Running on a treadmill?

[Feelingfab]

Morning folks

Due to time and work commitments, I do most of my running on a treadmill. Is this the wrong thing to do? Should I be running the majority of runs outside?

Many thanks

[Tanethra Graduate]

Running on the treadmill is just as valid to running outside as you are still working your cardiovascular system. To replicate the air resistance its recommended to set the incline of the treadmill to 1% - 2%

I still do quite a bit of training on the treadmill as like yourself due to convenience with work and other commitments but occasionally I do go out to run a Parkrun or a 10k event. I normally limit the time on the treadmill to 30 - 45 mins as any longer I do get bored and why now I've started doing longer runs outside now I'm capable of holding a steady pace.

[Hidden]

Running outside is just nicer.....but running on a treadmill is perfectly fine, gets the job done and is convenient for you. So go for it! Maybe over time you will find some opportunities to run outdoors and see which you prefer.

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Running is running wherever you do it and lots of people here run on a treadmill. For injury reasons I did most of the programme on the treadmill but moved outside after graduation. I disagree that it's harder outside, it's just different so don't ever worry about making the transition.

Good for you for starting. What week are you on?

[Feelingfab]

Thank you. It's familiar so it gives me the confidence to complete the run. Once I get to 5k, I'd like to try park runs. Many thanks for taking the time to reply. Really useful advice Happy Friday!

[Row99 in reply to Feelingfab]

I'm with you, I'm running on the treadmill until I can achieve 5km then I will progress trimming outside. I will still run on the treadmill when it's more convenient to do so though. Good luck with your running!

[CarolB1969]

I've done the first 6 weeks on a treadmill as quickly go to gym before work, however woke up the other Sunday and just thought I'm going to try and run outside, I was scared I wouldn't know what pace to run etc but shocked myself - now as and when and when I can I add an outside run into the mix

[Wizziewood]

You're running that's the main thing. Running outside is probably more interesting (I get bored easy!) but running is running.

Good luck and happy running!

[Hidden]

I like running on the treadmill because I watch programmes on iplayer while I do it, but it's good to mix it up with outside runs too. Depends what suits you really.

[RebeccaSK Graduate]

Of course it's not wrong - but it is different. I run outside and on the treadmill as I have old injuries and the treadmill is kinder. Running on the treadmill is at a measured pace and on a nice surface. You don't have to cross roads, overtake other runners (this doesn't often happen to me), deal with puddles and poor pavements or dogs or geese. BUT, my biggest problem, is that time really drags on a treadmill, even with my finely tuned playlist I still get bored. I don't have this problem when I'm outside. When running outside I set myself little goals - to reach the next signpost or whatever. You can't do that on the treadmill. So, whilst I think running outside can be more difficult physically, mentally I think it's easier - and we all know that so much of running is mental rather than physical. Our lives are so complicated that fitting in three runs a week can be challenging and if the treadmill helps you achieve those three runs then don't listen to anyone who tells you running on a treadmill is wrong. It's not.

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to RebeccaSK]

Puddles are one of the best bits!

[RebeccaSK Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

Very true. I love a good stomp in a puddle!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

Oh yes! And mud for me too!

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

But not brambles and tussocks.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

Never..'specially not Tussocks!

[Slowandstea in reply to RebeccaSK]

I agree the treadmill has its place but for the longer running times ( 5mins+) I find it boring. I do the same as you when outside let's get to the next tree or blue car down the road. Much prefer off road running but do say to myself when I get to x I will stop if I want to, invariably I run further. Either way exercise is exercise and you will find that you are much fitter than you realise.

[Hidden]

Running is not wrong on a treadmill or outside. You have to do what you have to do. I have no access to a treadmill or at least no access that I want to pay for.... if you like treadmills then continue to feel fab, if you fancy a go outside then you'll feel fab too. Good luck next time whether in or out

[GoogleMe Graduate]

I am somewhat in awe of folk who can make the treadmill work for them (it makes that whole speed thing rather unavoidable). I think it is a pity when people use a treadmill because they don't have the confidence to run outside - and it is rather sad if they don't have other options because they live in an unsafe area or have onerous caring responsibilities... but that would be sad whether they ran or not.

You don't get the added benefits from being in nature and you don't get the Vitamin D...your spiritual heart will know the difference, but your physical one doesn't! Art of the possible.

[Feelingfab]

Thank you all. I love walking outside and I'm a country girl at heart living in a city. Probably need to just plan my time a little better to include a run outside at the weekend 😁🌳

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Horses for courses... quite a few folk have no choice but to use treadmill for their running

I love outside, as do many of us, but for some it is a no go.. our friend Shivani05 , for example runs indoors, as it is too hot where she lives, she is an awesome runner, the windows of opportunity for outside runs are small where she is, meaning she can only get out sometimes...

So.. no wrong or right...you are doing this... But.. if you do fancy variation, then outside is a really great place to be

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate]

It's all been said! I think it would be difficult to do longer runs on the treadmill though.

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

Maybe 'box sets' have made it easier.

[nickylt Graduate]

Me too, FeelingFab. I pass the gym on my way home, so I can't avoid it and I've no excuse when the weather is bad! I listen to podcasts but have the TV on so I don't clockwatch TOO badly. Mostly I do it on the treadmill because, like RebeccaSK, I find the treadmill kinder; I have hypermobile ankles that don't respond well to bumps and potholes AT ALL! However, my friend has persuaded me to do a park run with her in September so I will see how I get on with that ...

[Feelingfab in reply to nickylt]

Very true! The weather can be unpredictable so the gym is a constant. I like the idea of podcasts and perhaps an audible book. I've done a park run with friends which was great.... especially the tea and bacon sarnie after! Mmmm I'm sure you'll enjoy it. It's very welcoming 😁I've just signed up for a 10k next May .... eek but good to have a goal!

[nickylt Graduate in reply to Feelingfab]

Wow, good luck! And enjoy those podcasts. I like audiobooks too - music doesn't take my attention off the clock

[JoL65]

I find the treadmill much easier on my old dodgy knees. Mines in a conservatory so it almost feels like I'm outside anyway 😂

[LemonieJ Graduate]

I did the treadmill yesterday for the first time as the weather was awful here. I much prefer running outside as even though I had a tv to watch I was really bored. It was also harder on my knees than running outside. For me outside wins but do whatever you feel comfy doing.