Many may prefer treadmill running to road running or vice versa. Both have their pros and cons. Research has told us that if you put the treadmill at 1% it will mimic a flat road outside. Let’s look at the good and bad for each.
Treadmill
Pros:
• Can be set to run hills and follow a race course
• Pace can be controlled because it is easy to track pace and miles
• Convenient
• You can multi-task (read or watch TV)
• The surface is easier on the joints
• Can run alone at any hour
• Weather is not an issue
Cons:
• You can get hurt (injured or fall off)
• Unable to go downhill to train hamstrings for downhill racing outside
• You can’t make turns on the treadmill like you can outside
• Boring
• It is hard to learn how to pace outside because the treadmill forces you to keep a pace
Outdoor Running
Pros:
• Don’t need a gym
• You can train anywhere if traveling
• Condition body for road races
• Enjoy nature and fresh air
• Builds bones (weight bearing and high impact)
• Burns more calories due to wind resistance
Cons:
• Risk of injury
• Weather
• Hazards of outside including cars, cyclists, dogs
It is personal preference as to which types of running each of us prefer. Many of us might do a mix of both. The bottom line is to get out there and RUN, whether on the treadmill or the road!
Happy Running!!!
