Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Treadmill Vs. Indoor Track

It was really cold and windy again this morning, so Steven and I decided to run inside today.  We have always ran on the indoor track when we have been inside.  I didn't feel like I could run in that circle again for 30 minutes today, so we decided to run on the treadmill.  It was a great run.  If we have to run inside again, we are not running on that track.

I was able to really focus on my run and see my pace and my distance.  I enjoyed today's run.  I got all 30 minutes in and really felt like I could do more.  Starting next week, I am going to start running for distance and not time.  I will come to the gym sooner and make sure I have time to do our 3-mile loop or run on the treadmill. 

I prefer running outside over the treadmill and the indoor track, but it was good to know I can get a good run on a treadmill.

2 comments:

Chris @ Heavy Steps said...

Ran on the treadmill today.. Wasn't as easy...

wam said...

I've mostly avoided treadmills, but I've read from plenty of places that even if you want to do a "flat" run, it's best to adjust the treadmill to at least a 1-2% incline to better simulate running on pavement. When you run on a treadmill, there is actually a level of force pulling your feet backwards which doesn't exist during a real run, making a treadmill run deceptively faster. The 1-2% incline helps to counter that, to give you a more accurate simulation of effort. Also, it's supposed to help knee pain, although I'm not as convinced on that argument. Anyway... just relaying on what I've read.