Is running on a treadmill a good way to prepare for a 5K?

Question

I usually run on a treadmill 3-4 times per week. When doing it, I run at 6.8 mph for the duration of three miles (no stopping or slowing down). I was wondering if this is enough to prepare for a 5K that will be outside. Thanks for any help or suggestions.

Answer 1

Treadmill running and street running are not the same.  I would suggested supplementing some of your treadmill workouts with running outside on the pavement, at a park, or even the 5k course that you are going to be running.  Regardless if you use the cross county setting on the treadmill or not you will not get the same effect as running on the street. Its really different.  Some people who run well on treadmills don't do so well outside.  I would hate to see you not get the results you expect and have been working hard for.  Hit the streets!

Answer 2

Good Question, there are some very successful runners who train for distances on a tread mill, more then likelly if you can do 5K on a treadmill you will be able to do 5K outside.  Through I doubt that you will be able to run at 6.8mph.   The treadmill often does some of the work for you, at the longer distances I do recommend getting outside a bit.

Running outside is harder then on a treadmill, this will help you prepare for a 5k race.  I recommend if you want to train on a treadmill try to get out 2 – 3x a week for a run and use your treadmill on the other days.  

I have heard of folks talk about doing ½ and marathon training on a treadmill, personally I think anything up to 10K Is ok after that I could not imagine doing a 20 mile run on  a tread mill.  But you do get the cardio effect.  Also when using a treadmill add 1 – 2% grade this will help give you a bit of resistance so that when you get outside it won’t be as tough.

Good luck

Harry

Answer 3

Well, its better than not training at all. But as a Cross Country and Track runner who has ran many 5k's, I would advise you to run outdoors. Running outdoors has many more benifits, it trains you physically and spiritually to run in the same environment as you would in a 5k. You should start by running 2miles a day and then build up every day. The more you practice the better you will place! Good luck : )

Answer 4

running on the treadmill gets you used to having the ground move for you instead of moving yourself forward.  although it's better than not training at all, it's a different kind of running.  run outside and find a course or road with some hills and you'll be much better off.

Answer 5

i would highly suggest you start running OUTDOORS. i dont think running on a treadmill is enough, even if you're running the speed you think you should be running. running on a treadmill and running outdoors is very different. will there be elevation throughout the race?

Answer 6

running is running but you need to run longer than three miles to prepare for a 5 k unless it is for fun or chaitiy or you just lost a bet.