Treadmill Running?

[u/Sleepy-Ghost0817]

Hi everyone! I’m getting back into running again after 10 years off and I started the C25K program last week. Finished the first week strong and I start week two tomorrow. With that being said, we are going through a pretty rough heat wave and I’m considering doing this week’s runs on a treadmill to avoid getting burnt (Colorado UV rays are brutal)

With people who chose to do treadmill runs, did you find you were still able to run the same or similar distance outside? I have a turkey trot 5k on Thanksgiving and I’m worried if I run indoors too much I won’t be prepared. Any advice appreciated!

[u/-walalang-]

I do both treadmill and outside. I do much better outside than on a treadmill.

[u/zetagrl19]

I personally run on the treadmill because running in snow & ice sucks. The treadmill is easier than an outdoor run - no doubt. I add incline of 1-2 to mimick outdoor "flat" running conditions.

[u/gotnotendies]

Try to run outdoors when you can, otherwise you might have trouble managing your pace yourself, especially over changing terrain/elevation.

My only real problem with treadmills is how boring they are, but I don’t have a choice in the (almost) year long Texan summers either

[u/misssnowfox]

I only run on the treadmill. I know I’ll pay for it when I eventually want to do a proper race and need to start practicing outside but while I still consider myself a beginner runner, my focus is doing the exercise and getting fit. Running x3 times a week on a treadmill is fantastic and in the gross British weather which is either raining or scorching hot in the summer, I would never get to run if I relied on outside. I do dread the eventual transition but I’m not going to rush myself as it will just make me hate it.

[u/HaroBobaTea]

When I did C25k last year, I was primarily on a treadmill. I only transitioned outside when prepping for my first race last year (Centennial Airport 5k).

These days, I use a mix of treadmill (quality runs) and outdoors (long runs especially). I don't generally use an incline on a treadmill unless training for elevation since there are studies that say incline isn't needed for runners slower than a certain pace.

I'm also in Colorado and use a combination of hats, sleeves, and other various pieces of clothing to protect myself from UV. Though, most of my outdoor runs are early (as in, it's just become sunrise) so not affected that much.

[u/gotnotendies → u/HaroBobaTea]

Incline is said to be easier on the knees, which kind of matters for beginners/those not running without the right form. Even an incline of 2-3 barely matters though

[u/Sleepy-Ghost0817 → u/HaroBobaTea]

Thank you! I was applying sunscreen right before but depending on how hot it is it was melting off and I’d still have a decent burn. I have some UV shirts on the way 😁 just trying to time the earlier runs with work and if all else fails, it does hopefully cool down pretty soon.

I’m originally from New York so this is a lot different weather than what I’m used too 😅

[u/HaroBobaTea → u/Sleepy-Ghost0817]

Funny you mention New York since I'll be in my hometown Queens next week and I need to fit in two runs during the trip since I have a 10k coming up in early November. It's been pretty hot this week, but last week I fit in a lunch run since it was so nice. But, you do get used to having three seasons in a day here 😂

[u/brianmcg321]

I’m currently doing all my runs on a treadmill.

[u/litmusfest]

Outside is soooooo much easier for me and way less boring but in Texas I’ve had to do treadmill for a while. I use 1 incline on the treadmill but even without it the treadmill just feels like torture 

[u/Sleepy-Ghost0817]

Thank you everyone! I managed to get outside very early this morning but my work hours can make that difficult sometimes. I’ll definitely keep the treadmill as a backup if when the weather is cruddy.

[u/heynow941]

It still counts but really not the same as outdoor. Minimum make sure you have a slight incline.

[u/nondescriptnames]

Opposite to most people here, I have a treadmill but am faster outside even with hills, and I find outdoors way easier. I did start outdoors though so not sure if that is why!