General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Treadmill/Bike trainer versus real thing Rss Feed  
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2009-12-16 7:38 PM

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Master
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Gurnee, IL
Subject: Treadmill/Bike trainer versus real thing
Ok I admit I love to run on the treadmill.   I also like riding with the computrainer. 

Now what I hear things like "I would sooner claw my eyes out than run on the treadmill"  but many of the people that say this seemingly will post happy comments about hopping on the Computrainer/biketrainer.   

To me its all the same thing.   If you do not mind the indoor bike trainer, then why the hate for the treadmill?



2009-12-16 7:51 PM
in reply to: #2563464

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Extreme Veteran
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Eastern Pennsylvania
Subject: RE: Treadmill/Bike trainer versus real thing
For me the main difference is I can watch t.v/dvds a lot easier on the bike trainer. The little bit of bounce I get makes it harder to do that on the treadmill.
2009-12-16 8:12 PM
in reply to: #2563464

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Master
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Overland Park, KS
Subject: RE: Treadmill/Bike trainer versus real thing
Dave,

You're not alone loving the 'mill.  The gym I go to has nice treadmills with good bounce on them.  I got used to 'mill about a year ago once I lost 30 lbs or so in the pool.  I hadn't run since 1988 (nice 20 year break) so I wanted to go easy on the knees/joints etc.   I did a "brick" as they call it a few days ago, rode 20 miles on a stationary bike, then ran 5 miles on the 'mill and actually achieve a PB on the 'mill.  I was happy because I don't normally set a PB after 20 min. on the bike.  I used the gym bike which there's no clips or even toe clips so it wasn't road like all or even like spin class for that matter.  But I put in a good setting and did 20 miles in 34 minutes with an average HR of about 160.

I ran my very first 1/2 Mary two months ago and clocked 1:42:37 (7:50 mile).  My goal was 8 min. mile average so I was quite pleased.  I'm thinking about doing the Chicago Marathon to see if I can qualify for Boston (need to do it in 3:20 which I think is about a 7:38 mile.  I pick Chicago over KC because it's much flatter in the Chi race and better chance of 3:20.

Anyhow another "treadie" lover here and given my performance last year I'm sticking with it.  I hope to buy myself a bike trainer for X-mas because the bike is where I need to improve.

Cheers and good luck on your goals!  Looks like you'll be busy training.
2009-12-16 8:17 PM
in reply to: #2563464

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Champion
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Columbia, South Carolina
Subject: RE: Treadmill/Bike trainer versus real thing
I'm one of those who cannogt stand the treadmill, but can live with the trainer for some workouts.  I guess for me it goes like this:

First, there are almost no conditions under which I won't run.  The same is not true on the bike.  I will rarely ride in the rain, and never in cold rain.

Second, certain types of workout are easier to do on the bike trainer.  The same is not true of running.  I can do pretty much any running workout I want on the road or the track.  A bike workout that calls for 15x30" on/30" off intervals on the bike can be pretty challenging to do on the road, with traffic, etc.  It's not that I prefer to be on the trainer over biking in the great outdoors, but that I enjoy being able to complete those workouts.
2009-12-16 9:46 PM
in reply to: #2563464

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Subject: RE: Treadmill/Bike trainer versus real thing
While I enjoy the outdoors more, my preference is the treadmill.  Number one reason, easy on the joints. 
2009-12-17 4:46 AM
in reply to: #2563464

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Treadmill/Bike trainer versus real thing
I prefer to do everything outside if at all possible.  I can run outside in just about any conditions - today's run is calling for -25 windchill - but there is no way I could ride outside in that, too much snow and ice/idiot drivers who have enough trouble not hitting me when there are dry conditions.  So that being said, for me riding the trainer/rollers is my only choice this time of year.  I almost always have a choice of whether to run outside or not...


2009-12-17 5:53 AM
in reply to: #2563532

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Subject: RE: Treadmill/Bike trainer versus real thing
Experior - 2009-12-16 9:17 PM

I'm one of those who cannogt stand the treadmill, but can live with the trainer for some workouts.  I guess for me it goes like this:

First, there are almost no conditions under which I won't run.  The same is not true on the bike.  I will rarely ride in the rain, and never in cold rain.

Second, certain types of workout are easier to do on the bike trainer.  The same is not true of running.  I can do pretty much any running workout I want on the road or the track.  A bike workout that calls for 15x30" on/30" off intervals on the bike can be pretty challenging to do on the road, with traffic, etc.  It's not that I prefer to be on the trainer over biking in the great outdoors, but that I enjoy being able to complete those workouts.


I actually tend to prefer the treadmill for certain kinds of speedwork - I can set the speed for whatever target pace I'm shooting for, and hold it for the desired amount of time. That seems to be harder for me to do on the track, etc. The mill takes some of the pacing guesswork out of it for me.....
2009-12-17 7:29 AM
in reply to: #2563464

Master
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Subject: RE: Treadmill/Bike trainer versus real thing
Off-season / fun : Definitely outdoors! I find it very difficult to just ride my trainer without a specific goal in mind.But for structured workouts, particularly in race season - I find that I love TMs and bike trainers more. Even for long rides. No variability in conditions, no traffic, no early darkness to kill your ride. With specific training goals in mind, I don't get bored at all. Even for 90+ minute trainer rides - I'm using watching the HRM, cadence, pace, etc. the entire time - it's definitely an active process.
2009-12-17 7:49 AM
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Master
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Metro NY Area
Subject: RE: Treadmill/Bike trainer versus real thing
I used to think I hated treadmills but I've come to find them useful for their soft surface, safety, multitasking and time neutrality.

The bike trainer is fun too and works great for intervals, I watch Spinervals most of the time on the bike trainer. While I can go out for a 2-3 hour bike ride fairly easily I have found I haven't gotten past an hour on the trainer.
2009-12-17 9:08 AM
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Subject: RE: Treadmill/Bike trainer versus real thing
Put me in the 'hate the dreadmill, love the trainer' camp.  My main reason for hating the treadmill is that I seem to be achey after a run of more than 30 minutes while I can run over an hour on the street with no problems.  I don't know if my form changes or it's a cheap TM or what.  I've also heard that a TM is not good training for road races but some get good training on a TM.

I ride on a trainer about 3 days a week and outside once a week.  It's a weather thing but also a convenience thing.  I watch a spinning dvd, or a movie, concert video.  I really enjoy it and the time flies by.
2009-12-17 8:05 PM
in reply to: #2563464

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Subject: RE: Treadmill/Bike trainer versus real thing
Can't stand the bike trainer but am forced onto it for the better part of the winter.  I used it to train for a double century earlier in the year.  One of my training days leading up to the DC called for a 140 mile ride.  Of course a major storm hit that day and it forced me onto the trainer for the entire 140 miles!  8 HOURS on the trainer.  UGH.
I much prefer outdoors to indoors.  Except in times of ice/snow or major wind, I'm outside.


2009-12-18 9:33 PM
in reply to: #2563464

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Lafayette, CO
Subject: RE: Treadmill/Bike trainer versus real thing
I'm one of those that can't stand the treadmill but can deal with the trainer.  It comes down to control for me.  I don't have a treadmill at home (space and cost) so I have to use the ones at the gym.  The only time I can make it there is during the news cycle and every channel has the news on.  It depresses me.  And for some reason music just doesn't do it for me when I'm on the treadmill since I'm very visual and need the visual stimulation when running.   When I'm on the bike trainer I'm at home and can watch whatever I want so I choose what will distract me best. 
2009-12-18 11:32 PM
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Subject: RE: Treadmill/Bike trainer versus real thing

I've been having a REALLY hard time being able to run again after a chronic hip/back injury.  I switched to the treadmill last week and its been SO much better on my body!!  I'm sticking with the treadmill until it gets nicer outside.  Hopefully by then my body will be ready for the road.  I DO love the outdoors!

I'm not really loving indoor cycling though.  But I'm stuck with that until spring. 

2009-12-19 12:33 AM
in reply to: #2563521

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Subject: RE: Treadmill/Bike trainer versus real thing
reecealan - 2009-12-16 8:12 PM Dave,

  But I put in a good setting and did 20 miles in 34 minutes with an average HR of about 160.



Reecealan

Be careful using the Odometer on that bike I think it is out of calibration. If i'm correct you would have to ride close to 40mph to get that distance in 34 minuets.  I use to run on a tread mill that was off like that and it really messes you up if your counting on it to be right to get the miles in you need.  You are correct stationary bike, tread mill bricks are good in the winter time.  I did one yesterday. 
2009-12-19 6:18 AM
in reply to: #2563464

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Subject: RE: Treadmill/Bike trainer versus real thing
Don't mind the treadmill at all.  I find it much easier to plan speed & hill workouts and it helped in a major way with my pacing.  I don't have a running background which may be part of my problem.
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Treadmill/Bike trainer versus real thing Rss Feed