Treadmill Running

[Susan Otcenas]

Veronica, are we channeling each other?

[Veronica]

Probably.

[Kelly728]

The treadmill becomes more of a regular thing for me in the winter, darkness pushes me indoors for my weekday runs. On the weekends, you'll only see me on the TM if there is ice on the ground! I get so so bored!

I think each affects my joints differently. On the road/sidewalk I have more discomfort in my ankles from the pounding on the hard surface. On the TM my hip issues flare up because I tend to run pretty awkwardly on the TM.

[katluvr]

Treadmill = TM = Torture Machine

I do the TM for speed workouts. Thus the torture! So I can do speed work, intervals, etc. at a set pace. But it is HOT, boring & torturous. (OK, my opinion).
Occassionally use it for bad weather...but I live in Florida, so it is rare.

With my Gamin I can do some interval speed work outside, if the intervals ar the same time--but have to keep a close eye on the watch (for pace) and find myself not steady.

[OakLeaf]

With my Gamin I can do some interval speed work outside, if the intervals ar the same time--but have to keep a close eye on the watch (for pace) and find myself not steady.

You can set the Garmin to alarm if you go above or below your desired pace during the interval (or you can set HR alarms, for either the intervals or the recovery segments). There's a considerable amount of pace error, so you can't really set the ranges too narrow (or if you do, you can't put too much stock in the alarm the first time it goes off), but you don't have to look at the watch. If you use the Garmin you don't have to count the intervals, either.

Just did intervals with my Garmin this morning, actually. Not that I'd run on a treadmill if no one was threatening me with serious bodily harm if I didn't... but the TMs in my gym can't be programmed with intervals, anyhow.

[Deborajen]

I usually prefer to run outside - for the varying scenery, fresh air, etc. On the other hand, running on the treadmill allows me the chance to listen to music and not worry about what's going on around me, (like traffic), plus I can still run during bad weather & when it's dark outside.

As far as which one is easier on the joints, I seem to have more odd "owies" after running on the treadmill. The treadmill is a moving surface, so it's a little less natural. I'll bet it varies depending on stride patterns, proper shoes, etc., but I'd also be willing to bet that even though you do take a pounding with road running, the treadmill can have some bigger disadvantages because of the surface movement.

That's my not-so-scientific guess.

Deb

[yellow]

The trail runner's perspective (since I pretty much don't run on pavement)...

The biggest "problem" I see with the treadmill is related to the tendency to not vary stride, foot placement, weight distribtion, and the like. Now if you run on the road and always run on what I call a "reliable" surface, this is probably not a big deal (or no deal at all) because it probably allows you to fine-tune your form and efficiency. However, I find that (for myself) running on a traditional treadmill can be good exercise, but that it's no substitute for running on the trail in terms of balance, lateral movement, and form.

I think what a treadmill can/can't do for you depends on your running goals. And I think that not all treadmills are created equal (some decks are cusheir than others). I've gotten really sore running on a treadmill from what I interpret to be repetitive, non-varying movement. But then I've gotten really sore from running down 25% slopes, too.

[roadie gal]

I run on the treadmill in the winter, but I also run on it on days when I'm not sure how much energy I have. If I have my doubts that I can make it for my "goal time" I'll get on the treadmill. That way, if I can't make it, I don't have to walk home. I just get off of the treadmill.

[HandleBars]

I run on the treadmill most of the time because I like that I can see my exact distance, pace and time. I also noticed that I am more motivated to push myself at the gym as opposed to running outside. The treadmill is also easier on my body (I get shin splints) and because I PAY quite a bit for my gym membership.

With that said, I really want to run some races this summer so I will need to get some outdoor running time in as well...