treadmill impact? (Read 947 times)

I used the treadmill all last winter. They are softer than pavement so it was a shock to start running outside again. But they work.

Treadmills are definately softer. I have had problems with shin splints in the past. Mine were caused by the wrong shoes for my severely pronated feet. The surface I was running on didn't seem to have much to do with it.

I'm trying to bring up mileage without bringing back shin problems.

Try doing toe raises (30 straight ahead, 30 toes pointed out, 30 toes pointed in - or whatever you can handle and build up to that) or heel walking (again, straight ahead, toes out, toes in). You can do similar for heel raises to strengthen calves. TM are usually softer than paved roads, but may not be as soft as trails. I think TM vary in their softness, at least it seems that way to me, although I don't use them that much. A problem with tm is the straight ahead all the time and no curves. I usually have to go run a twisty trail after running too much straight stuff - or spend a lot of time stretching. Much easier to just run a trail.

As a general rule, I dont like treadmills but thats because I much prefer to go out unless the weather is simply too bad......... That being said, I have run on treadmills (at our local Y) and find them like everyone esle stated - there isn't as much impact. I have noted that they are great for building you mileage also for the same reason.....and they beat the heck out of running in the rain..... By brother in law only only runs on treadmills and is in very good shape...he prefers this to running on the streets... If it helps you then do it....... HEY MAPLYFLY --- how is your injury -- are you imporving?????

Just be sure to put the belt at at least 1° incline to prevent hyperextending your back. That will force you to lean forward a little. I never go with less than a 2° incline. You might be interested in reading this article I wrote about the differences between running on a treadmill vs running outside: http://news.runtowin.com/2006/07/20/track-vs-treadmill-whats-the-difference.html

My personal experience does not follow this line of reasoning. I have checked my form while running on the TM and I can't say that I've ever been leaning backwards. Note that a 1% incline will be harder than running outside because there's a lack of air movement causing you to overheat faster. If the TM deck is overly springy, I find that that has a negative impact on my performance. There will be a transition period from TM to road or vica versa. Legs and hips will feel it.

I find the transition from treadmill to outside is very difficult, I train based on HR and I have difficulties on a treadmill to get my HR's to match my outdoor HR's at the same paces. I like the treadmill as a recovery where my HR is just about 120 for an hour while watching some TV and don't worry about it much anymore!

not to hi-jack but... Hey John, aren't you a sweetie for asking. I'm feeling a lot better actually. All of my stretching and rest is paying off. I've started a tiny bit of running again but I'm not back to 100% for sure. I hid my log cause it's just plain depressing. I was doing so well and then BAM!

I figured that was why your log disappeared.....I have had so many running injuries that I am always concerned about people that have them........You'll get back soon............