Is there a big difference between running on treadmill compared to outside?

[upsidedownworld]

Really interested to hear your opinions. I feel I can get a really good workout on the treadmill and give it my all. I set the incline to 1% to try to make it more comparable to outside. I like to see how far and how fast I am running so I can force myself to keep going for x more minutes etc. But I have read that treadmill is easier than outside...

I think outside is much harder but I live in a pretty hilly area And have no choice to run up and down them. That said, I much prefer it to treadmill runs as they're kind of boring unless there's something really good to watch on tv!

I go through phases where I think one is easier then it changes. Right now I'm in an outside running phase.

They're just different. I'm definitely slower on the treadmill though for some reason. And I doesn't feel as healthy as all that lovely fresh air.

There's a huge difference.

Outside the ground underneath your feet changes. Even when you run on concrete pavements there's differences in camber and where there are drains etc. You may have to jog around street furniture or pedestrians. That means you will be having to constantly adapt your gait, using different muscles in different ways.

It's also better for your eyesight. If you are outside you will automatically be looking further distances than if you are stuck inside a room.

You can add in sunlight exposure, which can increase your vitamin d levels and affect hormone regulation in your body.

I have also heard that the running gait you have to use on a treadmill is different. I can't remember how though, so I can't back that up in anyway.

I hate treadmills. It is so boring. Why not just set your self targets like sprint to the next lamp post, jog for the, Next mile, etc?

I'm definitely slower on the treadmill though for some reason

Yes, me too! I am definitely a plodder but I can't see to cover the same distance in the same time on a treadmill that I can acheieve outside for some reason.

OP, why don't you try a running app? There are C25k or C210k ones that have programmes designed to get you running further. They alternate periods of running and walking and beep at you when it's time to change. I am sure there are apps that you could set to alert you when you have gone 10 mins, or 1km or whatever.

Treadmills so much easier!! I think because it kind of keeps propelling you forwards slightly, and as someone said, the terrain doesn't change. Also there's no wind/air movement in the gym, which really makes breathing easy. BUT you're still burning calories and you can watch TV!! I also find treadmills good because you really aim for a distance/time which isn't as easy outside (I think)

I find treadmills really boring. There's always something to look at outside, the seasons change and it's more varied terrain so you use muscles in a more varied way.

I like stats so I run with my phone, apps like strava might suit you as you can compare against 'best times' for certain stretches of route.

You don't have to give up treadmill running. Maybe try an outdoor run at the weekend and see how you like it. Varying routine is good for progress.

From reading the above it's probably just different, I couldn't do the same level of mileage on a treadmill that I can outside.

I used to run in a treadmill, I wasn't particularly fast or far and found it pretty dull. I've recently started running outdoors, I love it. I definitely run faster and I can run a lot further than I'd even have contemplated on a treadmill (12km compared to 5km)

I'm another who generally prefers outside but the treadmill means I can still run even when I can't face the weather!

Personally so much of running is psychological, and there's that element of wherever you run you still have to get home (this can work in two ways for me, sometimes I might cut my run a bit shorter instead of keeping going if I don't get Ina rhythm). I like looking around when I'm running, I run rurally and will often come across deer or rabbits which raises the spirit.

What a PP mentions upthread about changes in the ground making you change your gait etc is an excellent point as well if not considered.

The biggest thing is just doing good it though

For variety outdoor running preferred.
Always something to distract you too.

Treadmill doesn't seem much a challenge - and sweaty air rather than breathing in fresh outdoor air!

Outside harder but I prefer it. Though the treadmill has less branches and dog dirt to jump over. Newest hazard is bonkers - like fucking marbles

Conkers not bonkers

Predictive text on your previous commonly used words Pancake
LOL
At least "dog dirt" never auto corrected for you as dogging