A little more on the great debate -Treadmill V Outdoors Running

Hello and thanks for dropping by. This blog was inspired by some of the chatter on our Facebook group page. The never ending debate, treadmill versus outdoor running. It's just a round-up of what was a very interesting topic.

As with most things in life, personal preference really has the final word on this matter.  But is it as clear cut as we may think it is? In general terms you would think the outdoor advocates would win this debate hands down but not so. We asked our runners for their thoughts  and it brought up some interesting comment.

As expected, for most people being outdoors is enough reason not to want their running any other way. It would seem the romantic notion of feeling nature’s elements (either good or bad) is still something our primitive selves cannot resist.

A favourite quote from one of our runners, “the treadmill has no soul, and it lacks everything that’s important about running, freedom”.  We agree and so did most of our other runners. Connecting with the outdoors was everything.

So, where does this leave the treadmill argument?  From the feedback we got it comes down to necessity.  It could be a specific training need, the weather, a family commitment, work or rehab that leads someone to use the treadmill over the great outdoors. Reading our runners views made it clear that for some, it was a life-line to running and without it the miles would stop.

As you can imagine the academic evidence for both side of the debate is very in-depth and dare we say, a little boring. It’s a mind-field of stats and graphs followed by even more stats and graphs!

In the world of sports science this is fantastic but in the real world we think runners, your everyday plodder really doesn’t care.

Laura Andrus wrote on our Facebook page, I love the treadmill. I'm asthmatic and the cold is a BIG trigger. I wouldn't be able to train right now if it weren't for my belted friend :-)

Here are some more quotes from the runners on Facebook. We asked the question.

Fresh snow is falling which does bring up the great debate 'Outdoors v Treadmill' Do you have a love / hate relationship with the Treadmill? Can we please have your comments on this subject. The pros / cons / tips / advice / experiences from both side of the fence.
 
 

 

Ben North Outdoors!

Colin Rowlands Outdoors, regardless of weather.

Sharon Quinn Outdoors unless its icy! Been out in the snow today it was fab

Elly Roberts Outdoors every time - I use trail shoes in the snow & run more slowly, add another layer if need be

English Half Marathon Fantastic point Laura. This must be quite a common problem if you're asthmatic

Sam Grange As a mum I run on both treadmill and outdoors, including trail running. I had to train for my first half marathon using the treadmill alone due to childcare issues. Nothing beats running outside, and the treadmill can't replicate this with HR etc and weather conditions; however, the treadmill does have it place for 'whipping' your butt.. once you've set that speed there's no stopping, there's no slowing down to cross roads, to get your breath etc, it also gives you a tougher mind, as running on a treadmill can be soul destroying at times, especially counting down the minutes/miles . I much prefer doing intervals on the treadmill as it works me far harder than I would work myself. As much as I hate the 'dreadmill' I wouldn't want to be without mine :)

English Half Marathon Ben & Colin outdoors it is for you!

Colin Rowlands Hehe Sam - I've been listening to the Marathon Talk podcasts and that's the 2nd reference to 'dreadmills' in an hour!

Rach Mairs Treadmill at the min because I'm 6 months pregnant n can't risk running in the snow, generally tho it's got to be out doors for me .

English Half Marathon Fantastic info for our other runners from Sam & Rach. Seams its not as clear cut as for the reasons which side of the fence people sit, if indeed any side!

Kelly Lou I don't mind treadmill on occasions but I do find I get bored really easily but running outside is a BIG yes for me, if you do a route more than once you get different view with the different weather.

Jack Pilkington Outdoors, The treadmill is too boring and you get too hot and it's just not nice running no where. Running outdoor you get a mix of scenery and a firm breeze to keep you cool.

Jenna Taylor I like both, I started on a treadmill doing the c25k, I wouldn't have done it myself outdoors as I needed the treadmill to keep my pace and accurately measure my time and distance. I went on the treadmill last night and set it at an incline to train for the Sunday jog ( them hills are a killer) but the freedom of outdoors is great, the changing scenery and keeping your mind alert for obstacles ect, also the actually jogging seems easier, I cant walk in a straight line let alone jog so on a treadmill I feel enclosed and like I'm gonna crash in the side of it! If I'm on my own I need a treadmill to keep me goin, if a friend is with me I prefer outdoors!

Rob Carson Treadmill in the gym is so boring i can barely run a mile before i get off. Much prefer outside where i can happily run along in wind....rain....sun

Baz Aveyard I like the treadmill especially in poor weather at 51 I can't afford broken bones from falling on the ice

English Half Marathon Bringing up lots of personal accounts where the treadmill works or is just a no no for our runners. Very impressed how the people who use them are doing to to combat something. Its showing that the important factor is, you keep on running the best you can. Massive thumbs up to that! As we expected though, people just love being outdoors and the freedom that brings :) Keep the views coming in.

Janet Caldwell Outdoors with my friends .. ;) Can't beat it !!! However.....
Dreadmill on bad weather days .. Not too bad as my view is farmers fields ... :)

Jack Pilkington Also, treadmills are easy to fall off...

Sarah Lewis A treadmill at home is a God send when you have young children. Outside will always win hands down, but when it's the difference between running and not running, I know which I prefer.

Claire Hawthorne Treadmill ok when it's dark and I don't like running alone, can manage 10k on it! Prefer the roads and fresh air though, that hill last Sunday knackered my knee! :-( or maybe it was too much too soon 18 miles that week after 4 months out! I will attempt again! :-)

Paul Redmond Ground isn't undulating on a treadmill, can't beat outside and u avoid the dreaded air con which tends to recirculate all sorts of bacteria, fresh air and hills we love.

Chris Salkeld Outdoors every time! Even the cold, snow, ice, rain etc is infinitely better than the monotonous drone of the treadmill

English Half Marathon Weather is a big factor it seams. Also people who have children but need to keep up with their miles. Brilliant insight!

Lisa Fothergill Love the great outdoors, no faffing around driving to the gym, finding a parking space, getting inside (after rooting around in the car for £1 for the locker) before you even get on the treadmill - just open front door and off you go!!! Used to do 8 miles on treadmill then moved to Warrington and took a quick road run and never looked back since!