Treadmill vs running outside

[LUCYT]

Is there a difference? Is one more beneficial than the other? I've running on a treadmill for a couple of years and I've heard that it's easier on the body. Any truth to that?

[emilycat]

It really boils down to which one you enjoy more, and thus, which one will cause you to run more. I for one, don't step on a treadmill unless it's raining and freezing outside. I relish running outside, and couldn't imagine my morning dose of Carolina blue skies. Some people enjoy the treadmill more.

In terms of gentleness on your body, you'd be just as well off outside on the asphalt than on the treadmill. It's easier to run faster outside, because of some mechanism I'm not qualified to explain http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif but was mentioned elsewhere on this board.

As far as your joints are concerned, asphalt is just as forgiving as the treadmill surface. You'd be better off on the treadmill than on concrete, say, which has a softness of 1 on a scale of 1 to 10, but asphalt's a 6. The treadmill is about a 6 or 7. If you can run on grass (a 10), that's the best thing for your joints, but not always easily accessible.

Sorry to ramble; hope this helps a bit!

Emily

[This message has been edited by emilycat (edited 01-31-2001).]

[LUCYT]

emilycat,

Thanks for the input. I'd love to run outside more often, but the only time I can fit in my workout is at 5:30 am and it is still dark outside. Hate running in the dark!

[Heidi]

I prefer running on a treadmill to running outside. I don't know why, but it always seems like I can run longer & further on a treadmill than I can outside.

One thing I was told by the salesman when I was buying my last pair of running shoes is that people who run on a treadmill tend to develop a shorter stride, because they run too close to the front bar thingie. He said the best way to do it is run as far back on the belt as you can, that way your stride is longer. It seemed like he said something about this being better for your knees, I can't remember exactly. But I do know that once he said it, I realized I was doing exactly what he warned against, and now I try to run back on the belt. He's right about it making my stride more natural.

Can anyone corroborate this, or was he off in left field? And any ideas on why it's easier for me to run on a treadmill than outside?

[This message has been edited by Heidi (edited 02-01-2001).]

[MrsReber]

heidi, I, too, enjoy running on a treadmill, but have no desire to run outside. I feel more challenged for some reason. Maybe because I can create my own hills and increase the speed to challenge myself? Maybe I just don't have a pretty enough place to run outside? Or maybe I just prefer to be in the gym with all those other folks running next to me and inspiring me? I like to be at the gym best because I can concentrate and stay focused on exercise without any interruptions.

[Andrew]

Although Portland, Oregon is a pretty safe city the police and news media have been warning especially women not to run/jog with ear phones in. It seems that they interfere with a runners ability to know whats going on around them. One of our better parks has had a few assaults on women joggers in the last few months. My wife won't run out doors and I trust her judgment.

Andrew

[emilycat]

I just wanted to second what Andrew said about headphones. Never, ever, ever use them if you're running outside! Having that kind of distraction absolutely interferes with your awareness of other people (potential attackers or innocent passerby who'll knock you over if you're not paying attention) and traffic.