Treadmill or road running?

[T2runner]

Looking at various forums etc. There seems to be a difference in opinion to whether road or treadmill are best, I purchased a treadmill on Ebay, and think it is slightly more controllable than road running, while I can't wait to get out and run the roads and footpaths, the treadmill gives me a set speed that I do not change during my running or walking, if I am struggling on the road the temptation would be to slow down, but with the treadmill I keep it at the same speed for each section of the session. Just wondered your opinions and if there is any other people here also using a treadmill?

[Rigpig Graduate]

Personally I prefer to be outdoors and find that the time drags on a treadmill, it’s all running though so if it works for you then great 👍

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

There is no right or wrong or 'best'. Many people here incl me did the whole C25K program on a treadmill. Indeed, elite runners will use both. Running is running.

There's also a bunch of people for whom running is purely an outdoors activity and can't entertain the idea of ever running indoors.

I do both and like you, find the treadmill very useful, mostly because of the control it provides.

Do as you want and...

Good luck!

[RunningMigster Graduate]

I think you have to go with whatever you prefer. At the end of the day, you're still doing it, right? It's all good.

Outdoor is definitely more challenging. Even if you're running on smooth tarmac, you have hills that are never a very specific incline all the way. You have immediate changes like kerb stones and uneven paths. The wind and rain blowing against you one minute and behind you the next.

It's not for everybody. But it's what makes it interesting for me.

I fully expect, that when we're a couple of inches deep in snow, or the pavements are like a skating rink, then I'll switch to a treadmill. But I think i'll find it very boring and monotonous.

Each to their own though, and like I said at the start, the only thing that really matters, is that you're doing it! We all should applaud ourselves for that!

Mig

[Roxdog Graduate]

I do a mixture of outdoor and treadmill runs. I started the programme on a treadmill at the gym and moved outdoors around week 3. I still do the odd treadmill run but prefer outdoors now. I think either is fine.

[Milldoo_Wolf]

I use the treadmill simply because it puts less stress on my joints. Always run with a 1.5% incline and as you say good to have that set speed control.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

I was previously an "only outdoor" runner but I have invested in a decent treadmill for when the weather is just too awful to want to motivate, and just lately, coming back from an unrelated injury it is useful to control the pace and surface. It also means that if my foot is hurting I can stop instantly, rather than still having to make my way home.

They have their uses 👍🏻😊

The main thing is to stick to the programme and complete it, inside or out, or a combination!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

They say that you can get faster times on a treadmill than running outside.

[davelinks Graduate]

It's whatever floats your boat really, both ways are good in their own right, treadmill handy being in house and in the Winter, but good to be running outside in the fine weather... 🏃🌞

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

If you have a high boredom threshold then a treadmill is great and I admire the tenacity of those who do C25k on the mill...........give me outdoors any time.

Each to their own.

[ju-ju- Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Here here!

[ju-ju- Graduate]

It depends why you want to run..... for me, it’s the benefits of being outdoors in nature, fresh air, and having adventures. I run a lot on trails in the woods which have built endurance, very strong ankles, heightened senses and an ability to tackle challenging hills and terrain. I don’t think for one minute I would get any of that from a treadmill. However it’s your running journey, and you are the only one who can decide what is best for you.... most importantly, enjoy it 😊

[Shell8]

I am using a treadmill and on week 6. For me the main reason is I'm a sweaty overweight mess so I dont want to be seen in public!! It also helps me set the pace. I can see in nicer weather it would be good to be outdoors but definitely not yet.

[Red-on-the-move Graduate]

I'm a treadmiller about to finish W3 tomorrow. It's good for a constant pace, but I did/do get a bit hung up on the numbers glaring at me & whether I'm going "fast" enough. Nowhere to hide on a treadmill. Can't use the too wet & windy excuse in the dining room!

[Speedy60 Graduate]

When I run outdoors, I come home buzzing (especially on a day like today). When I run on the treadmill, I come home hot, sweaty and bad tempered. But don't let me put you off. 😆

[Maz1234 Graduate]

I use both treadmill and outdoor for running. I’ve only recently started going outside but much prefer it. I still use the treadmill a lot but they are for my short runs and I stick to outside for my long runs. Treadmills are great when the weather is not the best or you’re pushed for time but I don’t think I could do more than 30 mins on a treadmill now.

[QUEENIE2802]

I'm using treadmill for this exact same reason, also I don't want to be seen running and struggling in public 🤣🤣