Treadmill Running

[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.

[OakLeaf]

Here's something that was just in a fitness newsletter I get. I'm not a basketball player, but you get the gist:

"An hour of basketball feels like 15 minutes. An hour on a treadmill feels like a weekend in traffic school."
-- David Walters, quoted in American Senior Fitness Association Experience!

[ny biker]

Well, I don't run. But I do like a long walk.

If the weather is good I will take a walk outside. Otherwise I hit the treadmill.

I've found that in general the best way to make the time pass on any indoor cardio equipment is to do intervals. One minute harder, one minute easier. Two minutes harder, one minute easier. Five minutes harder, two minutes easier. Breaking it down makes the time pass better.

[eclectic]

My 2 cents

first off I hate the Dreadmill but I am finding it may have its advantages. I have been running on the indoor 1/8th mile track. When doing 5 miles that is a lot of corners and the inside of my lower leg has been sore. So I may alternate between treadmill and track if the direction on the track is the same for my running days.

Also I am pretty sure I will use it when I start intervals and tempo in a week or 2. There is no way I would be able to pace myself on the track.

I am waiting for the snow and ice to go away so I can't get outside - The weather has been beautiful but we can't even run on the street. We have had so much snow that 4 lane roads are down to 2.5 and 3 lane roads are barely 2 and the 2 lane roads cars wait for one to go through because they are about 1.5 lanes - No room for runners and do you think people have shovelled their walks? ? ? ? ?

[Jolt]

My 2 cents

first off I hate the Dreadmill but I am finding it may have its advantages. I have been running on the indoor 1/8th mile track. When doing 5 miles that is a lot of corners and the inside of my lower leg has been sore. So I may alternate between treadmill and track if the direction on the track is the same for my running days.

Also I am pretty sure I will use it when I start intervals and tempo in a week or 2. There is no way I would be able to pace myself on the track.

I am waiting for the snow and ice to go away so I can't get outside - The weather has been beautiful but we can't even run on the street. We have had so much snow that 4 lane roads are down to 2.5 and 3 lane roads are barely 2 and the 2 lane roads cars wait for one to go through because they are about 1.5 lanes - No room for runners and do you think people have shovelled their walks? ? ? ? ?

Wow, your indoor track is that big? You're lucky. The one I use is 1/17 mile!! And that's the bigger of the two I have to pick from. As for the snow and ice, I can relate. We have quite a bit of it here too and it makes it less than safe to run outside!

[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...

[Pedal Wench]

From the website I write for (I didn't write this one)

http://dvice.com/archives/2009/06/green-treadmill.php