What are the differences in running on a treadmill vs. running on the sidewalk at the same distance and speed?

Answer 1

Running on a treadmill can affect your form. On a treadmill you will find yourself looking straight down a lot more than on a sidwalk where you are looking 5-6 paces ahead of you. The psychological factor is the biggest difference. On a treadmill you have your time and distance run right in front of your face. I don't want to know how long or far I have been running because when I start to tire out and look down and see that I've run far less than what it felt like it mentally breaks me down. I'd rather be outside with fresh air and scenic views instead of looking at a TV or a wall and having it feel progressively hotter the longer you run because your body temp can't cool off as fast inside.

Answer 2

I agree with what Desplit said...Also, there are psychological differences, along with bio-mechanical differences. I actually learned to run distance on a treadmill, which did not help me tremendously when I went outside to run. You have to take into account wind direction and speed, the ground being uneven, the fact that the ground offers NO give unless on grass/trail. Also, on a treadmill, you can just hit 'stop' at any time and be in the same place..whereas outside, if you want to stop, you maybe who knows how far from home, which would mean either a) keep going or b) be the person walking on the side of the street and all the stereotypes that come with it.

Bio-mechanically speaking the treadmill is very much different. On road surfaces, your step down is not cushioned, but on the step up your foot/ankle actually exert LESS effort than on a treadmill. On a treadmill, while the foot step down is cushioned, your foot exerts more effort to 'get back up' into the running cycle. Think about it...the treadmill gives...During a run, if you strike it with the bottom of your foot, then the treadmill base goes down, but when pushing off (not like the first step in a sprint pushing off) the foot has to come back up from that lower base.

Answer 3

Remain at the same location for the duration of the run
Equal ground for the duration of the run
Known speeds at all times of the run, and being able to change speeds as needed
Allows for exact adjustment of gradient and speed
As all factors of the run are known, the exact energy expended may be calculated
Some treadmills have special features such as step count, heart rate monitors, amount of calories burnt, etc.
Running or walking on a treadmill can be an effective way to workout compared to other complex cardiovascular exercises.
They can be used in the home to take away the hassles of going out. This allows the rider to watch television, read, or do a variety of other things while using their treadmill.
Run indoors in bad weather

Answer 4

The wind resistance mentioned above is the most important in comparing energy levels assuming equal inclines on both.

Psychologically, it is much more difficult on a treadmill after 1 hour. Being outside can be pleasant past one hour, but not as much on a treadmill. I ran 2-3 hours bi-weekly last winter preparing for a marathon and while my time was much faster than when I started outdorrs, I was psychologically battered. The 3 hour run alone on the treadmill made the 4 hour marathon seem easy by comparison (up to that last 2 miles, anyway)

Answer 5

Running on a treadmill is easier , no wind Resistance to slow you down , no inclement weather, and unless you are using the hill program , no undulating roads to force a change in exertion.

Follow the link below to a website that contains a real world / treadmill pace conversion chart

http://www.hillrunner.com/training/tmillchart.php

Also I have a running website that may be of help for some tips etc www.26-2.com

Answer 6

Love how everyone jumps on the pros/cons of treadmill versus outside running. Seems like no-one reads the question anymore on this site. To answer your question, there are differences. Mostly outside there are external factors like wind, uneven road, traffic, and even hills (oh my!). Inside you can set the machine and just turn your mind off. I've done alot of treadmill and outside running and there are differences. As a pace group leader and multiple marathon runner I'm used to pace and feel. Through alot of own fumbling, I've realized that the treadmill at an incline of 1.5 most represents the outdoor feel on flat roads and even pavement. The exertion & effort level is the same at this incline if you match the speeds. Complete alot of outdoor runnning on even ground to get your "normal" pace and match it inside with a 1.5 gradiant and you'll have the best transition and exert similar efforts and match the benefits. As for preference, as everyone here chimes in with their input, it's really subjective and up to the inidividual. I know people that can't stand runnning on a treadmill and I've known people that get bored with outside running and wish to stare at a TV for the duration. Try both and make up your own mind on this factor.

Answer 7

On the treadmill you have less of a chance of injury due to one constant platform. Running outside you could fall or twist something due to an uneven sidewalk.

Answer 8

Treadmills provide more cushioning for your body (knees, hips, ankles, etc.). Running outside although can be uneven, can be more relaxing for people. While on a treadmill, people constantly look down, and sometimes even stride length can change. Outside you have wind resistance as said prior. Treamill running will allow for your shoes to last longer.

Answer 9

If ur running on the sidewalk u can meet many people and u won't feel bored but the effect will be almost the same.

Answer 10

The Difference is when your on the treadmill your running the TREADMILLS pace. But when you run on the SIDEWALK or STREET your running at YOUR own pace.