somewhere with a treadmill and decided to just hop on that and it would be a piece of cake. i think i had to throw in the towel somewhere around 1.5 miles. seriously. however, now i've only on the treadmill this time around and i'm pretty sure that going outside is gonna be a rude awakening for me.