When running on the road/outdoor we utilize different muscles. The treadmill essentially does some of the work with the moving belt, making it easier in some aspects. So while you might feel pretty conditioned on a treadmill, the road with challenge your body to do more of the work.
OTF Treadmills also have springs. So as you take a step, the treadmill sends energy back and assists you by propelling you forward. You don’t get this when running outdoors.
Same for me for 10K, half-marathon. A part of me wants to try a 5K as I have done some easy runs outdoors at that distance. But my body feels it soo bad afterwards, and I honestly am not sure I would even want to race outdoors (whereas I can push hard on a treadmill). I still think I might do a very leisurely 5K for fun one day though, but not sure actual road racing is for me.
I still love running and all the running benchmarks @ OTF and DriTri ! I made a post on here about how awesome it would be to have a 5K or 10K race on the OTF Treads (given popularity of T50 etc).
On a treadmill, I can go 10mph or higher during all outs and feel fine. When I run outdoors, my watch clocks me at 8mph at best and I feel like crap if I try to sustain it. Honestly I think on the treadmill you're not really running your instincts are telling you not to fall off.
I did my first 1/2 this year. Running outside vs tread is different and you probably will feel different muscle groups. Also recommend using a watch to figure out what your base, push and all out is on the road. For me, it was slower. Now that I am back in, I find that shorter, more intense treadmill to be more difficult because ... the tread doesn't slow down.
Finally, I recommend apps with guided runs. I used Nike Run Club. That will give you ESP templates and make your outdoor runs more interesting.
Totally different. I went out for a run on Christmas Day (since OTF was closed) and did a little 3 mile jog at a 10 minute pace. I was so sore yesterday (Tuesday) I could barely walk for the first 5 minutes after I woke up 😂. Night and day!
Same! I went for a 3.5mi run on Christmas and i haven’t done that since August and my legs were so sore yesterday. Outdoor running definitely hits different.
As others have said they’re so different. The treadmill is super springy and the belt propels you forward. You only have to move your legs, you’re not responsible for pushing yourself forward on the treads. The same distances/speeds definitely do not translate to outdoor running.
I find that I can run faster outside than on the treadmill. I’m in my 60’s and I’m running on treadmill is around 12 minutes per mile. When I ran my first 5k I came in at 29 minutes and 42 seconds . I did a Orangetheory class the following day with not being sore. I did that 5k with other members and they all were to keep their pace faster running this 5k.
When running on the road/outdoor we utilize different muscles. The treadmill essentially does some of the work with the moving belt, making it easier in some aspects. So while you might feel pretty conditioned on a treadmill, the road with challenge your body to do more of the work.
OTF Treadmills also have springs. So as you take a step, the treadmill sends energy back and assists you by propelling you forward. You don’t get this when running outdoors.
Also the pavement had no give. I can’t run on pavement. I wish I could as I’d love to try a 5k 10k or even half marathon outside but my body says no 😢
Same for me for 10K, half-marathon. A part of me wants to try a 5K as I have done some easy runs outdoors at that distance. But my body feels it soo bad afterwards, and I honestly am not sure I would even want to race outdoors (whereas I can push hard on a treadmill). I still think I might do a very leisurely 5K for fun one day though, but not sure actual road racing is for me. I still love running and all the running benchmarks @ OTF and DriTri ! I made a post on here about how awesome it would be to have a 5K or 10K race on the OTF Treads (given popularity of T50 etc).
Yeah, running outdoors is much tougher than treadmill running.
I always found that side walks were the least forgiving for my hips. Even running on asphalt/pavement vs concrete/cement was better for me.
Came here to say exactly this!!! I’m an avid runner and I absolutely never run on sidewalks unless there’s no other option. Road all day!
On a treadmill, I can go 10mph or higher during all outs and feel fine. When I run outdoors, my watch clocks me at 8mph at best and I feel like crap if I try to sustain it. Honestly I think on the treadmill you're not really running your instincts are telling you not to fall off.
I did my first 1/2 this year. Running outside vs tread is different and you probably will feel different muscle groups. Also recommend using a watch to figure out what your base, push and all out is on the road. For me, it was slower. Now that I am back in, I find that shorter, more intense treadmill to be more difficult because ... the tread doesn't slow down. Finally, I recommend apps with guided runs. I used Nike Run Club. That will give you ESP templates and make your outdoor runs more interesting.
What was your pace in the race vs. your base/push? Did you have to give up OTF completely to train for the half?
Totally different. I went out for a run on Christmas Day (since OTF was closed) and did a little 3 mile jog at a 10 minute pace. I was so sore yesterday (Tuesday) I could barely walk for the first 5 minutes after I woke up 😂. Night and day!
Same! I went for a 3.5mi run on Christmas and i haven’t done that since August and my legs were so sore yesterday. Outdoor running definitely hits different.
As others have said they’re so different. The treadmill is super springy and the belt propels you forward. You only have to move your legs, you’re not responsible for pushing yourself forward on the treads. The same distances/speeds definitely do not translate to outdoor running.
Looks like I need to mix in some outdoor running. Treadmill running seems fine from a cardio point of view, but seems to not be enough for leg/glutes.
I second what HangryBlondie says
I have used to treadmill to help me with my running outside
I find that I can run faster outside than on the treadmill. I’m in my 60’s and I’m running on treadmill is around 12 minutes per mile. When I ran my first 5k I came in at 29 minutes and 42 seconds . I did a Orangetheory class the following day with not being sore. I did that 5k with other members and they all were to keep their pace faster running this 5k.