Treadmill versus Track

[JCP1976]

Today I ran 3 miles for the first time. I completed it in 28 minutes. I ran on the treadmill at the gym during my lunch. I prefer running on the treadmill because I can go at lunch and take a shower after. It also seems to hurt my knees quite a bit less than running outside. When running I do not use the railings at all.

My question is how much of a difference am I looking at in regards to time once I start running outside? I am going to keep running inside until a few weeks before the academy to save the wear and tear on my knees. I plan to get to running 5 miles in 45 minutes inside. Any thoughts?

[nikon]

I have found that the biggest difference between the 2 is your ability to set and see your distance, time and pace. When you're running outside you set yourself in a groove and never really know exactly how fast you are going. I don't know how much of a difference you are going to see in running from one to the other but if you are looking to get faster and the treadmill doesn't hurt your knees - add some incline. That'll make you faster for sure.

[Switchback]

There is a HUGE difference between the treadmill and actual running. While they both provide cardiovascular benefits, the treadmill is not an accurate gauge of your ability to run. In real running, you actually have to draw or pull your body forward. The treadmill "feeds" you the course under your feet. The only way to prepare for a fitness test is to actually run... otherwise, you will be going into it a bit blind (not actually knowing what you are capable of running).

Good luck.

[Stub]

My question is how much of a difference am I looking at in regards to time once I start running outside? I am going to keep running inside until a few weeks before the academy to save the wear and tear on my knees. I plan to get to running 5 miles in 45 minutes inside. Any thoughts?

I don't buy into a treadmill saving wear and tear on knees. The same weight and impact is applied during both exercises. I prefer to run outside where you are challenged with a variety of terrain features and running surfaces. I also enjoy running with a friend who is at a similar fitness level. In my opinion, both contribute more to improving your run times than a treadmill.

In general, I expect that most academy's have their recruits running everywhere else, except on a treadmill. That would convince me to do the same in preparation for the academy. 5 in 45 is not hard to achieve with some effort and time. Be certain to examine your agency's fitness standards. Train to exceed those standards, not meet them.

[mxwelch]

There is a HUGE difference between the treadmill and actual running. While they both provide cardiovascular benefits, the treadmill is not an accurate gauge of your ability to run. In real running, you actually have to draw or pull your body forward. The treadmill "feeds" you the course under your feet. The only way to prepare for a fitness test is to actually run... otherwise, you will be going into it a bit blind (not actually knowing what you are capable of running).

Good luck.

Bingo!! If you don't believe Switch then run a mile on a treadmill and then a mile on a track. BIG difference. I use a treadmill when it's too cold or bad weather. Actullay I use an elliptical far more.

[Coastie 585]

Only time I use treadmill is when it is too cold (Time to call me a wussy cause I said cold and live in Florida) or when it is really nasty outside. I do not like a treadmill as much as running outside.

Remember this...

Train in the environment you will work or be tested in.

[Samuel]

I don't buy into a treadmill saving wear and tear on knees. The same weight and impact is applied during both exercises.

Depends on the treadmill and where you run outside. Some treadmills are cushioned better than others. My treadmill is definitely "softer" than running on asphalt/concrete or even a packed dirt path/track. If you can find a golf course to run on or a "rubberized" path/track, that can also save you some wear/tear...

[Crimijuswoman]

I use to run marathons alot, and in the winter when training, I was tired of running in snow and slush, (well you get the picture) so I started running on the treadmill. Then when warm weather came around, I found it harder to get back into the same rhythm and speed. I think the treadmill is good every now and then, I just wouldn't use it all the time, its not like the real thing.

[GrayPatriot]

Not going to look for the link but I read somewhere that you would need to put the treadmill on 1% incline to match the same speed outdoors. There is no freezing cold air or blistering heat and wind in the air conditioned gym.

Having said that I run on the treadmill for 5 months out of the year almost. We are still getting hit with snow and we have snow for the next few days so I am staying indoors. I ran a 5 miler for Paddys day and did it in an OK time. Better than 8 min pace but not by much

I will run a 5k, two 10Ks, a 15K, and at least 1 half marathon this year and my times improve greatly once I hit the outdoors...

[Switchback]

I venture to say that it takes more than 1%. When I used the treadmill, I used to have mine set on a random, auto-adjust between 5%-8%. It would smoke me, but it was still not the same as running outside... as close as I could get though.

...and don't get me wrong, I think treadmills are a great tool. I have a really nice, cushioned, high-end (having everything but the kitchen sink) treadmill here in my basement, collecting dust. I just don't like using them.

[mcsap]

A treadmill is better than not running at all but running outside is best.

I had ankle pain last year and the DPM said to start using a cushioned track. I now alternate between road running and the local HS track ( which I help pay for anyway) and it has helped tremendously. I have not had any more ankle pain. And at age 47 , I guess I might be prone to some foot / leg pain of some sort after 30 years of running.

[nikon]

Only time I use treadmill is when it is too cold (Time to call me a wussy cause I said cold and live in Florida) or when it is really nasty outside. I do not like a treadmill as much as running outside.

Remember this...

Train in the environment you will work or be tested in.

I hate treadmills but will use it when the weather is bad and it's cold out. I said cold I meant it. I went running last week when it was 21*F, snowing and windy. So next time you feel it's cold out and you're in FL - don't cause it's not :D

[nikon]

...and don't get me wrong, I think treadmills are a great tool. I have a really nice, cushioned, high-end (having everything but the kitchen sink) treadmill here in my basement, collecting dust. I just don't like using them.

send it to me - I found mine in the trash but it works for the cold days.

[JCP1976]

I really appreciate all the input guys. I feel like I am going to keep running on the treadmill until I get to 5 miles at a 9 minute a mile pace, and then go out and see how well I can run outside. I mean, I won't have academy for at least 3 months so I will have plenty of time to run outdoors. The problem is that here it gets to 115 degrees in the summer, and nobody in their right mind wants to run in that heat. I feel like if I can run 5 miles on a treadmill I can run 5 miles outside-but I feel like it will take me longer and I will have to gauge that so I am prepared for the academy.

[Rhinod56]

Treadmills are definitely softer on your feet, ankles, legs, your whole body. It's a softer surface that actually gives. I hate running, but have been doing very well with it, and actually tend to run faster once I get outside, which I think is due to the adrenaline of the test and running alongside other applicants. Just try to get a feel for the pace you like on the treadmill and attempt to duplicate it when out on the track or street. Also pay attention to lap times, as that will tell you if you need to speed up or slow down to keep with your treadmill pace.