Running Outdoors Versus Treadmill Running - Which is Best

Whatever the weather, rain or shine, runners who are passionate about their sport just love to run. However, from time to time the weather is either too hot or too cold, it's maybe too dark to run safely outdoors or perhaps the runner simply fancies a change of pace. So how do treadmills compare to outdoor running? Well, there are advantages and disadvantages to both. Some are obvious and others are not.

When using a treadmill the machine actually assists you to move your feet back which makes the workload less than running outdoors. You also do not have to endure the outdoor weather when running on a treadmill. But a disadvantage would be that you do not have the benefit of the changing scenery while running to take your attention away from your perceived exertion.

Another advantage of working out on the treadmill is that at any time you choose you can end your run and you do not need to make your own way home. You can watch TV whilst doing your workout and there are even treadmills available on the market today with their own built-in TV's.

But treadmill running compared to outdoor running also has its disadvantages, such as there is no change of scenery to admire while you are running, you take the same route every day, so to speak, and there are no turns and real hills to involve in your practice.

Running outdoors raises some personal safety issues too. You will need suitable clothing for when you are running in bad weather. However, running outdoors means you can vary your route, take in a change of scenery, run hills and dales and you do not have to do your run alone as your friends can also take a run with you. Running outdoors presents more motivation, burns off more calories and helps you to feel more triumphant in your achievements.

Treadmill running and outdoor running can reach an even plain as long as changes are made to the way you use your treadmill to attain your goals. First of all you should be aware that when using the treadmill with 0% incline your exertion will be less than when running outdoors because of the belt helping you by bringing your foot backwards. If you change the incline to 1% this will make up for the decrease in exertion.

The next thing to do is to find a suitable distraction. Many people discover that they can run much further outdoors than the ground covered on the treadmill. This is because the perceived exertion is greater on the treadmill as there are no distractions to take your mind off it. If you can run whilst listening to music or to a story on tape this will act as a distraction to any discomfort you may be feeling.

Last, if you are working up to a specific event, you should only use the treadmill for 40% of your training. However, if you are not able to carry out 60% of your training outdoors, do not despair. There have been plenty of athletes who have trained more than 60% on a treadmill and have still managed to be both successful and competitive at their sport.

Treadmill running versus outdoor running is really a matter of personal choice but it should be noted that the treadmill method will only work if environmental adjustments are taken into account and adhered to.