Friday, February 25, 2011

Treadmill vs. Outdoor Running. Is the Treadmill Easier?

I have repeat miles today.  The plan: 2 mile warm-up; 4 repeat miles at 6:30ish pace with a 2 minute active recovery in between; 2 mile cool down.  I'm actually excited!  I never thought I'd be excited about doing repeat miles but these days I seem to  be finding so much more joy in my training than ever before. Things that would have made me sick to my stomach to think about before now make me feel challenged and optimistic. I'm not quite sure what this change is all about but I know a big part of it is that I'm finally at a place where I am ready to push myself to my limits and see what this 32 year old body and mind can do!  And I'm doing it for ME.  Not because I have to but because I WANT to!  I think the biggest part of this new fire in my running spirit is that I experienced my first major injury and during that time I had all kinds of thoughts running through my head. I had a lot of time to think, reevaluate my goals, and decide what I want for my life.  For the first time ever, I wasn't able to run.  I didn't have a choice.  I was couch bound and sitting on that couch for several months wondering if my hamstring would ever be the same again gave me a lot to reflect on.  I found myself almost making a deal with God or myself or my heart that if I could run again without a bum hamstring then I would finally give my all...mentally and physically and I would finally allow myself to believe that I am good enough to dream bigger than I ever would have dared to dream.  I know this sounds silly or sappy but sitting on that couch and not being able to run gave me something that I wish I would have had all along.  It was a gift in a way.  I finally feel like I have that belief in myself that I can do the things that I never truly believed possible.  Something just clicked and I realized that one of the biggest factors that allows the human spirit to be "GREAT" and reach new limits is the desire and belief that something is possible!  I finally believe that I'm capable and I'm willing and excited to Give My All and make the most of this decade in my life!  So, here's to those repeat miles today! 

Which brings me to the topic that I really wanted to put on the table today.  I'm considering doing my repeat miles on the high school track today instead of the Treadmill.  Something about doing these outside sounds way more challenging to me than if I were to do them on the treadmill.  Is this just something in my head or do you think that running outside is the more challenging option?  Something about getting on a treadmill, setting the incline to 1.0 or more and putting the pace at 6:30ish mile pace and holding on just sounds easier to me than having to pace myself and push myself to keep going.  It is so much easier to slow down when I'm running on the track or outside by myself...so much more of mental game for me.  If I slow down or stop on the treadmill when it is set to my goal pace, then I fall off and make a huge ass out of myself in the gym.  This would stink.  Also, I know this sounds really weird, but when you are at the gym doing an intense workout on the Treadmill, there is that sense that you need to look bad ass or keep up because there are people running on the treadmill's behind you.  It gives you that element of having an audience even thought they probably don't give a hoot, don't notice you and are flipping back and forth between Ellen and CNN. Unless of course, you have your pants backwards or are sporting a classy camel toe.

Whatever the reasons, the idea of doing my miles on pace on the track or outside by myself just seems way more challenging than if I go to the gym and get on the TM.  That's just me though.  I'm curious about what you think. 






So, what are your thoughts?  Do you think the treadmill makes a workout easier than if you were were doing your speed workouts on the track or outside somewhere by yourself?  Not just physically but mentally too? 

And do you see yourself accomplishing something in your life that you never before believed possible? 


Amanda
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45 comments:

  1. AngieFebruary 25, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    I'm with you, I like to do mile repeats on the treadmill too for the same reasons. Its more convenient to just set the TM to the desired speed and all you have to worry about is staying on the darn thing! The curves on the track probably would slow you down a little bit too

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  2. XLMICFebruary 25, 2011 at 10:23 AM

    I don't have either of those options available. They both sound very challenging, though, for their own reasons. I would pick the track if I had to choose between the two. Unless the weather really sucked ;-) I run differing stretches and loops in my flat, traffic-free neighborhood. The distances may not be spot on, but they are close enough and I can determine relative speed… or lack thereof! Wondering what you chose and how it went? And how many mile repeats? You are amazing!

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  3. Rose @ Eat, Drink, and Be MeiriFebruary 25, 2011 at 10:23 AM

    I totally feel you. Treadmills force you to go the pace you choose.

    But, I always kind of think I could run faster when not on a treadmill, at least for shorter bursts of time. I'd love to try one of those treadmills they have on the Biggest Loser, with no set pace, like, you set the speed by running on it, and it tells you how fast you were going. That would be interesting.

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  4. AnonymousFebruary 25, 2011 at 10:37 AM

    I run faster with less effort outside than on a treadmill

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  5. EmzFebruary 25, 2011 at 10:45 AM

    I'm with mamaruns

    I find it harder on a treadmill!!

    When I run outside - I run faster than on my TM.

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  6. MaiaFebruary 25, 2011 at 10:46 AM

    I think repeats on the treadmill are easier- it keeps the pace for you...but maybe it's more of just mindless running?? you shoot up the pace and just run- if you are outside, you have to connect mentally and think about your pace, feel the pace and keep the pace.
    I have found recently, though, that I run much faster outside than I "feel" like I can run on the TM....

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  7. LauraFebruary 25, 2011 at 10:49 AM

    From what I have seen with my numbers...my speedwork on a treadmill is easier - I have the belt doing some of the pulling ...even when you set it at a 2% incline. I have a harder time keep a consistent pace outside.
    Having said that...I actually run better now outside...who'd have thunk it?

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  8. CynthiaFebruary 25, 2011 at 10:55 AM

    It's a lot harder for me to do speedwork on the treadmill. I feel like I can go faster when I'm outside.

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  9. UnknownFebruary 25, 2011 at 11:02 AM

    I do almost all of my speedwork on the treadmill. Not having to check my garmin or use a timer makes it much easier. I have been contemplating getting a treadmill for home... but I love running outside so much and I live in San Diego so it seems silly. Right?

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  10. MalloryFebruary 25, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    For me, it is much easier to do a speed workout on the TM because it does the pacing for me. But I think to get the most benefit we need to get better at pacing and pushing ourselves. Either way though, you will get a killer workout!

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  11. juanitagfFebruary 25, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    I am with mamaruns, too. I run faster with less effort outside. I like seeing how far to go. Maybe part of it is my treadmill is in a dark corner of my basement and no one can see me fall off...

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  12. A Prelude To...February 25, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    I used to think triathlons were completely out of the scope of something I could do. Then I did them. Now I know that there are a lot of things I have been limiting myself with for all these years and the liklihood of me actually being able to reach those high dreams are TOTALLY INCREDIBLY, WONDERFULLY POSSIBLE!!

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  13. RainaFebruary 25, 2011 at 11:47 AM

    I really can't compare, since I can't set my TM to a particular pace and guage it well. IT's too old and cheap!!

    I also have only ran repeats on the track once- 800's...so here again I can only offer lame advice !LOL

    I do all my repeats on the road...mostly 1600's. From my easy pace experience, it's easier physically but tougher mentally--but then again it's in my garage without spectators. =D OR competition.

    Let me know how it goes for you, though!!

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  14. Kate GeisenFebruary 25, 2011 at 11:48 AM

    I think treadmill running is harder. Mentally, if not physically. I do like the fact that you can just set it for a speed (or, in my case, lack of speed :D) and go.

    Every time I run I'm doing something I never believed possible, and the fact that I have my sights on a marathon boggles my mind.

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  15. MeaganFebruary 25, 2011 at 11:57 AM

    I have the same dilemma, except I don't run on a treadmill, I run laps in the gym at the school I teach and coach at. Some people think I am CRAZY when I tell them I would much rather run laps than run outside. I'm not sure if it is the wind I don't like, or maybe the different temperatures...whatever it is, I just know that I dread my daily run a lot more on days when I am forced to run outside!

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  16. asheFebruary 25, 2011 at 12:25 PM

    i have often wondered the same thing. I haven't been able to run outside...or haven't braved the sub-zero temps outside yet to see how I will do running in the elements. Running off the treadmill scares me too. BUT! girlfriend. I have faith in you and you can DO IT! you will ROCK IT! good luck!

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  17. AnonymousFebruary 25, 2011 at 12:35 PM

    I think treadmill running harder. I can't seem to find a way to keep it interesting/engaging. I've never done it before but I actually cut my run short earlier this week and I think it was because I was so bored on the treadmill.

    I'd love to hear how you handle treadmill boredom.

    In Wisconsin it sometimes gets so icy running can be tricky/dangerous, so I feel like the treadmill is really my only choice!

    My vote would be for outside running whenever possible!

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  18. UnknownFebruary 25, 2011 at 12:37 PM

    Getting on a track instantly makes me nervous and brings me back to high school and college running... but I kind of love that nervous feeling! I love rounding the corners of the track and hitting the straightaway so much.... so I vote for the outdoor mile repeats.

    But, then again... when you're running 6:30's on the treadmill, you can't help but look bad-ass to all the other treadmill runners mosey-ing along at a slow pace. ;-)

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  19. AimeeFebruary 25, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    I actually run faster outside then on a treadmill. I'm not sure why, but I just do. However, sometimes I like to do my repeats on the TM b/c I can control the pace and it just makes the whole process easier!

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  20. RaquelitaFebruary 25, 2011 at 12:48 PM

    I tend to run faster outside than I do on the treadmill too - after the first couple of transition runs at least. I think it's because outside is so much more mentally stimulating.

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  21. Becky HFebruary 25, 2011 at 1:07 PM

    I like to switch up my mile repeats between treadmill and non, both have different benefits. I find I get much more sore the next day from non-treadmill MRs. I like the flexibility of not being on a treadmill, if I feel good the last one, I can kick it up a notch... somehow on the treadmill it's harder to set the speed higher towards the end of the workout. The treadmill can be good for those days when you just want to set a number, and run. Enjoy your workout!

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  22. Melissa CunninghamFebruary 25, 2011 at 1:16 PM

    agree with mammaruns-i think i run faster outdoors than on the TM,although i do 90% of my speed work on the TM....
    although i like being able to set the pace and go,i dont like the monotiny of it.
    given a choice,id take the track or an open road/field!

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  23. StephanieFebruary 25, 2011 at 1:24 PM

    For all of the reasons you noted I've found the treadmill easier in some aspects. (Goal and time wise) But for enjoyment purposes outdoor running has always been easier for me. I.e. I'm more likely to be motivated to get the workout in if I get to be outside. Running next to buff dudes at the gym is truly inspirational, though. Nothing is more motivating then noticing people notice me. Eek.

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  24. fundersonFebruary 25, 2011 at 3:14 PM

    "Is treadmill running easier than...." I'd say no to this question no matter what is put in the "..."
    I realize my hatred of treadmills isn't really normal.

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  25. Sue G.February 25, 2011 at 3:17 PM

    I feel like a ding dong by saying I've never done repeats. Ever. Haven't a clue. I guess it's something I'll be learning this year! And I would have to say I would rather do them outside.

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  26. Lisa @ Eat.Pray.Run.February 25, 2011 at 3:23 PM

    Definitely like the TM for the reasons you listed (keeps your pace and you don't want to look like a wuss at the gym), but that track looks so nice and cushy to run on. I think my knees would appreciate it. I'm actually looking forward to using the local high school track over the summer. Haven't run on a track since GC X-Country!!

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  27. Jess @ Blonde PonytailFebruary 25, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    Great question! I have contemplated this too. Right now, I don't have choice but to do my speed and tempo runs on the 'mill in the a.m.

    I agree with many of your reaaders that the 'mill forces you to keep that pace without checking the garmin every arm pump. The 'mill also doesn't let me slack or I would fall off!

    I think you should do a running experiment comparing the two!

    SO GLAD YOUR hammy is in tact and you are running with new found passion! All your readers benefit!

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  28. KatieFebruary 25, 2011 at 5:01 PM

    I think it is harder on the treadmill, even though you can set the exact pace you want to go, I feel like I'm going to die and/or fly off. I'm always faster outside.

    I DO think the treadmill helps me run faster outside though :)

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  29. JennFebruary 25, 2011 at 5:19 PM

    Hmmm....I'm on the fence here. Traditionally, I think I am able to run repeats faster on the treadmill than outside. Lately, I've been starting to wonder if this is still true. The thought of running 4 times around a track and pacing myself accordingly sounds so much more enjoyable and possibly even easier than another session on the TM which is SO monotonous to me right now. Repeats on the road I find tough because I'm constantly looking at my Garmin to know how far I've gone but the track I just know 4 laps=1 mile. I've never done too much track work and our track is covered in about 2 feet of snow but I'm itching to get out there this spring. Maybe even in a couple of weeks. I guess I'll be able to make a more educated assumption then! Without a doubt long runs are easier outside.

    I kind of think whatever is different is easier sometimes. If I'm on the treadmill for a week because of nasty weather, outdoor running seems SO much easier when I get back to it and vice versa.

    I understand the badass gym mentality! I have always had a home treadmill but I do MANY of my TM workouts at the gym because I know I won't quit with people staring at me! Got to uphold the image-ha!

    Hope you kicked A$$ on those repeats. I'm sure it feels awesome to have them under your belt!!

    Have a great weekend! Good luck on the 13:)

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  30. Happy Feet 26.2February 25, 2011 at 5:22 PM

    Mentally, I find the treadmill boredom factor is HARD, but physically, for ME, track running is much harder. I have to move my total weight forward and deal with wind outside, on a treadmill the ground is moving below you, and no wind issues at all.

    Happy you found your focus. You are in your PRIME for long distance running. I think mid 30s are the BEST years for marathoning because you are mentally tougher at this point in your life. Go girl!

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  31. BethFebruary 25, 2011 at 6:03 PM

    Mentally the treadmill is so much harder for me, but I think the physical part depends on a lot of other factors like incline, weather, and how you usually train. I always think its best to run outside when possible, though! I haven't seen a treadmill race yet...

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  32. CarolineFebruary 25, 2011 at 6:11 PM

    I run faster outside for sure and for me treadmill is also way harder mentally...
    I do the speedwork on the treadmill though easier to control but still hard mentally.

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  33. John and BeccaFebruary 25, 2011 at 8:44 PM

    Faster outside for sure! But then again I am the dork that holds on to the handrails for fear of falling off.

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  34. CorrinaFebruary 25, 2011 at 10:28 PM

    I do my speedwork on a treadmill. Mostly because I can't seem to find the time to get to a track to do it. Also, I think it would require a garmin--which I don't have. I would have no idea if I was actually running the right pace w/o looking at Nike+ on my iPod, which would slow me down. LOL. I agree that the treadmill is "easier" b/c it keeps the pace for you. But I need to work on running faster on the road. I feel like I am faster on the treadmill.

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  35. KathieFebruary 26, 2011 at 5:22 AM

    Morning Girlie!!! :o) FOR SURE the treadmill makes for an easier workout. think about it, the belt is actually prepelling you - not you and your body weight. When you are running outdoors, it's you against nature. The only force really interfering is the wind. That's why outdoor running is so much more challenging - and also why most runners run slower than if they were on the treadmill. Ive actually read quite a bit about this around the blogsphere as i've been completing my Girls Gotta Move 5k program (one more week to go!!). Treadmills are great for speed work or getting started but what really makes a runner is outdoors. Funny, i'm one to talk. I've only ran outdoors twice! ha! the last time giving myself a meniscus tear in my right knee *eye roll* When the weather gets warmer (sorry, im a sucker and new runner..im not running in 20-30 degree temps), i plan to take most of it to the outdoors..the Tmill is getting too boring and im ready to progress and take my training to another level. Have a great Saturday.

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  36. AnneFebruary 26, 2011 at 7:22 AM

    Treadmills are a great way to stay on pace, and the forgiving surface is good when you are coming back from injury. But you lack that wind resistance so you heat up more quickly, and it can get really, really boring -- as the others have noted.

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  37. Detroit Runner(Jeff)February 26, 2011 at 7:51 AM

    The treadmill is mental for me. It drives me crazy! As far as doing something I never thought possible. I'm doing that now. Never in a million years thought that I could run a marathon unless it was a TV marathon I was watching on the couch. Haha!

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  38. BethFebruary 26, 2011 at 7:52 AM

    I used to find the treadmill SO much harder but after being forced inside for some long runs I find it easier now. So glad to hear about your thoughts and your running journey. I feel the same about making myself the best I can be during this decade. I have always looked forward to being in my 30s, now that they are here I want to make the most of them!

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  39. UnknownFebruary 26, 2011 at 8:26 AM

    I used to hate track work since we just ran around and around but when I have a goal race and want to hit some specific goals and I'm with a friend or many friends, it's so much more fun. Not easier, just fun. The treadmill is such a solitary thing...I do get bored and tire faster. I can't wait to hear how it goes for you, I've been hearing about lots of people who love the treadmill or at least make it work for them. Keep us posted!
    Lately I've been doing my tempos of solid miles, no breaks, on the road along the coast that just keeps going...and my brain has really been getting used to it. Sometimes I think that this whole speed/track/interval thing is basically just mental training and your legs follow along. I love the challenges that it brings...
    hope your running and family FUN goes well this weekend.
    We have LOTS of rain on the way!

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  40. AnonymousFebruary 26, 2011 at 12:04 PM

    I think the TM is easier with speed work...just set the pace and keep up! At the track you have to pace yourself and it's so easy to let yourself slow down during that last repeat when you are oh so tired!

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  41. KitteeFebruary 26, 2011 at 12:55 PM

    I like the mill. It really helps me maintain the right pace. If I get outside I tend to fall off pace becaus I start out to fast. Is that confusing..

    Love your blog! I will be stopping by occasionally

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  42. AnonymousFebruary 26, 2011 at 7:12 PM

    I love your outlook on fitness! :) and this post!

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  43. Julie D.February 26, 2011 at 10:14 PM

    Hope your mile repeats went great!! Incredible pace--I'm sure you nailed it! I'm with you on the mental piece of keeping a pace on the track. I like the mindless part of the treadmill where you just set it, run, and grit it out. (and yes, I'm totally with you on the audience thing)...there is something about the fact that you feel like you are working harder than anyone in the gym! I've been known to 'race' the person next to me!! HA! --so pathetic. :) It is 10x harder for me on a track mentally than on the treadmill. However, physically, I think it is equal.

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  44. LindsayFebruary 28, 2011 at 4:53 PM

    i think it varies -- some days a TM seems easier and sometimes outside does (for me, anyway). it's easy to keep a pace on the 'mill 'cause you set it to make you go that fast, whereas outside you can slow down (whether your know you are or not). then again, the mental demons are often stronger on the 'mill than outside b/c the tm is soo boring.

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  45. Little Miss RunshineMarch 15, 2011 at 4:00 PM

    I like track workouts better because it is more of a challenge, but I like doing them with friends. I tend to do workouts on the treadmill when I can't run with friends. But I am going to try to change this!

    As far as if the treadmill is easier or not, I was wondering that too!
    http://www.littlemissrunshine.com/2011/03/fresh-air-or-the-spinning-belt.html

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