Quick Question

[adnewg73]

So, I've probably already asked this, so apologies if I have (I work in an FE college, and it's been a very long term, so I'm flagging now). Anyway, I don't do cold, wet and miserable weather and it's hard to get motivated after being in the office from 8.30am to 5.00pm to go running, however I have now got a cheap-ish treadmill (which I'm so glad I don't have to go running in the dark anymore etc). I asked a colleague (who does Parkruns at the same place I do) if a treadmill will improve my running and he just said "it's ok, but not the same as running outside". So, my question is - by using a treadmill (either preset programmes or just my own running on it), will it improve my time and performance in a park run, or do I really need to run outside to be able to improve those etc ??

Thanks, as always for all your helpful and useful advice. I really do love this forum !!

Merry Christmas everyone 😁🎄🎅🎅

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

Will you be running when you’re on the treadmill? If so, it absolutely counts as running! If treadmill running works best for you, you shouldn’t feel like it’s not as good.

If you’re running in any way at all, you’ll be building your fitness. Over time, that will help you run your parkrun faster, or more comfortably.

If you follow runners on Instagram, you’ll see them using treadmills all the time! If it’s good enough for Eilish McColgan, it’s good enough for me!

Get on your treadmill and have some fun!

[Yesletsgo Ambassador Graduate]

From what I've read you work harder running outside. Your joints and ankles have to cope with uneven surfaces which is an extra benefit for flexibility, balance etc (as long as you don't fall over).

Having said which, my daughter in law did practically all her training for a HM on a treadmill and completed it in a very respectable time (I'm so impressed with her) so it obviously works. Like you, she didn't want to be running outside in the dark, didn't feel safe.

Good luck, the days will be getting longer after Thursday so you can soon be back outside if that's what you prefer

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

I'm not sure I can be very helpful with your question but although treadmill running is smoother and seems less effort, it's still running and will build a good aerobic base and strong legs so will probably improve your pace once you are back outside

[Irishgirlrunning23]

I've no idea about any sports science etc only my own experience. But I used to mix it up between treadmill runs (sometimes interval runs etc) and runs outside and I was way fitter than when I just ran outside. Maybe it was down to the intervals, I don't know. I also used to use a treadmill at a gym which encouraged me to do weights etc. best of luck finding the answer

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Outside is different... but as MissUnderstanding says, running is running and runs evolve and thus everything else, evolves!

[hamit Graduate]

Well my understanding is..

If you can set an incline on the TM then this will better approximate running outside. I have heard that if the TM has not got this facility then small wooden wedges can be used at the front. But all this is 3rd party info and not verified. Have an Excellent Run