The past week has been really hot, and I cannot run in the heat. I decided to run on the treadmill at the Y. There are a few good and bad things I've found from Treadmill running vs. Running outside...
Treadmill pros and cons:
Set my speed at 6mph, run 3 miles in 30 minutes, yay!
I don't have to worry about the weather
I get bored staring at the wall and not seeing my progress
I can't stop looking at how far I've gone
I'm not getting hills that are realistc
Running outside pros and cons:
The scenery changes
The breeze keeps me nice and cool
I can see how far I am because of the mileage markers
I feel like I'm actually going somewhere
It's hard for me to keep my pace
So overall, I think I do prefer running outside. I do like how I can set my pace and run faster on the treadmill, but I also like to be able to feel like I'm going somewhere and build my endurance for hills and elevation.
What do you think???
My thoughts... When I first started running, I liked the treadmill. I couldn't understand why people said they got bored. But I was running 2-3 miles at a time.
ReplyDeleteNow that my miles are increasing, I MUCH prefer running outside. Even when it's hot, like you said - the forward motion creates a breeze that keeps you cool.
On the other hand, my treadmill is at my condo's gym, so there's never anyone in there. I think it would be less boring running at the Y when there are other people around.
I have a treadmill and don't use it. I like to run the indoor track at my gym. Sounds silly I know but I like it. I do much better running indoors but unfortunately there aren't any indoor 5k races so I have to get outside and run at least 1-2 times a week so I can practice on the gravel, the environment, the heat and the hills.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say how impressed I am with your blog. I know that you participate in TWD and it's reassuring to me because I've wanted to do it but have worried that so many goodies would make it hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Any secrets?
ReplyDeleteHi! When I use the treadmill I use workouts from www.itrain.com Each workout does cost money, but it's worth it for me to use them when on the treadmill. Each treadmill workout has 3 levels, walkers, joggers and runners. The "trainer" will tell which speed and incline to use. I have even used a "balletread" workout. RUnning and some ballet right on the treadmill. People were probably wondering what in the world I was doing, but it kept me from getting bored. I haven't bought any workouts recently. I just cycle through the ones I have. I totally hear ya on the treadmill boredom!
ReplyDeleteThe treadmill makes running too easy for me, since it keeps the pace for me. I get much more of a challenge by running outdoors and not having the ground automatically pushed beneath my feet!
ReplyDeleteI actually prefer the treadmill because I have asthma, so extreme temperatures (hot, humid, cold, etc.) mess with my breathing. It's not a problem if I just do it every once in a while (like for races), but I can't run outside regularly. I entertain myself with my Ipod and the TV in the gym.
ReplyDeleteRight now I prefer the treadmill. I have obnoxious allergies so if I'm sick less I run more. Also they have individual tv/computers at our rec (School) so I can study, watch tv etc....NO EXCUSES
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