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Marcy W.
Marcy W. Sendmail

outdoor running vs treadmill

posted over 2 years ago | Report

I run at 6.5 to 7 pace on a treadmill for 3 miles with no problems breathing. Once I hit the trail/pavement/grass outside - I can only make about 1/4 mile before I am huffing and puffing and wheezing! I try to keep a slow steady pace I have focused on my breathing, I have not focused on my breathing. Does anyone else have this problem or have advice? I don't have allergies or asthma.

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  • Mimi
    Mimi Sendmail

    You still might be going too fast. What the treadmill console tells you speedwise might not be entirely accurate. Also it can feel harder to run outside because you don't have the momentum of the treadmill.

    Personally I find it much more difficult to run on the treadmill.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Dallas
    Dallas Sendmail

    Wheezing sounds like asthma to me. Maybe you developed allergies and haven't realized it? In High School I became allergic to cats and dogs I had my whole life so its possible. Do you have anything to track your pace out doors? Technically the treadmill is easier but I think most people agree from a mental standpoint that outside is easier and more enjoyable typically. There shouldnt be a huge gap between outdoor and indoor running unless you are doing some monster hills outside.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Bo A.PRO
    Bo A. Sendmail

    Running outside takes more work than a treadmill. The grade is not consistent like most treadmill so you're both climbing up and down hills (even a fairly shallow slope take a little more energy than you'd use on a treadmill for the same distance. And, as Mimi suggests, you may be running little too fast... Treadmills are approximations of real-wold running and really are not equivalent to running outdoors even on a track. They have their place in a training program but are not a substitute for running outdoors.

    When I made the transition from running indoors to running outdoors I focused on pace. Find the pace that allowed me to continue running an entire distance. Over time that pace has picked up... while I'm not fast... I am faster now. And, I find running on treadmills rather difficult now because my pace and stride aren't as even as a treadmill demands.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • David M.
    David M. Sendmail

    The first question I always ask people trying to transition from the dreadmill to the outdoors is "What incline have you been using?" If you have been running with a 0 incline you are going to find the first week or so on the road to be a tough transition and you will not be able to run as far as you are used to. It should only take a week or so of running on the road for you to get back to where you were and you will probably find that you run faster on the road to boot.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • The Dutchess
    The Dutchess Sendmail

    I had the same problem when I started running outdoors. I came to the realization that wind resistance plays a much bigger role that I anticipated. The good things is that eventually your body will get used to it. It may be different in your case, however, I hope this helps a little.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Marcy W.
    Marcy W. Sendmail

    thanks for all the help! all the support is much needed and appreciated!
    i learned alot about wind resistance on vacation at the beach - i ran on the side road after the first morning! i plan to run outside more than the treadmill now. after reading these comments, i think this will be a much better workout for me than the treadmill.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Paris R.
    Paris R. Sendmail

    That so funny you say that... I run faster outside then on the treadmill... Everyone else says that the treadmill should be easier. I wonder why I feel like a run slower and its harder on the treadmill?? I have plenty of hills and wind and everything outside.. but my times are always better?!!? No clue.. I am a treadmill whimp! hehe

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Patsy S.
    Patsy S. Sendmail
    in reply to what Paris R. said:That so funny you say that... I run faster outside then on the treadmill... Everyone else says that the treadmill should be easier. I wonder why I feel like a run slower and its harder on the treadmill?? I have plenty of hills and wind and everyth... read more

    I feel the same way. Treadmill, after always running outside is torture. Until I joined YouFit and they have a TV on every treadmill. Just plug in and forget the mill. Easier to get to the bathroom when you REALLY have to go now, too. LOL So I have found at least a few advantages. Still pretty much hate it though. Oh well.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Karen H.
    Karen H. Sendmail
    in reply to what Paris R. said:That so funny you say that... I run faster outside then on the treadmill... Everyone else says that the treadmill should be easier. I wonder why I feel like a run slower and its harder on the treadmill?? I have plenty of hills and wind and everyth... read more

    I've heard so many people on both sides say that one is easier than the other. I'm a cold weather wimp (and live in PA), so the treadmill is my winter friend. But David was completely right in saying that people need to run on the treadmill with an incline in order to transition easier to outdoor running.

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Steve P.
    Steve P. Sendmail

    I find running on a treadmill much easier. Why? 1) The treadmill belt is moving on its own...all you do is move you legs with little resistance. Outside, the ground does not move on its own and your legs work harder when running...not much, but they do work harder. 2) Environmental factors outside...wind, sun, heat, etc.

    I would much rather run outside...much more rewarding and fun, but for the winter months, the treadmill does the trick. I also agree that increasing the incline can help minimize the transition to outdoor running. Just my thoughts...

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Mark D.
    Mark D. Sendmail
    in reply to what Karen H. said:I've heard so many people on both sides say that one is easier than the other. I'm a cold weather wimp (and live in PA), so the treadmill is my winter friend. But David was completely right in saying that people need to run on the trea... read more

    So true Karen....I do the Treadmill in the winter as well, unless I can see dry sidewalks! The transition to outdoors initially for me was hard as well....but I love the fresh air!

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Lowell W.
    Lowell W. Sendmail

    I used to have a lot of problems with winter running - horrible headaches after running in the cold. So I used to always run on a treadmill all winter long. My one comment about the transition is that in the grand scheme of things, it's not that big a deal. It only takes a week or two to completely adapt to outdoor running again. So people shouldn't lose any sleep because they have switched to the treadmill. Yes, there will be a transition, but it won't take that long.

    Also, for what it's worth, Karen, I live in Maryland so our weather is probably pretty similar to yours (although that Mason-Dixon lines seems to have separated us from the snow you all have gotten this year!). This year I decided to see if I would still get the headaches in cold weather and found that I don't (hadn't run in really cold weather in over 25 years before this year). The one thing I have changed is that I don't overdress any more. These days I still wear shorts and just a long sleeved tech shirt under a short sleeved one and, as long as I wear wool socks, wool mittens and a baseball cap, I've very comfortable, even though I run at 5 AM. The trick is to go straight into your run when you get outside - do NOT hesitate or that cold will really get to you. But once you're moving, you heat up really fast. I also make sure that my runs (10 or 11 miles, depending on available time) end RIGHT in front of my house because I find that I get cold really, really fast once I stop running!

    As a fellow cold weather wimp, I've been surprised at how well I have adapted...

    posted over 2 years ago

  • Randy O.
    Randy O. Sendmail

    Same issue this time of year. Typically, my outdoor runs are mostly at races, but I do get out on occasion. Part of my problem is that-in the gym air flow comes only from my breathing. but running outside, I'm getting a breeze that dries up my sinuses and mouth faster than being on the mill. Generally,I have mints to induce salivation to counter that. Also lately when outside,I have been using a scarf to avoid the cool dry air.

    posted over 1 year ago

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