[xxForgedxx]

I was wondering how accurate a treadmill really is or what formula you can use to safely predict what you would run outside. I have heard anything from running outside is easier because you have the wind on your side providing better breathing where as inside the air is typically dry and not flowing. Then comes the argument of the treadmill not being so hard on you like a road... I am at the beginning of my 2 mile training, just trying to get a step ahead before Army PT starts up again... I am running at:

First half mile: 7.5

Second half: 7.7

and maintaining 7.7 until 1.5 miles then up to: 8.0

between 1.75-1.90: 8.5

1.90-2.00: 9.0

I notice it takes 15 seconds to get up to 7.5 to begin with where if I were on the road I could just dart to that pace in a few steps.

I am finishing at a low 15 minute 2 mile without taking into account the 15 seconds it takes to get the damn thing up to speed but does the treadmill account for that over the distance? or is it safe to just deduct that?

[osteome]

FWIW..... I seem to run faster on a treadmill than I do on an APFT. Then again, I am not really a treadmill fan and prefer to "train as I fight", even though it is quite cold in this part of Germany at this year.

[FStop7]

Treadmill is way easier than running outside. When I started working out it was on a treadmill, every day for a couple of months. Then I went out until the real world and it kicked my ass, even though it was relatively flat terrain and the same distance.

[kronzprinz]

i don't know if it's standard, but i believe 3% incline is the same as running outside on a level street, and then use a "wobble board" to do other exercises so that your body gets some proprioceptive training as if you were running outside on uneven terrain. also try not to watch tv or read a magazine so that your brain focuses on running.

[batchelorc]

Originally Posted by kronzprinz

i don't know if it's standard, but i believe 3% incline is the same as running outside on a level street, and then use a "wobble board" to do other exercises so that your body gets some proprioceptive training as if you were running outside on uneven terrain. also try not to watch tv or read a magazine so that your brain focuses on running.

I agree. 3-4% incline

[sparkyg]

Treadmill way easier. Both the cushioning and the drive action of the belt lessens the bodies energy use.

The incline willl help a bit but then you need to be concerned over how it affects your shins and knees.

Start the incline slowly and change it over slowly over many sessions.

I would say the treadmill is 30% easier than running outside.

[xxForgedxx]

Eh I don't know if it's THAT much easier. They actually say it is more difficult and hinders performance because of boredom lol

[xraymd]

I'll turn mine on, crank up the incline, and go take a shower. When I get back, it says I've burned like 250 calories. But I keep getting fatter! I don't think they're accurate at all.

[nvez]

Originally Posted by xraymd

I'll turn mine on, crank up the incline, and go take a shower. When I get back, it says I've burned like 250 calories. But I keep getting fatter! I don't think they're accurate at all.

[Naru]

I really don't think treadmills are that accurate. Running a mile on a treadmill feels way easier than doing on the road.

[just4kickz]

Originally Posted by sparkyg

Treadmill way easier. Both the cushioning and the drive action of the belt lessens the bodies energy use.

The incline willl help a bit but then you need to be concerned over how it affects your shins and knees.

Start the incline slowly and change it over slowly over many sessions.

I would say the treadmill is 30% easier than running outside.

dunno about the percentage but agreed... there is much more resistance from the ground than from the treadmill's belt...

about the accuracy... i think they're good on accuracy... running a 8MPH and getting a mile time around 7:40 will be definitely accurate... but it wont feel the same as running the same speed and mile time outdoors because of the resistance... you'll be working harder for that same time. of course this differs on terrain as well... such as grass versus pavement.

[Explorer3253]

I would get out on a track and train there opposed to the treadmill. When I was training, my PFT was in the winter so I got my body accustomed to the cold weather. I was training for the PFT for the fed gov't and I ran into a lady who trained people at the Navy...she taught me one thing which helped a lot. Don't change your pace. It takes time to find a pace, but basically to do a 8 minute mile, do 30 second 100's...train your body to not run any faster or any slower...just keep the pace you want and you won't feel as fatigued. Its hard to explain, but if you want to know...let me know!

[kuvesh]

treadmill much easier than than the road.... but is a good place to build up some fitness and confidence before taking on the elements outside

[DougLikesBMW]

Treadmills suck Forged, they are bad for your legs...I am sure of it.

I used to have a hardcore running coach in highschool. We would sprint 3 miles or run 9 miles. So I have some experience. After running outside and then running on a treadmill. You realize that running on a treadmill is absolutely horrible for your body. You cannot extend your legs or make complete strides as if you were on the ground.

Run outside.
/end thread.

[bmstyle71]

wind resistance lol turn a fan on and point it at your face.

[its ray den]

running on a treadmill is more like jumping than running. you're counting on the moving belt to "move" you instead of the legs.

once you start running outside you won't be able to keep the same pace because your legs will be fatigued since they have to work harder to keep you moving.

explorer, got any tips for cold weather training? i did it 3 years back and it was so painful i could never finish running what i wanted to run.

[Explorer3253]

Originally Posted by its ray den

running on a treadmill is more like jumping than running. you're counting on the moving belt to "move" you instead of the legs.

once you start running outside you won't be able to keep the same pace because your legs will be fatigued since they have to work harder to keep you moving.

explorer, got any tips for cold weather training? i did it 3 years back and it was so painful i could never finish running what i wanted to run.

Well you have to start off slow..You aren't going to run 3miles your first week. My PFT was only 1.5 miles and I started in Novemeber for a February PFT. My only issue with training outdoors was I had a 300m sprint to do as well, so the sprinting really took a lot out of you before doing the long distance. It is ideal to start running outdoors in September, b/c your body will actually get used to the weather as time goes on...however, since we don't have that option right now, just start doing short runs.

Do 1/2 mile to .75 mile runs the first week. Just get your lungs used to the cold weather. YES! It will kill, but your body will get used to it. The 2nd week, bump it up another 1/4 mile..and your third week bump it up and extra 1/2 mile (if you feel your lungs have grown accustomed to the cold). The worst thing you can do is actually go back on the treadmill after getting your butt out in the cold! I ran outdoors no matter what the weather was...yes..even in a foot of snow (now thats a trek!!).

[its ray den]

thanks. and i think i know what your PFT is for

did you pass phase 2 or are you training just in case you do pass it? i didn't pass that part on my first try. i plan on reapplying maybe late 2009.

the funny thing about my winter training back then, was when doing my 1.5mi run, my chest would tighten up like a mofo from the pushups that i could barely swing my arms. i looked like i was a gimp running around the track like that.

[Explorer3253]

Originally Posted by its ray den

thanks. and i think i know what your PFT is for

did you pass phase 2 or are you training just in case you do pass it? i didn't pass that part on my first try. i plan on reapplying maybe late 2009.

the funny thing about my winter training back then, was when doing my 1.5mi run, my chest would tighten up like a mofo from the pushups that i could barely swing my arms. i looked like i was a gimp running around the track like that.

I'll PM you..haha..you nailed it right on the head with the phase 2 You'll make a great agent..hahahah

Well, the pushups seem easy b/c I could knock out about 60, but I realized that you should do just enough to get enough points so you can move on to the run and not be as fatigued

[ybbiz34]

You burn 5% more calories running outside than you do running on a treadmill because of factors such as wind, aid from the belt, elevation, etc.

But as a tradeoff, there is a 50% greater chance for stress-related injuries such as stress fractures, etc. when running out on the pavement. Nature trails that have paths that are dirt/gravel/grass are an excellent alternative.

I prefer to run outside because it is more fun/less boring. But sometimes when it is too cold/windy for the outside run to be enjoyable, I get a good sweat going on the treadmill. I compensate by running faster/longer on the treadmill and I make sure to use a little elevation.

I think it is nice to have a mix.