Treadmill vs. Outside Training

Is there a difference between training on the treadmill vs training outside? I have been getting this question a lot lately.

There are many pros and cons and differences in training on the treadmill vs training outside.

I will start with the Pros:
1-You can run no matter what the weather is outside.
2-You can watch TV and catch up on your shows while training.
3-The pace is exactly what you register it to be.
4-You're never alone unless you want to be.
5-Water is right there when you need it and you don't have to hold onto it.
6-You can add a hill whenever you want.
7-You can run anytime of the day (very convenient for our busy women).

Now for the Cons:
1-You are not racing indoors, are you?
2-You will feel like you are flying on your interval days (adjust the treadmill to 0.5 grade)
3-You won't get used to outside environmental factors such as weather and changing terrain.
4-Can get boring on those long runs.
5-The lack of wind resistance and the assistance of the moving belt make treadmill running slightly easier than free range running. When running on the treadmill you are running in place. You are not moving through the air. When you run outside the air creates resistance. Studies have estimated that outside air resistance creates an increase in your workload of between 2% and 10%, depending upon your running speed.

So in conclusion, I recommend that you vary your workouts and try to run outside at least one day a week to get used to the environmental factors and ever changing terrain.

If you need to pick which day to run outside, try and fit in the weekend runs outside.

Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have concerning your training!

I believe in all of you and am SO proud you are taking action in being active and reaching your running goals!

Don’t forget to get your training gracie’s gear with pockets from Big Peach Running Co! They are now showcasing gracie’s gear and you have finally listen to your iPod hands free :)

Coach Gracie