? for Runners.. log better time on treadmill or outside?

[Lynn M.]

Hi to you all of you runners...

Do you find you run faster when on a treadmill or when outside? I read a study somewhere that said people running outside run faster, but when I timed my run's milage it was actually alot less than when on a treadmill.

I do end up doing quite a few hills on my route, but I was kind of bummed that it was alot less than what I thought it would be.

The only thing I can think of is that when on a treadmill I listen to music.. when outside I don't (it just seems safer that way). Maybe trying to keep the fast pace of the music is keeping me going faster?

Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance, Lynn M.

 

[JAFitMama]

I'm not a true runner, but her are my $.02. I've only been runnig for a month and my longest run has only been 4.5 to 5 miles. I have only run on the treadmill.

The outside idea seems boring to me. I set the treadmill at a pace and GO. Other days I do intervals of light jogs and sprints. I put on either a Cathe workout or watch the news or weather or sports (I know this might be boring to some people) For me, knowing the distance and time of my run via treadmill is motavating.

Now, my son, a real runner hates the treadmill. He does his best runs in a park with his cross country team.
But then they know how to pace themselves. Pacing is tough for this gal, so I let the treadmill do it.


Judy
AKA "Likes2bfit"

http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/sport/sport-smiley-003.gif

http://groups.msn.com/CatheAddicts/jafitmamalikes2bfitfamily.msnw?Page=1

 

[trevor]

I am almost sure most people run faster on a treadmill. There are no outside forces like wind or even light breeze pushing against your body. Also the terrain is constantly changing in the outdoors and is almost never perfectly flat like a treadmill can be made to be.
One thing I have tried to consider before is that I believe a treadmill actually is clocking the mileage of it's own belt and this may not be exactly equal to what your legs are actually doing while running on the belt, if that makes any sense at all. The split seconds during a stride when both feet are off the ground sees the belt flying by under your feet on a treadmill whereas you are not getting that effect, obviously, when outside. Anyway, not sure it does make any sense. LOL!!
T.

 

[cab54]

I run faster and can go longer on the treadmill. Maybe it's the TV.;-)

 

[JeanneMarie]

RE: ? for Runners.. log better time on treadmill or out...

Without a doubt treadmill running is faster than outside. I do both consistantly. I run outside when the weather is good, and inside on my treadmill when it's too cold or rainy.

Outside I run steep hills, dodge cars, animals, go from sidewalk to road and back again, and fight the wind. On the treadmill, even if it's set on an incline, you don't have the same factors affecting your run. There is no comparison in my opinion.

I vastly prefer outside running because there is so much to see as I run. I live near a beautiful lake, and my route takes me past some great scenery. When I run early mornings I often see a beautiful sunrise. If I run at dusk I see deer walking along beside me in the woods. I love my treadmill for the convenience, but you just can't beat outside running!

 

[Me2]

RE: ? for Runners.. log better time on treadmill or out...

I really think I run faster on the treadmill. I am sure that is because I can set the speed on the treadmill and I HAVE to keep up, or I will fall off :+ I enjoy running outside a lot more, but I don't live in a place where I can safely run outside without getting ran over). I would love to be able to get outside more often, but the only "safe" time is Sunday morning, when there is no traffic.

Linda

 

[Lynn M.]

RE: ? for Runners.. log better time on treadmill or out...

Hi everybody:

Thanks for you wise comments and ideas! I am glad that everyone else finds they run faster on the treadmill than outside too!

When I have the option,I would much rather be outside! I am fortunate enough to have a great area to run in w/lots of beautiful scenery and nature. I live in the Midwest and our colors are just starting..its so awesome!

Take care everybody and thank you again!!! Lynn M.

 

[runninggal]

The lack of resistance when you run on a treadmill is the reason that you run at a slightly faster pace than you would on the road. By setting the treadmill on an incline of 1 to 2 percent, you compensate for the difference.