My sister & I have decided to get involved in Adventure Racing. Realistically, I won't participate in my first event for 6 months as I have not been training. I have made the commitment to start running but am not sure how to go about it. I am not in good shape and could stand to lose 15 lbs. I did see the 5K beginner training program but my question is, does it matter whether or not I train outside or on a treadmill? I ask because it is about 95 degrees where I live and I'm not sure how I will fare in those outside conditions. Any suggestions?
Forums » General Training » Running
New to Running
(6 posts)-
Posted 4 months ago #
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You can use a treadmill just as good as running outside, BUT in my opinion you get a better workout and it is alot easier mentally to run outdoors. When Im on a treadmill 3 miles feels like 8 miles, but sometimes when Im running the roads 10 miles feels like 5, but it all depends on you and what you like. Just keep in mind if it is that hot out you need to stay hydrated, take water with you and drink throughout the day. Hope this helps
Posted 4 months ago # -
Any women (new runners) interested in getting a group together to run one one of the Chicago races in the fall? Natale from Michigan
Posted 3 months ago # -
Can you run first thing in the morning?
I was running at lunch this spring but once we got into the heat, I started running at 5AM. 60 degrees! It's an effort, but it has side benefits. I see more rabbits than cars or people at that time of day.
If you can't do that, a treadmill is fine, but you should get outside once a week or so to "keep it real", and when the temp goes down start running outside.
Good luck!Posted 3 months ago # -
It matters very much if you run on a treadmill or outside. Here is something I posted in Yahoo answers (that was voted best answer, might I add ;)
The treadmill debate is something that has many people confused.
Running on the treadmill is very different than outdoors - for many reasons, from a physical perspective outdoor running is superior in many ways.
Three major differences are muscle development, running technique/joint wear and calorie output:
1. Muscle development
Because you are using less hamstring on the treadmill, your body develops muscles and techniques for running that are different - the two patterns are very different and the treadmill runner typically becomes very quadricep-dominant and hamstring weak.2. Technique and joint wear
On a treadmill, you run in a repetitive pattern that accelerates wear and tear on your joints (running outside involves changes of direction, changes in surface and is always slightly different each time you run) The treadmill teaches you to run in exactly the same way each time and fails to use other muscles you would normally need to do things in the real world (eg change direction)3. Calorie output
On a treadmill, now that we know the belt moves your feet back as you run (this means your hamstrings dont work as hard to pull you forward) you also dont have as much impact. The end result is less calories burned (since you are using less muscle).Hope that helps you. I wrote a lengthy version of this in my blog - the title of the blog post is 'never run on a treadmill again'.
Cheers!
Jamie Atlas
http://jamieatlas.wordpress.comPosted 3 months ago # -
I live in Florida and have the same type of problem with the heat and humidity but I started running at 5.30am and it is much cooler and not so much air pollution. Whatever it takes to get you motivated. This time is for you and no one else so make the most of it. I still get home in time to shower and get ready for work, which I may add with more energy than on my "rest days." The treadmill to me is boring and when I do have to do it because of weather or location I have to cover the console because the time and miles just "tick" away and I get frustrated. As well as my legs feel wobbly when I slow down and get off!
Posted 3 months ago #
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