Pleasant Surprise!

[Tank88]

For the past year or so ive been running on my treadmill but after the first few months it seemed like I couldn't get my time any faster, this is pretty much how it went:

(2 Miles)
Aug '05 - 28 Minutes - 188 Pounds
Sept - 26 Minutes - 175 Pounds
Oct - 24 Minutes - 165 Pounds
November:Now - 22 Minutes. - 155 Pounds

It just seemed like I kept getting tired and I couldn't beat that (pretty sad I know). I've been really freaking out about the upcoming physical test because I have to be able to run a mile and a half in 12:30 and I didn't think there was a chance in hell I'll be able to do that, anyway to speed the story up, today instead of running on the treadmill I went to a local track with a friend and I did a mile and a quarter in 11:15! I was shocked, I couldn't finish it off because my friend was running (no pun intended) late for something to we had to leave. But im VERY confident now that I will be able to run that mile and half in the 12:30 by the time the test comes around.

Sorry to bore you all with a story im just very happy at the moment. I guess the treadmill and actually running a track are 2 very different things, on a treadmil I had to walk after every half a mile or even quater sometimes, but I did not stop to walk once on the track.

[Oscarsjava]

Good luck on your test! You should keep running on a track, or the road, or an indoor track, because the treadmill isn't an accurate representation of running outside - you can put it at a grade of 1, that'd be more accurate, but you have to factor in wind, humidity...all of those will have an effect on how you run. I hate, HATE running when it's muggy.

[matt87]

Good luck on your test! You should keep running on a track, or the road, or an indoor track, because the treadmill isn't an accurate representation of running outside - you can put it at a grade of 1, that'd be more accurate, but you have to factor in wind, humidity...all of those will have an effect on how you run. I hate, HATE running when it's muggy.

What he said. Stick to running track.

[SpacemanSpiff]

As soon as I step on a treadmill my 1.5 mile times plummet. I have no idea what it is, either mental or mechanical, but treadmills simply destroy me.

I hate treadmills, which is funny because some people can't get off them. I'll take the pavement any day.

[marinepilot]

I do lots of my running on a treadmill but only because it's easier on the knees. I do try to mix it up with some road running, and strangely enough I find the same thing, that I'm faster on the road. If you're trying to make sure you can run that 1.5 miles in 12:30, definitely keep running on the road or a track. Save the treadmill for those days when, like Oscarsjava says, you just can't stand getting outside. And just know that you'll make it if you want it bad enough!

[Sphagnum]

Ugh, I wouldn't run on the treadmill if I had one... unless it was 110 and humid... then yeah, I probably would.

I run trails cause I'm lucky enough to live near some.

[matt87]

As soon as I step on a treadmill my 1.5 mile times plummet. I have no idea what it is, either mental or mechanical, but treadmills simply destroy me.

I hate treadmills, which is funny because some people can't get off them. I'll take the pavement any day.

I find it mentally challenging to watch the timer on a tredmill.

[Oscarsjava]

I find it mentally challenging to watch the timer on a tredmill.

I hear ya on that. I hate it...keep finding myself staring at the timer, getting discouraged because it isn't moving faster. I'd much rather just pound the pavement.

[mobrien316]

I do all my cardio on a treadmill and a Nordictrack. But if I had to take a PT test I'd get out on the road.

[Roger Dat]

Several guys in my county who trained on a treadmill for our PAT exam failed. There is no replacement for running on the road, Its bad on the legs but if your going for an agility exam its best to train in the exact conditions best you can.