As the weather has been improving lately, I’ve noticed a huge increase in the number of runners I see going by my house. I don’t know whether these people have been running indoors and have decided to switch up their routines now it’s a little warmer, or weather running is new completely, but it got me thinking. Back when I first started running, one thing that I didn’t realise was how much of a difference there is between running outside and on a treadmill. And I thought a post like this could be helpful for beginners, running outdoors vs treadmill.Â
To put it simply, running on a treadmill is easier. Some people don’t like the fact you don’t move and find it boring. If I’m completely honest, I much prefer the treadmill for a few reasonsÂ
Running: Outdoors vs Treadmill
WeatherÂ
This one is by far the most obvious, and probably why I’ve been seeing a few more people out and about recently. Â
TreadmillÂ
If you’re on a treadmill, the temperature conditions are probably controlled at a comfortable temperature. It’s obviously not raining or windy, it’s all very nice.Â
OutdoorsÂ
How uncomfortable you find this probably depends on where you live. I live by the sea in north east England, it’s cold, there’s a sea breeze and often wet. It’s not very fun, but it could be worse. But you could also have the issue of it being too hot depending on your local climate.Â
SpeedÂ
One of the things a lot of runners struggle with is holding and maintaining a constant speed.Â
TreadmillÂ
Of course, if you’re running on a treadmill, you have full control of your speed and it’s easy to keep that speed at a constant.Â
OutdoorsÂ
It’s hard to be consistent when running outdoors. Whether that’s because you’re going uphill or speed up on the flat, you’re tired, something is always there to alter your speed. Â
Giving up? Â
TreadmillÂ
I don’t know if this is just me, but I have to feel like I’m dying before I give in and turn the speed down or stop when I’m on a treadmill. There’s something about the fact you have to make a conscious decision to press that little button that really deters me from giving in.Â
Outdoors
Sometimes your body slows down without you even realising. This is especially true for those who struggle to find their pacing outdoors and don’t necessarily run at a constant speed anyway. If your mental game isn’t 100% there, sometimes you slow down. Then you don’t realise until you check your app/ watch and see you’re slower than average, which can be disheartening. Especially when you’re making the effort to run when you’re not really feeling it. Â
InjuryÂ
I’ve had two fairly bad injuries (neither of them caused by running) which have stopped me running in the past. And the one thing that they both had in common is the fear you have when you try to start running again that you’re going to damage yourself further. Â
TreadmillÂ
In this department, the treadmill wins hands down. It’s a softer surface, it’s easier on your joints than running on a road. If something does hurt, it’s very easy to stop and you’re not a couple of miles in trying to hobble home. It just feels safer…Â
OutdoorsÂ
That being said, you’re never going to know if your body is fully recovered until you try running outside. Â
When You’re Not Feeling It/ StrugglingÂ
I’m putting this last because this one could just be something I do…Â
TreadmillÂ
So, if I’ve forced myself to go and I don’t really feel like it, or if I’m struggling and want the whole saga to be over quickly, I play little mind games with myself on the treadmill to pass time. I look at the speed, pace and distance and work out little calculations like ‘if I run x distance at y pace for 3 minutes, I’ll be this many miles in’ or something like ‘I wanted to run x distance today, so if I increase the speed to y, it will be over in exactly 7 minutes’. Â
I do this for a few reasons, the main one being that it’s a distraction. If I’m occupying myself doing the maths, I’m not focused on the fact I’m not feeling it. And this is especially helpful when doing speed runs, because by the time I’ve done the maths, the interval is almost over. Â
OutdoorsÂ
Yes, you can run with an app/ watch and play similar games. But unless you’re lucky enough to be running on a track, that probably means you’re not looking where you’re going or paying full attention to your surroundings, which isn’t great. So, you’re likely stuck running, not enjoying it and time drags on those runs.Â
But there are a few areas where running outside still has an advantage…Â
Best Effort?Â
Do you ever really know if you’re pushing yourself hard enough on a treadmill?Â
Treadmill Â
It’s really easy to get lazy in your routine and think ‘ohhh I run at this pace’ when the reality of the situation is you’ve been running at that pace for a few months and you could probably manage the same distance at a slightly higher pace without too much of a struggle. And you’re never really going to know how fast you can go in a speed interval for example if you’re not physically trying to force your body to go as fast as it can. Â
OutdoorsÂ
This one speaks for itself, you push yourself off and move.Â
Racing Â
TreadmillÂ
Well…you can’t. And as nice as those indoor conditions are for running for general fitness, it won’t really prepare you for race day unless you’re combining that will outdoor runs too to help with your pacing and breathing. Â
OutdoorÂ
You race outside, you should probably train outside…Â
Giving up…in a different way.Â
I know I said earlier that I find it much harder to slow down on a treadmill and quitting is harder, but there’s another way of looking at this. Â
Treadmill Â
Whether you go to the gym with the intention of running 1 mile or 10, the distance home is the same. If you’re going for something longer and you aren’t feeling it that day, you can press stop and go home very easily. Â
OutdoorsÂ
You’re 3 miles in, it’s raining, you’re tired…whatever it is, you still need to get home. And running home is a lot quicker than walking home in the rain. The further you get from your front door, the more motivation there is to keep going and get back there.Â
If anyone wants lots of running posts, check out my friend Sahara who documents her experiences regularly.
Any runners out there relating to this or do you completely disagree with me? Anything you would add to the list?Â
Until next time,Â
SophieÂ
I am afraid I am clearly in team outdoor running. But you have a fair good points about running on a treadmill – I only do it on the gym when I don’t want to cycle as an exercise but anyway – I never sprained an ankle on the treadmill, and you do maintain your speed. I still prefer outdoors because it’s more fun since the environment changes 🙂
Running is something I really want to start doing but I’m absolutely useless at it! I do agree the treadmill is probably easier but you miss all the gorgeous scenery outside.
Cara
What a great comparison post! I honestly don’t know what I prefer. Since it’s winter where I live I’ve been using the treadmill a lot, but I still quite like running outside. Especially since there’s some really nice scenery around where I live. I agree. Running on a treadmill is slightly less strenuous but you can still get a good workout from it. Great post!
Some good points I hadn’t thought of. I am firmly an outdoor runner as I like feeling the wind and rain in my face. I also like the variety and views. But the treadmill was ideal when coming back from injury and to get fitness back x
I’ve got to say I’m definitely not a runner and I think it’s because I look slightly strange when running! But if I had to pick between the two I’d probably say treadmill too and I think it’s the weather aspect that swayed it for me. This post has made me want to pick up my running shoes! X
I don’t enjoy running but walk fast ;). I go almost every day to the gym and use the treadmill. To me, there’s nothing better than to be surrounded by nature so, whenever it’s possible I go for a walk. Thanks for sharing this 🙂 xxx
Enjoyed reading this, I’ve actually never tried running outside because I’m too afraid but it was really interesting watching you draw up the parallels between treadmill and outside. Sometimes knowledge is power and I’m probably more likely to run outside in the future knowing some of things in this post 🙂
I am not a very good runner, and although I tend to stick to running on the treadmill, I do prefer running outside with a buddy. The treadmill can get so repetitive and boring!
Funnily we’ve both just posted about running. I’ve never ran on a treadmill, but I do enjoy running outside. However I have to agree that the weather has put me off before and the run can definitely drag if I’m not feeling it or struggling. I’m not sure I’d enjoy the treadmill though, I think I’d feel ‘stuck indoors’.
This is so helpful. I want to get into running and do the couch to 5K. Thank you for sharing your experience x
I prefer working out indoors for sure, I can’t do the treadmill anymore because of my knee so I have an indoor bike. I think for me I don’t like the sun or rain and where I live it’s always both. It’s been in the 90’s F here (roughly 32Cs). I just find it easier to do inside, plus I can watch TV while I do it or listen to a podcast.
I have to say that I’am pretty much he opposite to you when it comes to running haha! Although I do know some runners who prefer to train on the treadmill thanks to the scorching summer heat where we live I just can’t do it! Five miles on the treadmill feels like it takes a million years and I find it harder to self regulate as you have to constantly be fiddling with the controls, five miles on the road flys by…and I get to bring my dog Connor which makes us both happy! However! I think anyone who runs no matter where they do so and how they prefer to do it deserves a hand for pushing yourself and being active so I think it’s amazing that your running and hope you continue to enjoy it!
I am a noob at running so I don’t dare run outside lol!; I’ve tried maybe once and I only lasted 5 min max.. even a slight incline and I can’t deal im terrible on the treadmill as it is but as you said, it’s easier to Pace yourself that way! It’s so much friendlier for beginners like me and hopefully one day I can master the treadmill. Thanks for sharing Sophie!
I am relatively new to running and don’t have access to a treadmill so have to go running outdoors – and being from the northeast too that means a lot of the time having to wait for moments when it isn’t raining to go for a run. Unfortunately, I pushed myself too hard and ended up injuring my knee so having to take a break until I’m fully healed but one thing I know already is that I love running and going for a run – especially when running with a partner. Though I agree entirely about the motivation running home gives you to keep going rather than giving up and walking because I know once I am home I get to sit down and have a cuppa.
I love walking outside but running outside is a deffo no no! I think it is the weather like you said which puts me off the most. I hate getting hot and sweaty when it is cold or warm outside. I think I would rather run on a treadmill because it is a lot more comfortable too, I don’t have to worry about the faces I pull or how red I have gotten etc! But I agree with you, if you want to race and be a professional then running outside is much better for you!! xx
I don’t like running outdoors as I feel self conscious about it. I have a treadmill at home and I love it. It’s so much easier to hop onto a treadmill and do a good sesh for however long you want rather than go outside! But that’s my personal preference x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Control freak here. So naturally I like a temperature controlled indoor environment where I can just listen to music and concentrate on breathing without having to navigate through traffic or people. Also multiple courses exist now that keep switching the speed and time up and down to strengthen our endurance so except the concept of loving nature, I don’t think there is much that outdoor run gives better than the treadmill. Also I personally suck at cardio so going out is a huge inconvenience very well written and compared, Sophie!
If there’s one thing I’ve learned this year as I’ve got back into running, it’s that I can’t do long distance on the treadmill, and by that, I mean anything upwards of 30 minutes. I find that I’d much cover a long distance outside as I find it more entertaining than spending so long in one place with the same sights. I do hate how hard the road is on my shins as those are my most problematic area. (I really only have pain there when I didn’t stretch enough before my run, why do I have the joints of an old woman, why am I fragile??? :’)) I will stick to the treadmill when I woke up too late, and it’s no longer a viable choice to run outside because I WILL get heatstroke. There are so many pros & cons to both, and this was such a good guide for those who are just thinking of getting started!
I hate running BUT I try to incorporate it into my lifestyle as much as I can. I enjoy running outside more because it doesn’t feel like I’m dying as much as I do on the treadmill. Although I do enjoy utilizing the treadmill for pacing myself with inclines – which helps a lot since I hike! Great read!
☼ Eena | cabin twenty-four
These are all great points to help decide whether running on a treadmill or outdoors would work best for you. I would choose to use a treadmill instead of going outside because I feel that I have control over more aspects, as you also said. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
melissakacar.blogspot.com
You make some interesting points. I love the idea of running but I don’t like to run because I find I get really overwhelmed in my mind. I know a lot of people find they can clear their mind when they run but I am the opposite. My mind gets incredibly active and I have a million thoughts racing around. I prefer to walk since that calms me right down and I find it more enjoyable. But there is something really tranquil about watching others run, especially on my way to work along the beach with so many people running each morning too.
Sxx
daringcoco.com
omg i never knew this was a thing! i didn’t know you had different shoes for outside vs treadmill! this makes so much more scense! great post!
This is sooooo helpful! I prefer running outside but feel more confident and chilled running inside – if that even makes sense haha! Lovely post Hun x
Grace Louise
I’m so not a runner, haha. But, if I was going to run, I’d choose to run on a treadmill. I’m not interested in running outside in the weather or where people can be in my way. And I just like treadmills for some reason!!
I haven’t run on a treadmill for so so long. I always run outdoors but with the heat we’re having at the moment, it is very difficult. Running under 27°C is not fun, and gyms have ACs usually. But I do prefer running outside
I have been trying to run since quite some time now but I’m procrastinating 😛
I really liked how you compared both of the running styles because I was contemplating joining the gym. Thank you 🙂
I love jogging outside with my dog, and having her by my side offers a huge push of motivation that I don’t get when I’m on the treadmill. That being said, I do have a treadmill at home and it’s super convenient when the weather isn’t so nice lol
Not runner unfortunately considering my blog. Haha. I do go for walks though which is clearly better outside you wouldn’t go on a treadmill for a stroll. Plus I like walking because I get to meet loads of dogs and try to steal people’s cats (not literally!). There are too many humans in a gym. I like listening to my music and add in a twirl in occaissionally if No one is around. Imagine if I twirled on a treadmill?
I always have found it much more pleasant running outside rather than on a treadmill. I like the fact I cant measure how much i have run or what speed i have done or calories i have lost, etc. I just like focusing on running and the music and how i feel afterwards:)
I’ve only been running properly for about 5 weeks but I’ve noticed a massive difference to when I used to go on a treadmill. I don’t like facing a mirror at the gym, some may find it motivating but I find it’s the opposite.
Outside I like to run and observe things as I go by, whether its early morning or late evening I like to just watch the world go by as i do.
Great post, clear you know your stuff!
This is such an interesting post, I have to say that I much prefer running outdoors. There’s something about a treadmill that bores me so I only ever use it for a warm-up / cool down before moving on to another area in the gym. There are some really valid points here on why you prefer a treadmill but there is just something so good about running outdoors.
I’d love to get into running one day. I’ve hated it in the past but I think once we live in a quieter area, it would be nice to get out and run seeing the scenery! xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
I have a treadmill but it’s just too hot recently to use it x
I wish I liked running. I could do with a bit more exercise. When I went to the gym, I used to love using the treadmill for uphill walking. I’d do that for around an hour and it was such a workout (and GREAT for your booty too!) I struggle with the heat so if it was warm out, I wouldn’t run outside x
I’d love to start running but my knee clicks so much! How did you cope running when you were recovering from injury? I have tried running on a treadmill and I don’t find it easy running at the gym because I’m surrounded by fit people! Haha! I do enjoy walking quick and listening to music! I like the idea of running around Hyde Park on a nice day so maybe in the future! xD
This was interesting to read! I’ve done both, running outside and on a treadmill, I found that I got more bored running on a treadmill compared to outside. I think for me when I used to run weekly, I found going for a run outside was motivating and fun because I always ran with my friend, whereas on the treadmill it would just be me by myself – but that’s not a bad thing, it’s helpful to listen to music and just completely zone out whilst running!
Chloe xx
http://www.chloechats.com
I’ve tried running and it’s not for me but this is a good guide.