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Home » Q & A » Treadmill
Question: Treadmill vs. road training?
Question Description:
I have been running for a few months, and I use a treadmill for the huge majority of my work. There is an incline function that I make good use of, but I want to know the difference between this and road work. I live in a rural area, so the roads are not heavily traveled, but there is pretty much zero chance of getting a buddy to run with. I want to do a marathon in June, and I am not sure if the treadmill is adequate. (I've been an athlete for awhile, not starting completely soft) What are the ups and downs of treadmill vs. road running?
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Answer#1: Positives of Treadmill Running:1. You can accurately measure the distance of your runs.2. You will be able to run at a consistent pace which is crucial in marathon preparations3. You can control the effort of your run4. You can add the hill work necessary for marathon training.5. The surface is easier on your legs and body which means you run less of a risk of getting injured.6. It's easier to time your water stops as you can have water with you at all times in the cupholder.7. controlled weather conditionNegatives:1. Running on a treadmill is boring2. Nothing to break the monotony, just staring in front of a wall3. There's a feeling that you are not running any distance at all.4. Most treadmills do not offer a downhill feature which is very important if the marathon you are training for has any major stretches of downhill. If you do not train for downhills, you could risk a major injury during the marathon if your body has not had practice with downhills (key fact: the knees receive 7 times stronger shock compared to running on a level surface. Running uphill 2 times stronger)5. Weather unrealistically comfortable---------------------------------------------------------------------Road Running:Negatives:1. It's hard to measure how consistent your run was because of the lack of mile markers.2. Cars, traffic3. Unreasonable weather conditions4. Safety issues if you run in the wilderness (predators or wild animals)Positives:1. There's scenic variety2. You are able to test your legs on various surfaces3. You can incorporate downhill training4. You can explore the region you live around5. You don't need to pay for a treadmill or a fitness club subscription. You save money.I prefer road running over treadmill running because I get very bored on a treadmill. If there's a television, that helps, but I never feel as if it is my effort when I run on a treadmill.That being said, treadmill running is great to train the mind in overcoming boredom because, no matter how scenic a marathon, if you hit the wall at mile 18-20, the mind needs to be strong enough to fight the distraction of the boredom of miles 20-25.If possible, incorporate a little of each.. Your light recovery runs are always better on a treadmill or track to allow your legs a form of rest.
Answer#2: this is the answer plain and simple when you run on a treadmill you can press the stop button at anytime you can control the speed and the incline, when you run outside if you run 5 miles away from your house your gonna have to run 5 miles back. its sets you up for more of a challenge. plus if you start doing it daily not only does it look good that your the neighbohood runner, but i'm sure you'll start to find out there are other runners in your neighborhood as well that you might be able to run with. try craigslist.org for your running partner problem.
Answer#3: it really depends i don't have a treadmill so all of my running has to be outside but some ups of a treadmill are that you are able to listen to music without carrying an mp3 player along with the weather wont affect you some downs are you loose the scenery and cant meet a new running partner
Answer#4: Some good things about treadmills is that it's very controlled. You can set the pace and I think that you push yourself more on a treadmill (you may slow down without really noticing it if you're road running). Plus, running on pavement is really bad for your knees, and treadmills are more cushioned. I would suggest that you continue using the treadmill, but you should also do some road running before you try to run a marathon. You should make sure you're prepared to run in different weather; its obviously going to be a lot harder to run a marathon in 90degree weather than in a nice air conditioned room or something. haha. Also, you have to take into account that in a marathon, you won't be running at a constant incline the entire time, so make sure to train outside on different terrain.
Answer#5: Treadmills and road loops are totally different. Road loops have different variations in inclines and if you plan on running a marathong you should get your body used to the hard surface of asphalt and also the variations of incline. I would suggest running by yourself on the roads, running with a buddy could slow you down and make your workout useless.
Answer#6: I think I take it easier on myself on the treadmill than when I do road work. ALSO-- running on a treadmill that has shock absorbers and running on the road are 2 different things! It is harder running on the road. I would rather do road work alone, just me and my mp3. :) Good Luck!
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