Is there a huge difference between running on a treadmill and running outside? I'm training to run a half marathon but it's so icy outside so I've been training on my treadmill.
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ktboobies
ANSWERS: 5
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Depending on your treadmill, it's probably better for you to run inside right now anyways. Running on cold hard ground can give you shin splints.
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I wouldn't think so other than the view is different. And your running in place instead of through a neighborhood.
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Treadmills are a bit softer on the joints and the ego.
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From a physics viewpoint, the treadmill should be slightly easier as you didn't have to accelerate your body when you first take off (Big deal! Just jog an extra two steps or so) and you don't have to overcome so much wind resistance (again, like that matters at jogging speeds.) The tread mill always felt easier to me. I think it should be put on a slight incline to compensate for the fact that you're running on the spot. Go by feel. If it feels too easy then make it harder. But will it be icy when you run the marathon? Would it be better to acclimatize?
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Running on a treadmill is a great deal easier than running outside. The treadmill's movement actually helps you, you don't have to use nearly as much energy on a treadmill as you do outside. When you run on the treadmill, the machine's momentum works in your favor, when you run outside you have no such assistance. Running on a treadmill is easier physically and it is less damaging to your joints. However, if you run primarily on the treadmill when you go back to running outside you will find it much, much more difficult and you won't be able to run nearly the same distance as you do inside. You get a better work-out running outside, but as you said that's not always possible. To help with the conditioning when you are stuck inside, jack up the incline, the speed and make your workout longer (if you usually run for 30 mins, run for 45 inside). Good luck :)
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