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Is running on a treadmill supposed to be this easy?

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ichy

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Due to crappy winter weather I went running indoors on a treadmill for the first time in months yesterday, and by the end I was thinking "wow, that was really easy compared to my usual outdoor routine." I ran further than I normally do at what felt like a faster pace, but it still seemed like an easier workout. Was it mostly in my head, or are treadmills really significantly easier than running outdoors?
 
I think they overestimate the distance you've actually travelled. Also, if you've got it set to zero incline that a bit of a break compared to what you'd actually encounter outside.
 
I prefer doing intervals on the treadmill. I feel like I'm actually doing something when I have to sprint from time to time. Going at a jogging pace is so boring that it makes me tired mentally before I'm tired physically.

At the same pace for the same distance a treadmill will definitely be easier than running outside. Think about it like this: On the portion of your stride where your foot touches the ground you would normally have to apply force to propel yourself forward. On a treadmill you can let the moving belt suck your leg backwards, reducing the amount of actual work you have to do to maintain a given pace. You don't have to deal with the inertia of your body on a treadmill.
 
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I think I read somewhere that they are about the same. Your forward momentum when running means that you aren't actually pushing off much at all except when you first start. So there isn't that much difference between a treadmill and the ground, about 10%, which you can equalize by keeping a constant incline on the treadmill.

Some of the 10% is from wind resistance, which of course doesn't exist on the treadmill.
 
SlitheryDee said:
At the same pace for the same distance a treadmill will definitely be easier than running outside. Think about it like this: On the portion of your stride where your foot touches the ground you would normally have to apply force to propel yourself forward. On a treadmill you can let the moving belt suck your leg backwards, reducing the amount of actual work you have to do to maintain a given pace. You don't have to deal with the inertia of your body on a treadmill.
Click to expand...

You're not familiar with Newton's first law are you? The above makes no sense.
 
LTC8K6 said:
I think I read somewhere that they are about the same. Your forward momentum when running means that you aren't actually pushing off much at all except when you first start. So there isn't that much difference between a treadmill and the ground, about 10%, which you can equalize by keeping a constant incline on the treadmill.

Some of the 10% is from wind resistance, which of course doesn't exist on the treadmill.
Click to expand...

Err...there is significant pushoff when running. You're doing the same pushing off on the treadmill though. The difference b/t the two really lies in: indoor - constant temperature, no wind, no change in incline/decline/camber of road, no varied road surfaces. Outdoor - the opposite of everything I just said. The general rule is to bump up the incline and about 10-20 seconds per mile faster on the treadmill to try to emulate or put forth the same effort as running outside.

Personally, unless they're a brand new beginner, I advocate running outside for all runs. You can't control all the factors mentioned above during a race - you need to train in all types of weather conditions and factors as possible to prepare yourself physically and mentally for anything. I ran a 21 miler in April in 36 degree weather w/ 20mph winds and rain the first 10 miles - yes it sucked, but it's something you do to make yourself a better runner.
 
Wikipedia claims that running on a treadmill uses about 5% less energy than running outside. It felt easier than that, but maybe it was partially in my head.

RagingBITCH: You have more self-discipline than I do 🙂

I'm not training for a race, just trying to get some exercise.
 
kamper said:
You're not familiar with Newton's first law are you? The above makes no sense.
Click to expand...

Yes, I'm familiar with it. You're right though. I suppose most of the difference in energy could be accounted for in actively pushing against wind resistance rather than simply compensating for the small amount that your mass is slowed by it.
 
do you get "motion sickness" after running on a treadmill?
I dont actually get or feel sick but it feels like the room is moving after i get
off the treadmill.
 
If you ran further, for longer, had an easier time and enjoyed it more, than congrats you just conquered a major mental barrier of your own. Because simply put there is not that much of a difference. You can certainly try to make it harder, run faster, set inclines, set a variable course, etc. However it may also be a case where you simply aren't tracking yourself as well outdoors.
 
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