Why is it harder to run outside than on the treadmill?

Question

I heard that it is harder to run outside than on the treadmill. I was wondering why (we live in Arizona so the weather is not an issue)

Answer 1

its at least safer !

i have heard many a times cars ramming morning walkers , and slips on grass due to water due,

Answer 2

running on a treamill is easier cuz the rubber is well, rubber which is a benefit for you so you have more grip when running where outside you run on sand, cement, grass, that slows you down and ismharder to run on

Answer 3

Running on the treadmill is actually taking you downhill.  To even equal the effort of outside running, you should put the incline of a treadmill up to 1 or 2.  

Another factor of a treadmill that makes it easier than outside running is that it moves the ground for you, so instead of getting a good push off with your foot, the treadmill is actually pulling your foot backwards with each stride.  This hinders the overall effectiveness of the run.  

Basically, go outside.  Arizona probably has some amazing places to run, right??

Answer 4

Treadmills are easier for a few reasons:

1.) They are doing all the moving for you. You don't have to work as hard. all you are really doing on a treadmill is just picking up your feet and putting them back down. You don't have to use energy to move forward because they treadmill is doing that for you.

2.) Most Treds have springs built into them so therefore they have more give in them. When you land they will move down with your weight a little.

3.) Treds are usually in a stable enviroment meaning it is a constant temperature, the weather isn't changing, and there is not wind.

4.) It is easy to stay occupied on a treamill, all you have to do is put a tv infront of you and you are done with your workout before you know it.

Treadmills also have some disadvantages as well:

1.) Their surface- while a lot of runner like treadmills their running surface isn't liked by all. Although they do have shocks built in to take the weight it is still a hard surface and some people will get shin splints running on treds.

2.) A runner will usually have to shorten their stride to run on a treadmill unless the run farther back but than you can't reach any of the buttons and ifyou run that far back the emergency stop cord will usually fall out as well.

3.) Runners that train a lot on treadmills will usually get used to the perfect running conditions and than have problems when they have a race and have to run outside in the elements.

It is all a preference though. Some love running on treadmills while others don't. I hope this helps.

Answer 5

friction and the fact that it does not have a slope. the land naturally raises and falls. Also a treadmill is moving you arent so technichally you arent gettin the same workout

Answer 6

i think it's the other way around i seem to get shin splints easier on the mill than on the pavement

Answer 7

I think running outside is easier because it's not as boring.

Answer 8

Cement is really tough on your body. The treadmill has some give to it, which is much more forgiving.

Answer 9

I think it's harder to run on a treadmill.  You can't get a normal stride on the treadmill, it's not a natural landing as with running on grass or asphalt, you never actually go anywhere so there's no feeling of progress.