Question for runners

purple.cow.0206

So, with my training for my 5 Miler next month, I'd been running outside at about 7AM.  If I haven't managed to do it outside, I'd just bring it onto the treadmill.  I'm wondering what other people's experiences are in doing their training for road races inside.  Has it helped or hindered your progress?  I'm thinking it can only help, simply because I then get the distance logged, and I don't pass out from heat exhaustion, I tend to dehydrate pretty easily. 

karma007

I think the treadmill is way easier that running outside, so when I went from the treadmill back to the street (I'm a returning runner) I was crushed; outside is so much harder. That being said, I think you could do both. RUn outside to keep your form, but do some of the longer mileage inside for now. You should be in great shape for your run.

mrunner2009

Running on a treadmill is always easier because the treadmill moves the foot thats touching it for you. If you are running a race outside, its prob best to train outside. A few inside runs wont hurt, but I would make sure the majority are outside. You should be drinking a ton of water all the time, that will help your feeling of dehydration. Also, a good diet in general will help your energy levels when running. Im in houston and training for a marathon. The other day my car said it was 100 at 645pm. So i totally understand the heat thing. I feel like it wipes me out too. I like to wait until 830pm-ish to run, or i go about 6-630am. I think the key is to not be out when the sun is shining down directly on you. I can deal with heat okay, its the sun cooking me that I cant take.

purple.cow.0206

That was what I was afraid of.  I think I'll only pull it inside if I just can't do it outside.  I'd been doing fine outside in the spring and early summer.  I'm hoping I can take it back outside next week, when it cools down enough that I'm not going to pass out after five minutes out.  Yes, I'm a wimp when it comes to heat and humidity, lol.

RedSoxGirl10

I think its okay to do some on the treadmill, just make sure you do longer ones outside so you know you can do it. Sometimes I think the treadmill is harder just cuz its so boring,plus you really don't want to pass out while running!

annakatebride

I would put the treadmill at a 3% incline when you run inside. It'll help mimic running outside somewhat (in a more significant way than a 1% incline). When I run outside now I actually have better times because part of the course is flat or downhill and the uphill portions aren't as daunting since that's what I'm used to on the treadmill.

soontobeklg

It's fine to train some on the treadmill, just go outside whenever you can.  And I think the treadmill seems harder to me simply because it's so boring.  But definitely don't go outside if it's too hot!

purple.cow.0206

Good call on the incline.  When I'm on the treadmill, I've been switching it up every half mile or so; faster, higher incline, etc, just to keep me from being totally bored.  I'm figuring that running on the treadmill is better than not running at all.  I think I'll force myself outside for my long run on the weekend (unless it's like it is today, it's entirely too muggy and hot) and try to get as much during the week outside as possible, but not be too stressed this month if I don't get all my runs outside.  September will (hopefully) let me run more outside.  The race isn't until the 20th, so I'm hoping that the last two to three weeks will be better for running outside.