Forums >Running 101>Treadmill vs. Outdoor running
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Derek
...Treadmills are instruments of the devil...Evil, I say. With a capital 'E.'
Go Pre!
https://twitter.com/BeachesRunner
I prefer running outdoors in the winter. I don't mind snow, ice, & cold. I'm not fond of the idea of getting hit by a skidding car but, short of that I feel more studly if Old Man Winter doesn't keep me inside. .
... the 'mill causes me all kinds of quirky pains in my legs that last for days. Its a strange phenomenon - perhaps exclusive to the way I run.
I feel like I get a better overall workout on the treadmill because I sweat more! Maybe I'm not a true runner at heart
When I run on a treadmill it feels as though I'm working harder than when I run on the road even when I don't use any incline. I think there are 3 reasons for this: - I get bored on the treadmill even when I have music. I guess it's because I have nothing to look at. I haven't tried watching TV though so that may help. - When you run on the road, you tend to adjust you pace based on how you're feeling. It may only be minor adjustments, but you do adjust. On a treadmill you're locked into a set speed unless you want to be constantly fiddling with the buttons. - When on the road, the breeze you generate actually helps keep you cool, plus any other wind outside. On the treadmill, the air is stagnant so I tend to sweat more, even if the room is cold. I only run on the treadmill when I'm at a hotel, but I guess if you're at home, you can use a fan to help cool you down. I agree with JakeKnight....treadmills are evil. I don't know how anyone can run on them for any significant amount of time. Having said that, I can see where treadmills are useful, e.g if you live in Fargo, ND :-)
In addition my dreadmill is calibrated too slow by about 20% at 9min pace, so i tend to use my watch (my garmin don't work for some reason ) and estimate my distance based on effort. Not very accurate but probably more accurate than the dreadmill's pedometer!