General Discussion Triathlon Talk » treadmill vs road Rss Feed  
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2009-07-07 1:03 PM

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Ottawa Ontario Canada
Subject: treadmill vs road

I run about a 22 min 5km on the road/path.  But it is 24:30 on the treadmill.
Do you think this is just a mental thing, or is it just easier to run outside?
The wierd thing is I "feel" like I'm working harder on the treadmill.
Anybody else have ths happen?
Or any thoughts?



2009-07-07 1:06 PM
in reply to: #2267845

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Cycling Guru
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Subject: RE: treadmill vs road
Temperature, humidity, air flow, tension and calibration, etc. all have an affect on how you can run indoor.

Best bet is to never compare the two side by side.  If you feel that you have to use a treadmill to train, then go into it understanding that you shouldn't be comparing the two in most cases.
2009-07-07 1:18 PM
in reply to: #2267849

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Subject: RE: treadmill vs road

Daremo - 2009-07-07 7:06 PM Temperature, humidity, air flow, tension and calibration, etc. all have an affect on how you can run indoor.

Best bet is to never compare the two side by side.  If you feel that you have to use a treadmill to train, then go into it understanding that you shouldn't be comparing the two in most cases.

x2 I never use the treadmill for pacing or to compare with outdoor training, they just don't come close in my experience, never had similar times and RPE/HR monitored in very similar ranges.

2009-07-07 1:37 PM
in reply to: #2267845

Subject: RE: treadmill vs road
I find just the opposite.  The treadmill has constant conditions (inside the gym) and it does not let you slow down if you get tired.  When I run outside I can increase speed down hill, and slow down uphill, or if I get tired. The heat gets me, I get distracted by neighbors, cars, shiney objects...   The treadmill is always a steady pace (which is not fast)- thats why it feels harder (IMHO

If I ever run a 22 min 5k I may just quit while Im ahead! Go out on top like George Kastanza.

2009-07-07 1:40 PM
in reply to: #2267933

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Subject: RE: treadmill vs road

I also struggle more with speed on the treadmill.  Outside I can benefit from downhills and adjust my speed accordingly.  Inside it's just a slogfest.

2009-07-07 1:41 PM
in reply to: #2267845

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Subject: RE: treadmill vs road

You probably feel like you're working harder on the tread because it's boring as heck.  For me, it's mental.  I know I'm not going anywhere, my scenery isn't changing.  It's more mentally fatiguing which ends up making me feel like my body is more fatigued.



2009-07-07 1:45 PM
in reply to: #2267845

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Subject: RE: treadmill vs road
I've always had a hard time running "someone else's pace" and that's how I see treadmill running...it's me trying to keep up with something else.  That ALWAYS feels harder to me.

Plus I think all the "momentary slow downs" you might do outside when you need an extra breath or something make it feel easier too.  You don't get any reprieve if you don't switch the speed of the treadmill, but outside you can back off for a few seconds and not even realize you're doing it.
2009-07-07 1:56 PM
in reply to: #2267845

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Subject: RE: treadmill vs road
ruiny - 2009-07-07 1:03 PM

I run about a 22 min 5km on the road/path.  But it is 24:30 on the treadmill.
Do you think this is just a mental thing, or is it just easier to run outside?
The wierd thing is I "feel" like I'm working harder on the treadmill.
Anybody else have ths happen?
Or any thoughts?



Also watch the units. Miles or Kiolmeters. The treadmills at our gym have a button to switch the units, but when you press it the numbers or speed don't change.
2009-07-08 8:46 AM
in reply to: #2267845

Member
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Ottawa Ontario Canada
Subject: RE: treadmill vs road
The treadmills at my gym are in mph only with no button to convert. Actually bugs me, being that Canada is metric.  Anyway that is not the issue.  But thanks for the input.  And glad to see I'm not the only one who experiences this.
Good thing races are not on the treadmill
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » treadmill vs road Rss Feed