Rainy Days

[Bridejuly2018]

Do you think running in the treadmill is just as good as running outside?

[Dunder2004 Graduate]

It really depends on how you define "good".

In terms of effort, setting the treadmill to an incline of 1% would be equivalent to running on level ground (tarmac) outside. Personally, I would be bored stiff running on a treadmill and love a rainy run just as long as it isn't too windy.

[Madge50 Graduate]

Every bit counts, I would say, however, for me, I started outside and prefer to remain so, whatever the weather (haven't tried full on snow yet though....😄.) I have a dreadmill, I rarely use it........I mostly run off road, I'm very fortunate to have several good and safe routes nearby. I'm told the continuous change in the ground off road/outside is good for strengthening your joints and muscles as opposed to running train track style on a totally unchanging surface. It's also nicer being outside, the changing seasons, fresh air , the buzz you get from it, running in the rain is great..........I also find the dreadmill excruciatingly boring.

But, horses for courses, we don't all have access to good safe routes outside, plus there is the confidence thing if you are running alone, at night etc., on balance my view is, the dreadmill is not a patch on running outside, but that's my own personal experience......😄

Mx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Just very, very different.... I thanked my lucky stars that I had my cross-trainer to keep me fit when injuries meant I could not run outside... but I am outdoor Gal and I love everything that goes with it...rain, wind hail snow, sleet, puddles, mud... wonderful!!!!

I.. and this is me... find using my CT to run, much easier than running outside, even on a fairly high resistance and incline... but that is just me... I do find it very useful for core strength and leg strength exercises though.

Boredom is an issue for me too, and I watched virtual runs on You tube to keep me sane , and had the door to my studio open so it felt like being outside, ( yep. I am loopy ) !

Many folk doing C25K use treadmills as they have no other choice.... and they complete the programme as do the rest of us

[Lizzielooly]

I've just done week 1, run 1 on the treadmill and it felt great! I did this a year ago (all outside) and never thought I'd enjoy it as much inside on the treadmill but I felt just as elated and proud of myself!

I might venture outside when the weather/lighter nights improve but happy with this decision for the moment x

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Running is running and I've done both but the big outdoors is much more interesting, cooler and healthier. I hated breathing in the fumes of the person next to me 😖 If you do venture outside remember to run very slowly. If you've been on a treadmill then it's easy to run too fast when you first run outside.

[misswobble Graduate]

Nah, but treadmill running is better than no running

I run outside in the rain and it doesn't bother me. You get used to it.

I don't do treadmills. I run outside. It's freeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

It's all about personal preference but sorry, for me - running outside (even in the rain!) wins every time. I don't use the dreadmill at all, but if it's the treadmill or no running, then go for it!🙂

[jt24 Graduate]

I've gone from a year running outside to now mainly being in the garage on a dreadmill! I set it at 2% incline for regular runs (3 or 4 mile runs) and am starting 30/30 jeffing at 10% incline (race approaching with hill involved).

I thought I would hate it, everyone talks of the boredom etc. I did hate it for a few weeks but actually due to my current situation meaning treadmill runs or no runs then it is actually now my new friend!

Performance proof- either way- will come when I get back on my usual paths!

I think the treadmill is generally easier as you haven't the same air/ ground resistance and because it churns away at a constant pace you are less able to flag (or speed up) which I have subsequently found I obviously do a lot when outside lol!

Each to their own is my new treadmill philosophy! Ideally get out there but if you're not getting out there then get in and get on

🏃🏃🏃

[keirah]

Well I've done the entire programme on the treadmill so far (just finished week 6) and I love it. It's easier on the joints and you can pace yourself. I make sure I have good music to keep me motivated.

I did my first 5k race last week outside, and it was a bit more difficult, but that was down to pacing for me. On the treadmill I run (jog!) at 4.5mph but I finished my 5K in 39 mins so my pace was 4.8mph.

It's all running, and anyone who makes you feel bad by saying that it's somehow better to be doing it outside, ignore them. It counts just as much and it's entirely down to personal preference!