So having finally got a treadmill which I wanted to ensure consistency with my running when the weather is bad outside and stops me from going out, I am really pleased with it. Enjoying the machine and road workouts.
My question is - do you know why the treadmill feels so much harder though? My pace is slower on the treadmill and faster on the road although I think I am running with the same effort each time?
Definitely feel the combination of the two is helping my overall fitness.😁🏃♀️
I graduated 6 years ago and in my 1000 or so runs and 4500 miles since, I continue to use for about 30% of those runs and LOVE running on, a treadmill - I find them incredibly useful and can't wait to get back on one later next week at the now re-opened gym. Well done you for getting one - clever move!
Comparing treadmill to outdoors is an odd one. The simple answer to your question is due to the build-up of your body temperature when running indoors and this raises your heart-rate, which in turn makes you feel more tired and increases your perception of effort.
Why are you getting warmer? Simply... when outdoors you're pushing through air, which, helps to evaporate sweat from your skin and that evaporation keeps you cool and your body temperature regulated.
On the treadmill, perhaps have a room fan nearby to help keep you cool. Always have some water to hand and a towel/tissue to help wipe away sweat. And maybe a sweatband to keep sweat from your eyes. Wear as little as possible 😉 - I always wear a vest/singlet.
Having said all that, running at the same speed actually burns LESS calories on a treadmill than outdoors, for the same incline - that's cos of the propulsion effect of the moving belt and the change in running gait. So to mimic the same effort required to run say 12 km/h outdoors, it's recommended to set the treadmill to e.g. 12.3 km/h. HOWEVER, this should not concern you.
Finally, unless you're into hill-training, forget the 1% incline advice that many will tell you re: treadmill. You're already running outdoors, so it shouldn't matter to you.
Thanks John there is clearly a lot of science behind it. I have just bought a fan to put in the garage where my treadmill is. Hopefully this will help.
I’ve book a gait analysis for next week. Do I need different shoes for treadmill & road.
Most important thing is I’m enjoying the combination of both. 🏃♀️🏃♀️
Some might say that you should wear different shoes and there's probably some science and logic behind that - but I've never bothered. I really wouldn't over-think it.
What I love about treadmills is the control they give - I can do exactly the same run, under the same conditions and compare my heart rate and look for improvements.
Enjoy!
I find the same. Harder on the dreadmill. So boring anyway. Run outside 👌🏽
I run on both the treadmill and outside. During a busy week or when it’s wet or dark outside, it’s easier to jump on the treadmill but it’s nice to do longer runs somewhere nice outside 😊. I agree that you get very hot on the treadmill so need a fan. I have a fan on max but still get really hot. I also find that the faster I set the treadmill the more my stride length increases so my Apple watch counts less strides and so less distance. I tend to do interval runs on the treadmill just to make it less boring
🏃♂️Treadmill to Road Advice Needed🏃♂️
Treadmill Training 
Off the treadmill onto the road
Treadmill or road/gravel?
Treadmill -v- Road Running? 
