Treadmill Running

[michelem]

Well, for me it is both. With my weekday work schedule, and my refusal to run in the dark, the treadmill becomes a necessary evil during the winter months. Sometimes during the summer months too, when it is too darned hot to run outdoors when the sun is out (too hot for me, while running, is over 90).

However, I have not gotten the hang of speedwork or tempo runs outdoors. I just don't know how to get the pacing right. So, I always do speedwork and tempo runs on the treadmill. This way I can control the mph and know how fast I'm running.

The ONLY time I've used the treadmill for long runs (over 10 miles) is when the weather has been nasty (pouring rain and/or high winds). The worst was a 20 mile run on the treadmill. I thought I'd die. But, it made 20 outdoors feel wonderful after that!

P.S. I don't know about the "easier on the joints" thing. In fact, I find I usually hurt more after doing a very long run on the treadmill rather than on the roads. Also, at least at my gym, there is no downhill option, so if you're trying to prepare for a hilly race, your body will not be prepared for the incredible joint pounding of downhills.