Treadmill or Road?

F-4-L · 09-Jul-05, 05:54 PM

Hi there.
I was thinking of starting to run but i wasnt sure if i should use a treadmill or the country roads?
All input appreciated.

tim_mcf · 09-Jul-05, 06:03 PM

Both. It's really not the same thing, at least from a mental standpoint. On a treadmill you have total control over how fast, what % incline, distance, whatever...if your body decides, "That's enough", you just step off. If you're a couple miles down a country road and you twist your ankle or whatever, you still have to limp a couple miles back. On the other hand, running in the world is much nicer. The view changes. You get a tan. Fresh air.

Do both. Run on the treadmill a couple days a week, run outside a couple days a week.

F-4-L · 10-Jul-05, 10:37 AM

yea i was thinking of doing that, i think il run on the treadmill when it rains and outside when its nice.

Rats! · 10-Jul-05, 01:48 PM

I can't run on a treadmill for more than a mile. It's too boring.

goodgirl · 10-Jul-05, 04:51 PM

I can't do the treadmill either. It bores the heck outta me. I usually run around the high school track. The ground is softer than the road and I can track my distance better.

**threenorns** · 10-Jul-05, 05:11 PM

i don't mind the treadmill - i just "zone out" and do the mental visualization thing.

Ozzy · 10-Jul-05, 10:33 PM

I don't know if this would work but maybe watch tv on the treadmill if you get bored. I can run on it if I want to, but I prefer outside way more. I love the view and the fresh air.

**threenorns** · 10-Jul-05, 11:08 PM

...and the dogs... mosquitoes.... pickup trucks full of half-drunk kids....

Rats! · 11-Jul-05, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ozzy

I don't know if this would work but maybe watch tv on the treadmill if you get bored. I can run on it if I want to, but I prefer outside way more. I love the view and the fresh air.

That doesn't work for me either. I can never zone out watching TV while running like I do when in bed or on the couch. I just always find myself looking at the time or distance and it goes by soooo slow.

tim_mcf · 11-Jul-05, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rats!

I just always find myself looking at the time or distance and it goes by soooo slow.

I solve that problem by doing intervals. Run 1/4 mile slow, .1 fast, etc. Give yourself a reason to watch the readouts, change something every now and then.

F-4-L · 13-Jul-05, 05:36 PM

thanks for all your input guys!