The Difference Between Running On A Treadmill And Running On Pavement

[Guest Do You]

Treadmill running

[Guest Janilew]

I completed the half marathon training program on a treadmill. I also ran outside sometimes. I actually run faster on a treadmill and can maintain my run and walk speeds consistently. It is harder to run outside. I am starting the marathon trainer and will do mostly on the treadmill.  I do this for fitness and enjoyment. I love to close my eyes on the treadmill and run to music. If I decide to enter a race I will have to train outside as well.  My daughter knows an ultra marathoner who prepared for a 100 miler on a treadmill...wow, I guess it can be done.

[Guest Bobbie]

I am just starting the program and am using a treadmill.  What would the suggestion be for speed for walking and for jogging?

[Guest Joe]

Hey team, the treadmill and the app won’t sync up. You have to increase your speed as the weeks progress if you want to complete 5k in the allotted time. I’m finishing week 7 and am pleased that I’m running 20-30 min strait but I’m not at 5k yet. Time and distance are two different things. Good luck to everyone!

[Guest Elise]

Take this article with a grain of salt. I’ve read the opposite where the treadmill is actually a better workout than running outdoors. This is because it keeps your speed consistent, even when you get tired and want to slow down. While running outside you automatically slow your pace a bit as you get tired. Plus you may experience a lot of pauses in your workout as you wait to cross the street or maneuver around obstacles. 

[Guest Mariahp]

I’m now a sophomore in high school and I’m trying cross country this year. I’ve done track the last three years and I’ve found it really depends on the person. I for one hate running on the treadmill only because I’ve had a lot of issues with my knees. The constant pounding on the hard surface really hurts. I prefer running on grass or even city streets. The treadmill just isn’t for me. That being said, I know people who use treadmills consistently and have no trouble. Find what works for you and stick with it

[Tom Riddle]

I've started the program and am using a treadmill. i bought workout shorts specially for my running on treadmill i find its very comfortable. What would the suggestion walking  or jogging in incline mode?

[Guest Khairil]

The speed displayed on the treadmill is either km/h or mph. The higher the number, the faster you are running.

[Tom Riddle]

Treadmills offer better shock absorption than pavement or roads, which means less stress on the ankles and knees. And when you run at an incline on the treadmill, you build strength and endurance like you would running hills outside. But you don't have to run downhill, which can be hard on your body.

[Guest Laurie]

On 6/13/2016 at 5:22 AM, Guest Guest said:

Nice article. Thanks for sharing..

The treadmill can be a great training tool and essential for those of us who live in harsh weather environments (both hot and cold). However, don’t neglect the specific skills you need to develop by running outside on occasion.

I agree. I live in Canada and training for the 5k in May. Due to the icy conditions, I have to train on the treadmill. It's safer to run inside than risk injuries outdoors. Some people buy the proper gear and run outside anyway, but at 42 years old and being a bit of a wuss when it comes to cold, I'd rather stay inside for now.