Running question: treadmill vs. outdoor

[Anonymous]

So I just started running. My goal is to get up to 3 miles and then do outdoor running. Right now, I'm up to 2.75 miles on a treadmill after a little over a month. For experienced runners, how much harder is it to run outdoors? I want to join a running group in my neighborhood, and their shortest distances is 3 miles. I don't want to slow anyone down, so I want to be at a place where I can comfortably run 3 miles outside. Where should I be on a treadmill to be in a position to join this group? (For the record, they said just come, it's no big deal, but I want to be prepared.) Also, FYI, I just run flat on the treadmill, and the routes for the running group are relatively flat but a few small hills.

[Anonymous]

You need to put the incline on minimum 0.5. Even if the route is flat, it's not the same as flat threadmill. Running outdoors you are actually moving your body vs running in place (essentially on treadmill). I would try to get to a 1.0 incline.

[Anonymous]

I always run on a 1.0 incline on the treadmill and I still think it's easier than outside. My husband finds running outside easier than the treadmill- go figure.

I agree that if you can get to 3 miles on at least a 1.0 incline (preferably tossing in intervals with a slightly steeper incline) you should be able to do the same outside. You may find that you push yourself more when you're running with others. Be aware that running outside is much tougher on your knees- you may experience pain during or after running that you never had with treadmill use.

[Anonymous]

I think for a lot of people, running outside is easier than running on the treadmill because it's less boring. I know it is for me. I've always run flat - no incline - on the treadmill - and it hasn't affected my speed or endurance when I go back outside. Sometimes I'm faster outside, sometimes I'm faster on the 'mill.

Assume that it might be just a bit harder when you get outside because there will be wind resistance and a bit of incline, depending on your route.

When running outside, aim for the softer surfaces whenever possible. Concrete is the hardest surface. Pavement is softer, so a paved trail is a good choice. Dirt/grass is softer - just watch out for potholes or tree roots, etc. A track surface is easy on the legs, too.

[Anonymous]

10:04 here - p.s. you could probably do 3 miles soon, if not right now. and you can always walk at the end if you're tired - just tell them to go on ahead if you know where you're going. Chances are the group will have people going at different paces anyway. Most of the groups around here group people by their desired pace, and there'll likely be others doing what you're doing.

[Anonymous]

For me (this time of year especially) its harder because of the breathing. Outdoor breathing in chilly temps slows me down. Its a learned technique that I just can't get down. I can hold 8.25 minute miles on a treadmill easily (even with a 5 or 6 incline) but outside in the fall and winter I do closer to 9.5 minute miles.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks all! This is literally new terrain for me. At 46 learning how to run is somewhat surreal because I always told myself I couldn't do it. Today is my running day at the gym so I'll put the incline at .5 and see how that goes! They seem like a very welcoming running group, I just don't want to be "that person."

[Anonymous]

I started on the treadmill and thought it was much easier. Then I transitioned to outdoors because I signed up for a 5k. It only took a week or so for me to get used to it. The first week I hated it, now I love running outdoors so much more than the treadmill (except really humid summer weather).

One of the things that made all the difference to me was adding an app to my phone like Map My Run (there are prob other better ones). It gives me updates by mile so I have a better sense of how far I've gone, pace, etc., kind of like the treadmill dashboard.

[Anonymous]

For me, it's SO much easier to run outdoors, for these reasons:

- stuff to look at
- more variability in your movement means you have to be more alert, which actually helps the time pass
- i can listen to music as loud as i want, and like to "breathy sing" words, which I would never do at the gym
- I can run faster outdoors, than on a treadmill - even with some hills!

I'm still a new runner (maybe a year and a half?), but I would rather run in the rain, cold, snow, etc than on the treadmill. Like you I also started on the treadmill, and transitioned to outside once I could do 20 minutes continuously.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all! This is literally new terrain for me. At 46 learning how to run is somewhat surreal because I always told myself I couldn't do it. Today is my running day at the gym so I'll put the incline at .5 and see how that goes! They seem like a very welcoming running group, I just don't want to be "that person."

Congrats on starting your running career! But like the PPs said, you surely won't be "that person." Running groups are well acquainted with beginning runners (most of us were there at one point, too), and will almost certainly be really supportive of you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all! This is literally new terrain for me. At 46 learning how to run is somewhat surreal because I always told myself I couldn't do it. Today is my running day at the gym so I'll put the incline at .5 and see how that goes! They seem like a very welcoming running group, I just don't want to be "that person."

Congrats on starting your running career! But like the PPs said, you surely won't be "that person." Running groups are well acquainted with beginning runners (most of us were there at one point, too), and will almost certainly be really supportive of you!

Thanks! I put the treadmill on a 1.0 incline yesterday and it went fine. So maybe a few more weeks and I'll be off to join the group!

[Anonymous]

I love, love, love running outdoors. So much that I run in ALL weather except rain. Super cold and snowing included.

[Anonymous]

I ran both treadmill and outdoor. I prefer outdoor.

But, I feel I'm the slowest runner in the world but it makes me happy during and after I run so, who cares. I don't run long though. Max is 5 miles. My shins get tired. I don't use any gadgets to monitor anything. With the treadmill, I would start with flat, than increase slowly on the incline. And when i know the 2nd wind is coming, i increase the incline and down again. Ran in hot and cool temperature outside. Now, i do mainly outdoor because I don't want to spend the money for a gym/rec. Outdoor is refreshing. I monitor my pace and distance according to when I am just about to be exhausted, not by the distance (which is the # on the treadmill). Much more variety in terrain outside. Because you get so hot outside, it's not too bad running in 40F-which I would never do in the treadmill days.

Then, I use mapmyrun.com to see how far I got.

[Anonymous]

I always run at 1.0 on the treadmill and still find running outside to be easier, mostly from the mental aspect. I could easily run 3 miles outside but 3 miles on a treadmill kills me. I also think the benefit to outside is that you will naturally increase or decrease your speed as your boy sees fit versus on a treadmill where you tend to set it to one speed and stick to the the entire time.

[Anonymous]

For me, the pounding on the joints and shins makes running outside more challenging rather than the nice soft rebound of the treadmill. When you make the transition, listen to your body to avoid injury.