Treadmill running

horatio underpants · 25th April 2012, 03:38 PM

Just been reading the running thread ... very impressed with everyone's efforts.

Am I the only one who runs exclusively on the treadmill? I have one at home and have never considered running outside

For what it's worth ... 4.5 miles last night during the 1st half of the footy.

Is treadmill running significantly different from outside running?

BlackCat88 · 25th April 2012, 04:37 PM

I do all my running on the treadmill in the gym (or at least have done for the last 4 years or so), although I need to get outside as I'm doing the Leeds half marathon relay event next month and need to get used to running on the road.

It is different to road running. Running outside on the road has a much greater impact on your joints and muscles, plus its not completely flat like the treadmill, unless you have it on a hill program.

jubblies · 25th April 2012, 04:41 PM

My treadmill is stuck on an incline and I can't get it to go flat.

max wartbug · 25th April 2012, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackCat88

I do all my running on the treadmill in the gym (or at least have done for the last 4 years or so), although I need to get outside as I'm doing the Leeds half marathon relay event next month and need to get used to running on the road.

It is different to road running. Running outside on the road has a much greater impact on your joints and muscles, plus its not completely flat like the treadmill, unless you have it on a hill program.

There is bounce in the bed of a treadmill, but the belt does jar against your foot when you plant it down, which can have an adverse effect on your knees - according to the physio I saw. He reckoned that if you use a treadmill then never have it flat, always have it on an incline even if that is just the first level. The physio was the knee specialist for SAFC.

horatio underpants · 25th April 2012, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by max wartbug

He reckoned that if you use a treadmill then never have it flat, always have it on an incline even if that is just the first level. The physio was the knee specialist for SAFC.

That's what I do, having it flat never seems comfortable to me.

pedro_1879 · 25th April 2012, 07:54 PM

Personally I find treadmill running incredibly boring. I think that even with inclines its nowhere near as tough as road running. With the lighter nights I'd get out on the road, try the mapmyrun app as well if you have an "i" device.

I only use the treadmill for an incline walk cool down after a cardio session. As one of the other posters says I've heard bad things about knee problems from treadmill running

Teejay · 25th April 2012, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackCat88

I'm doing the Leeds half marathon relay event next month and need to get used to running on the road.

It is different to road running.

This.

Also, running on slightly imperfect roads, or even country paths will strengthen other muscles in your legs and help prevent injuries as you use them to keep your balance. Treadmills only strengthen the muscles that give you the forward motion.

And think of all the lovely countryside you're missing. I find a nice long run inspirational and meditative.

sadders · 25th April 2012, 08:38 PM

Hardest thing when switching from treadmill to roads is pacing which took me a while to learn. Still not completely got it yet.

sanddancers · 26th April 2012, 07:27 AM

I broke my ankle and fractured my leg in a challenge playing football in September, I was told by the physio that I was a keen runner and she said that when my leg did recover the best thing for me to do would be outside running as a treadmill can cause damage to the feet and ankle. Don't have a clue how it's any different like.

becs · 26th April 2012, 08:20 AM

Running outside is good for your mental health too. Check out papers on green exercise if you are interested.

Used to be in a gym and absolutely hated treadmills but love running outside.